Andrew Haswell Green Park is the odd, terraced sliver of East River waterfront under the Queensboro Bridge approach, and a volunteer crew keeps its hillside plantings alive by hand. Ninety minutes of weeding and watering beneath Alice Aycock's steel pavilion puts you in a corner of Manhattan most people only see from a car. If you want a morning that leaves the city measurably better, sign on.
What to expect
A small crew gathering at the pavilion, a short briefing, then tools handed out and work spread across the terraces and the greenway below. It is real gardening - weeding beds, hauling water, clearing litter - at an easy pace, with the river and the bridge overhead the whole time.
Good to know
- Take the N/R/W or 4/5/6 to Lexington Avenue-59th Street and walk east to the river
- Free and open to all ages, with no experience required
- Meet at the Alice Aycock Pavilion and work down toward the East Midtown Greenway
- Wear clothes you can dirty and closed shoes; bring water and sun protection
- Email Green Park Gardeners NYC in advance if you are bringing a group
- A short session, so it fits before a work day rather than eating the whole morning
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Common questions
Do I need gardening experience?
No. It's My Park sessions are designed for complete beginners - volunteers get a briefing and simple tasks like weeding, watering and cleanup.
Where exactly do I meet?
At the Alice Aycock Pavilion in Andrew Haswell Green Park, on the East River between East 59th and East 63rd Streets, then the crew spreads out over the tiered areas down to the greenway.
Is it suitable for kids?
The session is listed as all ages, so families can take part, though children should stay with an adult while working on the terraces.
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