The Hudson River Park Friends is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the completion, care, and enhancement of the Hudson River Park, a 400-acre public space that stretches along the west side of Manhattan. Through private contributions, community participation, and strategic partnerships, the organization works to ensure the park’s future for generations to come.
What is the Primary Goal of Hudson River Park Friends?
The primary goal of Hudson River Park Friends is to support the completion, care, and enhancement of Hudson River Park through private contributions and community participation. They work in partnership with the Hudson River Park Trust to ensure the park’s future for generations to come.
How Does Hudson River Park Friends Support the Park?
Hudson River Park Friends supports the development and maintenance of the park in several ways:
- Fundraising: They generate private philanthropic support to complete the park, augment operating resources, fund public programs, build an endowment, and guarantee the park remains in world-class condition.
- Advocacy: Friends advocates for public dollars for the park’s construction and monitors park progress under the Hudson River Park Act. They have helped secure over $250 million in capital funding for the park’s design and construction.
- Community Engagement: They engage with the community through various programs, events, and initiatives, such as the Friends Forever planned giving program, which allows individuals to leave a lasting legacy by making a bequest to the park.
- Corporate and Community Partnerships: They have a Corporate Membership Program that enables local companies to support the park through financial contributions and volunteering. They also have Community Partners who offer special perks to members and hold fundraisers on behalf of the park.
What Programs and Initiatives Does Hudson River Park Friends Support?
Hudson River Park Friends helps fund a wide range of programs, including:
- STEM Education: They support the River Project’s Wetlab programming and other STEM education initiatives.
- Environmental Stewardship: They fund programs that reduce carbon emissions, such as the Community Compost Program, and protect the park’s estuarine habitat.
- Public Programs: They support nearly 500 free events and programs annually, including dance, music, fitness, and more.
- Horticulture and Habitat Restoration: They fund initiatives that maintain the park’s gardens and landscapes, including the planting and care of over 2,000 trees.
What Specific Projects Has Hudson River Park Friends Supported?
Some specific projects and initiatives that Hudson River Park Friends has supported include:
- Gansevoort Peninsula, Chelsea Waterside, Pier 26’s Science Playground, and Pier 57: These are examples of new public spaces added to the park, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
- Digital Guide: They launched a digital guide for the park on Bloomberg Connects, a free arts and culture app, to provide visitors with a new way to explore the park.
- Annual Gala: They host an annual gala to raise funds for the park, which has honored notable individuals and organizations for their contributions to the park.
What Impact Has Hudson River Park Friends Had?
The impact of Hudson River Park Friends can be seen in the following statistics and data:
- Over $250 million in capital funding: Secured for the park’s design and construction.
- 400 acres of land, piers, and water: The park’s total area, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
- Over 400 free programs annually: Funded by Hudson River Park Friends, these programs cater to diverse interests and age groups.
- $2.75 million raised: At the 2023 fall Gala, which supports the park’s horticulture, habitat restoration, and estuary research initiatives.
In conclusion, Hudson River Park Friends plays a vital role in enhancing the park experience for visitors by supporting its development, maintenance, and programs through fundraising, advocacy, community engagement, and corporate partnerships.
References:
– https://hudsonriverpark.org/get-involved/friends-forever/
– https://hudsonriverpark.org/story/hudson-river-park-friends-annual-report-2023/
– https://hudsonriverpark.org/about-us/hudson-river-park-friends/