Volunteers Sought For Newkirk Plaza Beautification

Newkirk Plaza is nearly finished, but some of the most important elements have been left for last — and for you.

The Friends of Newkirk Plaza (FNP) and the Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) are in serious need of volunteers for "Greening the Plaza Day" on Saturday May 5th.

"We've got benches, bike racks, huge tree planters and hanging flower and plant boxes — and not one cent allocated for trees, plants, dirt, mulch or rocks," said Nicole Francis of the FNP.

"Robin Redmond at Flatbush Development Corp. brought this to the attention of the Neighborhood Association Presidents at a meeting she hosts for them so they can share information, concerns and solutions," said Francis.

"This group formed Friends of Newkirk Plaza, wrote two grants, raised money from neighborhood associations, businesses and individuals and made a plan to green the Plaza. Our 'dig in' day is set for May 5th so the last and crucial piece of this project are the hardy volunteers."

"If you'd have walked through Newkirk plaza for the past two years, half of the plaza would have been shut down," said Redmond. "There have been pedestrian barricades, there has been massive reconstruction."

"It's screaming come put plants in my planter boxes, come put trees in my trees," she said.

"Newkirk Plaza is a well-used, open public space. The friendlier and the more inviting it looks, the more likely people are to use it, to capitalize on its potential."

If you would like to participate and add your own stamp to the rebirth of the plaza, RSVP with the