Urban Wildife and Parks Portfolio Approach

The Morningside Lenox Park Association Parks Committee is in the process of developing an overall plan with two components.

The first component entails a focus on urban wildlife. Given our relatively fixed greenspaces AND all the land represented by residential gardens, what are the things that residents can do to create a more supportive environment for urban wildlife. This can range from garden architecting (trees, bushes, plants), to plant selection, to decisions about manmade habitats such as birdhouses and watering ponds, etc. We are especially interested in integrating what people do in their gardens with what we do with the public greenspaces as well so that the activities are mutually reinforcing.

The second component entails a focus on the portfolio of greenspaces. There is a strong focus at the City planning level to increase access to greenspaces. Given the impact people have on the environment, MLPA Parks Committee is looking at a more balanced approach, referred to as a Parks Portfolio Approach. We are looking at our greenspaces as a portfolio of uses including: 1) Preserves that are relatively untouched by people and therefore representing more of a shelter for urban wildlife, 2) Light Recreational Parks, principally those with trails used for walking and biking, and 3) Heavy Recreational Parks such as those with playgrounds, recreational facilities such as tennis courts, picnic tables, etc. We believe that it makes sense to look at all these uses as a portfolio. You don’t want all of one and none of the others, there needs to be some mix and balance.

We are seeking to balance multiple goals with this overall plan: an environment that enhances urban wildlife, greenspace conservation, neighborhood recreational facilities, sensitivity to the fragility of urban environments and ecosystems, neighborhood engagement with greenspaces (such as trails), neighborhood security, quality of life issues, privacy, traffic impacts, etc. With 7,000 residents, there are many agendas and we are trying to make sure there is something for everyone.