Toolkit Released for Enhancing Open Space Areas Across NYCHA 

A new resource guide has been unveiled to support NYCHA residents and community groups in revitalizing open spaces in their neighborhoods.  

On January 30, the Public Housing Community Fund and Design Trust for Public Space released the toolkit, “From Imagine to Activate: A Quick Reference Guide for Improving NYCHA Open Spaces in Five Easy Steps.” The resource guide complements the Green Space Connections initiative, a partnership between the Fund, Design Trust for Public Space, and NYCHA to create and activate community-designed open spaces at four NYCHA developments in Brooklyn and the Bronx. 

Developed in collaboration with NYCHA residents, city leaders, and the Green Space Connections Advisory Committee, the new toolkit offers practical guidance for enhancing open spaces across the Authority and navigating the process, while highlighting some successful community-led projects. The Green Space Connections program leverages the participatory design process under the Connected Communities initiative, which aims to activate and improve open spaces by enhancing physical and social connections between residents and their communities. 

“We are so excited to be a part of Green Space Connections, and for the launch of this toolkit,” NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt said. “This new, five-step guide will give residents and partners a roadmap for developing open spaces in a way that is tailored to a community’s specific needs. We’re grateful to our partners at the Public Housing Community Fund and the Design Trust for Public Space for their work in developing this resource that will, without a doubt, improve upon NYCHA’s valuable open spaces for residents.”   

Public Housing Community Fund Executive Director Alex Zablocki added: “This new resource guide empowers NYCHA residents, philanthropy, and community organizations with the tools to transform underutilized spaces into thriving public places. By providing clear, actionable steps, this toolkit will help turn visions into reality, ensuring that more of NYCHA’s 2,400 acres of open space can be activated for the benefit of residents.” 

Whether it’s with upgraded basketball courts, innovative playgrounds, garden spaces, or communal barbecue and seating areas, the “From Imagine to Activate” reference guide aims to help resident leaders and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to transform open space projects for their communities. The toolkit guidelines are focused on five key action steps: Imagine, Partner, Design, Build, and Activate.   

Jeannette Salcedo, Resident Association President at Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx, lauded the opportunity for collaboration to improve open space areas for community members to enjoy. 

“Experiencing each other through green spaces in our neighborhoods can and will create spaces for conversations that lead to change,” she said. “If we rally around each other and support ideas, programs, and understanding, we will create the spaces we want for ourselves and each other. By organizing around green spaces and strategizing with our neighbors, we can create the blueprint for sustainable change in our NYCHA communities.”