Kickstarter Promotion Ending Soon

This is to let you know I am still taking donations for my Pocket Parks of NYC project, even if it does not get funded through Kickstarter.com this time. To donate to this most excellent project, please hit the PayPal  button to the right. Your donation will go to train fare, copy fees, postage, researchers - all of the costs necessary in the writing stage of this innovative guide to free resting spaces in NYC (and later, the world!). If you have not seen the video on the Kickstarter.com site, please view it at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/writerobrien/pocket-parks-of-nyc before August 1st, 2011.

Thank you again to all of my supporters. 

Update #5: Deadline approacheth. Tell thy friends!

I just tweeted that 66 pledges of $15 each would get me to my goal in time. Can you blast and retweet this to everyone you know? I am exploring having NYC school children making my project THEIR project by giving them community service hours, speaking to their school, even teaching them about writing.

I've approached the school district and they haven't laughed ... yet. No response, but I don't hear any laughter.

I am also planning on making this an app for smartphones and perhaps moving the entire book to Kindles and Nooks to start. An ebook is less expensive and can then be published in print later on.

Regardless, I need your pledges and your friends' pledges and your great Uncle Henry's pledges to continue, so spread the word. Help me locate and write about every pocket park, every urban plaza and every community garden in New York City. After NYC, who knows? These babies are EVERYWHERE!

Thank you for your support.

Pocket Parks of NYC: http://kck.st/lpf5OY

Rosemary

Where did they come from?

In 1965, Mayoral candidate, John Lindsay saw a need to spruce up the city a bit. He suggested that New York City create “vest pocket parks” or “adventure playgrounds.” Later, when he was elected Mayor of New York City, he implemented his ideas and helped created the first vest pocket parks in the city. According to an essay on the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Park Commissioner, Thomas P.F. Hoving encouragee their use for public events aided him by bring various events to the parks. He even banned cars in Central Park on Sundays. In 1967, the city completed 10 vest pocket parks in vacant city lots equal to or smaller than one-quarter acre.

The very first pocket park was created at 65 W. 128th by Reverend Linnette C. Williamson of  Christ Community Church of Harlem. She was instrumental in developing this pocket park and it was later dedicated in her honor.

Here is one I discovered near 6th Ave. It is right outside an apartment building on 29th St.