About this project
I am writing a book about pocket parks and community gardens in Manhattan. I have been fascinated with the concept of pocket parks ever since I lived in Manhattan. As a temp without a lot of money, I discovered these public sitting areas tucked into the sides of buildings and between buildings when I needed a place outside the office to have my bagged lunch (or smoke a cigarette pre-Bloomberg). An example is Paley Park on 53rd between 5th and 6th Avenue or Greenacre Park on 51st between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, but there are many others built in honor of fallen heroes, friends and family members.
My book is for locals as well as those tourists who manage to find the guidebooks and websites written for the locals. No one has done this before and there is no comprehensive list of these many respites from the concrete jungle.
Armed with a camera and my notes, be they paper notes or on a tablet or computer of some sort, I plan on strolling through the city’s grid and finding all of them. When I find them, I will write short histories of each park beneath their photos so the reader knows how they happened. I will avoiding other people’s reviews and leave blank space for the reader to insert his or her own notes about the spot.
My interest in this project was sparked 20+ years ago, but I only recently came up with the guidebook idea. I have one novel published, am a freelance writer and author, and plan to retire in Manhattan after my kids have grown. Part of that plan is to park myself on one of these benches near a waterfall with my cup of joe and a good book.
Your funds will be used for train fare into the city from Southern Connecticut, photo developing costs, postage, and the occasional dirty water dog for sustenance.
Help me create this comprehensive history of these funky little oases in the middle of the city.
*Sincere thanks to Bob Acri for use of his song, Sleep Away.
FAQ
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18
Backers
$594
pledged of $1,500 goal
0
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Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on August 1, 2011.
Pledge $101 or more Pledge $101 or more
A 3-park tour with me along with your signed copy of the book.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
A 3-park tour, a signed copy of the book and a thank you cocktail party with the author and the other over $500 contributors at a location TBD.
Project By
Connected as Rosemary O'Brien (423 friends)
I am the author of "First Saturday," (Quiet Storm Publishing, 2002), writing coach and owner of A Word or Two, LLC, a writing services business. My second novel, "Scraps," is in its final revision and currently seeking an agent. ('Know anyone?) I have been in love with New York City since I first stepped off the train in Grand Central Station at nineteen. My dream is to see "Pocket Parks in NYC" in every tourist's backpack and on every local's bookshelf. If I ever see that, I know I'll cry right there on the spot.
