City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.
Education Testimonials
Learn More About What Students and Educators Saying About CityParks Education…
Seeds to Trees
“My teachers especially loved the water portion. You and your staff truly enjoy what you do and it shows. I look forward to continuing our work together. Thanks so much for everything.7rdquo;
–Tina Hatzimichalis, Assistant Principal, PS 169K (Brooklyn)
“The children loved the forest. The two girls who were walking very far behind everyone else were talking with each other and I overheard them say: ‘This was fun!’ The students began to sing songs on the way back on the bus: a sure sign of fun. They asked when you were coming back and what they were going to do next time.”
– Melody Winstead, 7th Grade Science Teacher at I.S. 286
Learning Gardens
“We thank you for all the wonderful experiences you’ve added to our learning. Every meeting provides a learning experience for all of us and my students always look forward to garden lessons. Your program has truly enriched our science, reading, art and writing curriculum. We were blessed to have joined this exciting program.”
– Edna Santos, Teacher at PS 140, Bronx
“I was thinking about my class from last year and how much they looked forward to your visits. They learned so much. I hope that at least some of them participate in the program with you as second graders.”
– Samantha Severin, former 1st Grade teacher at PS 157 (Bronx)/Currently Principal–in–Training
Coastal Classroom
“It was a pleasure to meet you at Coastal Classrooms in Hallet's Cove LIC. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the water and living environment. I truly appreciate what you, Joel, and Kim do with educating city youth about their environment. Hope to see you soon in the field.”
– Andrea E. Oliver B.S. MS.Ed, Science and Technology Specialist, The Gillen Brewer School.
“We want to take a moment to thank you for sponsoring this wonderful program for our students. It has been an awesome experience for the students as well as the staff. At the culmination of all three visits we all voted that this would definitely be an experience we want to repeat. I attribute this positive feeling to the wonderful work of Joel and Emily at Kaiser Park and at our high school. Joel and Emily gave us an opportunity to experience new things and learn about our earth.” – Maria Crowe, Special Education Teacher Support Services, PS 811Q
Favorite kid remarks:
“Yea, I guess I’m just a natural born gardener.”
“Guess what? My brother and I decided to save a little bit of money every month for the whole year so that next summer we can buy plants and grow them in our backyard! I even go to the library to get gardening books.”
“I like this trip the most because this stuff is important.” – Reyanna, a student in Ms. Morales’ 1st grade class at P.S. 158K
What is your favorite part of the garden? “I like the flowers, butterflies, worms.” Why do you come to the garden? How do you feel when you are in the garden? “Feel special. It’s boring at home.” – Jose age 10, class 315 at Grove Hill Learning Garden
What is your favorite part of the garden? “I like the butterflies because they have a lot to their life and they help out with the flowers.” What did you learn? “I learned that butterflies will die in the winter because there are no flowers.” – Chyleen age 11, class 302 at Grove Hill Learning Garden
What is your favorite part of the garden? “My favorite thing is growing the flowers.” What did you learn? “I learned how to water flowers.” Why do you come to the garden? “Because it’s fun.”
– Sonia age 9, class 301 at Grove Hill Learning Garden
“Feel like there should be more gardens around the environment because there is a lot of empty places around the Bronx and people just build buildings or don’t use it, so they should just make it into a community garden.”
– Brianna age 5, Grove Hill Learning Garden
Internships & Leadership Development
“I really enjoyed my internship with CityParks Education; it provided me with amazing experiences and inspired me to apply for community service programs such as Teach for America and City Year. I also intend to go on to graduate school for adolescent education where I will draw on the innovative approaches that CityParks Education uses for teaching urban youth.”
– Sally Aratoon, former CityParks Education intern, who was not interested in pursuing education before she interned with CityParks Education.
In all of its programming and activities, City Parks Foundation partners with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to improve neighborhood parks and the communities they serve.
