Two planned Beach Gardens, at the foot of the Boardwalk on Beach 110th and Beach 111th Streets, will be the latest additions to a years-long effort by the Rockaway Civic Association to re-establish community beach gardens along the boardwalk from Beach 109th through Beach 129th Streets.
The project brought together volunteers from St. John’s Residence for Boys, the 106th Precinct’s Explorers program, and members of the Rockaway Civic Association, who worked side by side to clear out the planned green spaces. The ongoing collaboration reflects the kind of grassroots community spirit that Rockaway has long been known for, with volunteers rolling up their sleeves to improve the place they call home.
Funding for the project was provided through the NYC Green Fund, a grant program originating from a collaborative effort between the City Parks Foundation and the NYC Parks Department. The generous contribution will cover the cost of native plantings, soil preparation, and landscaping materials suited to the coastal environment.
The Gardens will feature salt-tolerant, low-maintenance plants that can thrive in Rockaway’s sandy terrain and seaside winds. Beyond their natural beauty, the gardens are expected to develop their own unique character as residents add personal touches to the spaces.
For the young men from St. John’s Residence for Boys, the project offers hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and the satisfaction of working on a project close to home. For the NYPD Explorers, the Beach Gardens are a chance to learn how volunteer work can establish stronger community ties; a basic tenet of good police work.
Volunteers interested in working on the gardens can reach out to the Rockaway Civic Association through their website at: http://www.RockawayCivicAssociation.org
