Highlights
- **Climate Resilient Infrastructure**: Installation of a 1,400-foot floodwall and two flood gates to protect lower Manhattan from storm surges and sea-level rise.
- **Urban Wildlife Habitat**: Transformed industrial land into a National Wildlife Federation-certified habitat, supporting native plant species and urban biodiversity.
- **Hands-on Environmental Education**: Engages over 5,000 participants annually through workshops, field trips, and volunteer programs on topics like permaculture and climate resilience.
- **Community-driven Green Space**: Created and maintained with active community support, serving over 110,000 nearby residents with accessible public space and recreational areas.
- **Sustainable Partnership Model**: Operated by Solar One in collaboration with NYC Economic Development Corporation, ensuring long-term management and funding stability.
- **Empowering Local Resilience**: Educates New Yorkers on climate action and social justice, empowering the community to build resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
- **Model for Coastal Cities**: Serves as an example of urban climate adaptation, balancing recreational space with flood protection and ecological health.
- **Future Expansion Plans**: Continued development of community programs and potential infrastructure enhancements to meet evolving environmental needs.
Story
Originally part of New York’s industrial landscape, Stuyvesant Cove was a dumping ground and shipping yard until a community-driven campaign in 2002 led to its transformation into a public park. Managed by Solar One, the park offers green space, educational programming, and climate resilience measures in a historically underserved area.
The park’s role became crucial following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which revealed the vulnerability of Manhattan’s East Side to flooding and climate-related challenges. As part of the $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) project, the park closed in 2020 for redevelopment, adding floodwalls, gates, and raised walkways to protect over 110,000 residents. During construction, Solar One continued its mission by engaging the community in climate literacy, food culture events, and ecology workshops.
Stuyvesant Cove Park reopened in 2023 with new flood protection infrastructure and expanded recreational areas. The park now serves as both a defense against future flooding and a hands-on learning environment. Through Solar One’s programs, community members can volunteer, learn about sustainable practices, and connect with local ecology, reinforcing a shared commitment to climate resilience and social equity.