Get Involved > Projects & Initiatives > Catalyst Program

Catalyst Program

Reclaiming Our Waterfront Parks

Catalyst for Neighborhood Parks is a multi-year initiative, working in historically under-served neighborhoods, that galvanizes support for and commitments to:

• physical renovations of the parks;
• sports, arts, and education programming;
• local parks stewardship;
• and collaborative work amongst the partners, including those between the communities and municipal agencies.

On April 17, 2009, the newest round of Catalyst, “Reclaiming Our Waterfront Parks,” was announced as Soundview Park in the Bronx, East River Park in Manhattan, Calvert Vaux and Kaiser Parks in Brooklyn, and the stewardship of the NYC Water Trail. Unique to this round of Catalyst is the waterfront park and blueways theme, which clearly articulates our focus on these parks as multifaceted resources for the community.

Each of the parks brings with it a vibrant and dynamic community, the dedication of funding for parks enhancements, and the commitment of resources for arts, sports, and education programming.

• Build Interest in park destinations through programming and physical improvements
• Increase Access and Diversity of the users of the blueways/greenways by connecting local resident to these resources
• Help local groups to Engage Effectively in citywide waterfront parks related policy and advocacy conversations
• Connect local residents to these regional parks and to their waterfront
• Identify and Support waterfront park stewards
• Enhance and Foster the use of the NYC Water Trail

We look forward to working with current and future partners, and invite YOU to help us Reclaim our Waterfront Parks. If you would like to read about the work of our Catalyst partners from previous sites, please visit the Catalyst News Archive or our listing of partner websites.

For more information about Catalyst for Neighborhood Parks, please contact Melissa Garcia, Program Director at melissa.garcia@parks.nyc.gov.