☞ READ: Morningside BBQ Party Makes the News

Over the 4th of July Holiday, one largely attended BBQ thrown at Morningside Park brought in a whole lot of attention by the media and some concern by locals who live alongside the green space. When summer rolls around, small family BBQs are set up along the park at mostly the central and north ends but one party ended up attracting reportedly 3,500 guest (many visiting from elsewhere) which ended up with the police showing up.  Needless to say there was a big scene and the park saw exponentially more trash left around than usual as the above photo shows.  Read the full article here in Gothamist: LINK

Folks living by any of the great Harlem Parks will probably say that they enjoy the amenity but the summertime tends to bring the BBQ crowd who apparently drive in from other parts of the city.  What usually ends up happening is that residual garbage will be found throughout the parks before the cleanup crews arrive mid morning the following day.  There seems to be a capacity issue here with what the parks can handle, an issue with larger parties getting an event type permit and also accountability for organizers to clean up after the party when it comes to throwing a barbecue gathering.

Some of the frustrated local residents living around the park wanted advice on how to get things in the parks in order and we suggested joining some of the local block organization collective such as the North Star Neighborhood Association or the Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association which have strength at the local Community Board meetings because of the sheer number of members. These groups also schedule meetings with the local police precinct and the solidarity in numbers help influence the police departments to listen.  Politicians work with the local community through the community boards and they too eventually can participate in the conversation.

A lot of folks try activism on their own but change only works with larger number present.  Those interested in the North Star Neighborhood Association should look them up and make sure other like minded neighbors join: LINK

Those living in the Mount Morris Park Historic District should make sure that they join MMPCIA: LINK

For Morningside Park admirers who live on the west side, Friends of Morningside Park is the organization to look into: LINK