HarlemLIVE

On a rainy 1st of October, Bette Midler, the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and Target, celebrate the opening of NYRP’S East Harlem community garden, located on 415 E 117 Street, by 1st avenue.

Despite the rain, the park was filled with music, people and joy. The organizers gave out ponchos, to protect the visitors from the rain. They also gave out popcorn, plants, candy, cups, ice cream and flavored water.

The NYRP “cares deeply” about families and the places where they live. Everyone has a right to a beautiful space,” said Bette midler, the founder of NYRP.

When Midler first moved to New York, she was appalled at the state the city was in, which was her motivation for creating the organization.

Christian, 10, said he was exited about the garden, he thought it was pretty. He looks forward to coming back with his friends and family.

Trish, 40, said she was happy to be there. She liked the herbs they were giving out.  “ Its the future of the planet, we gotta do it.”

Because the garden was sponsored by target, the gardens theme color was red and white. The brick walls on the apartmement buildings on either side of the garden were illuminated with red and white lights.

Sean Conway who designed the garden is a nationally acclaimed garden designer and horticulturist. The garden features green technology, including solar panels to provide electricity for various events. A rain rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater for gardeners to nourish healthy vegetable and flowerbeds throughout the growing season.

Founded by Bette midler, NYRP is a non-profit organization dedicated to reclaiming and restoring New York City parks, community gardens, and open space. In partnership with New York, NYRP is also leading million trees NYC – an initiative to plant one million new trees throughout new York city’s five boroughs by 2017.