PUBLIC SPACE AWARDS

PUBLIC SPACE AWARDS

On March 2, 2023

Open Plans Logo

Public Space Awards

presented the 1st Annual

A Celebration of Public Space

Thank you for making the 2023 Awards a festive night full of joy and community!

Each year, Open Plans throws a party to recognize and celebrate the hardworking people and groups behind the public spaces that make New York City the vibrant, people-centered place that it is.

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MEET THE AWARDEES

MEET THE AWARDEES

Source: City Neighborhoods NYC

Meatpacking District
Best Public Space Evolution Over Time

The Meatpacking District has shown New York City what the future of all public spaces can be. In a relatively short period of time, the once-crumbling historic neighborhood has become a visionary, vibrant district with a thriving local economy. Its cobblestoned streets are now home to gardens, bike lanes, pedestrian plazas, joyful events such as the autumn L.E.A.F Festival and innovative sanitation solutions. The BID’s leadership has transformed the space by going all-in on safety, joy, and public space; it’s paid off in spades.

Website: meatpacking-district.com
Instagram: meatpackingny

Source: Lorie Reilly

Paseo Park
Most Inspirational Project in NYC

What started as a pandemic response on just a small stretch of blocks has blossomed into a sweeping revolutionary park that pushes the boundaries of what New Yorkers imagine is possible for their streets. Thanks to visionary leadership and scores of dedicated volunteers, this inclusive public space has a major impact in Jackson Heights and across the city; it’s become a beacon for safe and joyful public space. Daily programming and a contextual design makes Paseo Park a one-of-a-kind destination for pedestrians, families, cyclists, yogis, musicians, and more.

34th Avenue
Website: 34aveopenstreets.com
Twitter: @34_ave
Instagram: @34_ave

Friends of 34th Avenue Linear Park
Website: 34avelinearpark.com
Instagram: @34avelinearpark

Source: Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID

Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District
Best Small BID

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID is a small-but-mighty team making Brooklyn’s Park Slope a more livable place. A tireless public booster of local business, the BID also works behind the scenes coordinating sanitation, caring for street trees, and serving as a resource to business owners. Since 2020, they have managed a fantastically popular Open Street. Whether it’s promoting businesses on their popular Instagram account, hosting a community meeting or beautifying the neighborhood, this BID supports Park Slope’s small businesses in a big way.

Instagram: @theother5th
Facebook: @parkslopefifthavenue

Source: City of Hoboken

Hoboken Department of
Transportation & Parking
Curbside Safety Award

With Mayor Ravi Bhalla as a champion and ally, Hoboken’s DOT has aggressively pursued progress in street safety, mobility, and climate resiliency. By including daylighting, protected micromobility infrastructure, pedestrian design, and resiliency features into nearly every project, Hoboken’s streets are transforming in record time. These ambitious priorities have dramatically improved street safety in the City and make Hoboken a more welcoming place for everyone. Their dedication to swift change should be a model to cities across the country.

Webpage: hobokennj.gov

Source: Gowanus Canal Conservancy

Gowanus Canal Conservancy
Curbside Climate Award

This visionary nonprofit has succeeded in turning the blocks around the Superfund site into a paragon of climate stewardship, advocacy, and justice. Since 2006, the Conservancy has been leading volunteer projects; educating students on environmental issues; and working with agencies, elected officials, and the community to implement innovative green infrastructure around the Gowanus Canal. At the curb, their street trees and bioswales bring much-needed greenery to public space while significantly reducing sewer overflow. The Conservancy is making Gowanus a better place to be while teaching other neighborhoods and future generations how to do the same.

Website: gowanuscanalconservancy.org
Instagram: @gowanuscanaconservancy

Source: Clean Air Green Corridor

Clean Air Green Corridor
Best School Street

The Clean Air Green Corridor, led by the nonprofit Futures Ignite and students from the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School have demonstrated what is possible when young people are centered and encouraged to lead in the effort for environmental justice. From teach-ins, to public space stewardship, to awesome block parties, the Clean Air Green Corridor on 182nd Street in Manhattan has made such a difference in our shared community. Together, they have empowered young people to engage with their environment, learn experientially, and to reimagine their surroundings.

Instagram: @cleanairgreencorridor

Source: Street Lab

Lonnie Hardy
Jennings Open Street, Bronx
Activist Award

Lonnie Hardy and the Caldwell Enrichment afterschool program has gone above and beyond in their loving care for this Bronx public space, creating joyful opportunities for connection and gathering. Lonnie is a do-it-all activist who builds community and creates safe space specifically welcoming of teens. Lonnie has hosted CPR classes, tree bed clean-ups, flag football, skateboarding lessons, double dutch – the list goes on. Lonnie embodies the best of New York City and is an exemplary leader for the youth in her neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Adrian L Childress

Soapbox Presents
People’s Choice Award
Best Public Space Activator

The Soapbox Presents celebrates artists and Black and brown community through music. Created by artist Marija Abney during the pandemic, Soapbox Presents turns everyday stoops and sidewalks into premier music venues. These “Sessions on the Stoop” performances attracted top-tier musical talent and connected back to the communities where they were performed, bringing joy, connection, and culture back to the streets of New York City.

Instagram: @thesoapboxpresents

People’s Choice Nominees

More than a thousand votes were cast for this year’s People’s Choice Award: Best Public Space Activator

HOSTS & SPONSORS

HOSTS & SPONSORS

Host Committee

Peter Frishauf & KC Rice

Dr. Madeleine & Mr. Jeffrey Novich

David Vega-Barachowitz

Jennifer Nitzky, FASLA

Leslie Davol

Eric McClure

Alfred C. Cerullo, III
President & CEO
Grand Central Partnership

Grey Elam, RLA
Institute for Urban Parks
Central Park Conservancy

John Surico
Professor, New York University

John Sanchez
Executive Director of 5 Borough Housing Movement

John Kaehny

Phil Jones

Tim Tompkins

Danna DeBlasio
CMW Strategies

Stephanie Miliano