Making a green space accessible to the entire community 

Grain was part of the team appointed to reimagine The Vale, the rose garden at the Northeastern corner of Brooklyn’s majestic Prospect Park. This side of the park, near several diverse neighborhoods, was less developed than other sections of the park, offering fewer amenities.  We asked ourselves: Could this green space become a more vibrant hub for an expanded community, and play a role in providing more equitable access to opportunities for outdoor recreation. 

To find out, we held meetings in over 30 locations in the park and bordering neighborhoods. Our broad experience designing public open spaces guided our efforts, allowing us to gather specific and actionable feedback. Special efforts were made to include the widest range of stakeholders, particularly people of color, low-income families, and new immigrants. By reaching out in several languages, at already-trusted venues, and in varied formats—including public workshops, informal focus groups, scavenger hunts, and walking tours—we heard the voices of people too often left out of local decision-making. Our conclusions articulated a community-driven vision that guides the ongoing development of Prospect Park, an oasis for all of New York City.