concrete plant park (phase 1)
concrete plant park is a public park in the south bronx…it is 7.39 acres in size
the park is located on the west bank of the bronx river between westchester avenue and bruckner boulevard
about the community:
- the neighborhood is 64.2% hispanic and 29% black
- highly industrial and economically challenged
- highest hunger rates and a shortage of supermarkets
- epidemic of obesity/malnutrition
- highest rates of diabetes-related mortality in state
- adjacent to the largest food distribution facility in the world
Opportunity to plant productive species for local consumption and to generate new livelihoods and enterprises
the preliminary concept
the first foodway project at concrete plant park will host an interactive corridor of culturally-appropriate edible landscapes, agricultural amenities, and cultural spaces designed for optimal engagement, interaction and participation
organized mostly along the north side of main walking path are a string of productive landscapes with a number of interpretative sculptured educational stations
this design concept unites various cultural elements: a multi-purpose amphitheater, demonstration home gardens, a labyrinth, and a children’s sensory garden
the co-design process
we will use facilitated intensive planning sessions, called charrettes for participants – community members, designers, artists, activists, community groups, parks staff, others – to collaborate on a vision for sections of the foodway
charrettes are inclusive and interactive platforms for innovative ideas and immediate feedback allowing the community to co-create the plan
partners
