April 30’s “Picture Your Park” event, held from 6-8pm at the sympathetic Lyons Wier Gallery (542 W. 24th St.), contemplated a variety of scenarios for turning the city-owned lot at 136 W. 20th St. into a quarter-acre “pocket park.” Nearly three years since Friends of 20th Street Park (20thstreetpark.org) launched their campaign, the city-owned lot, according to the group, “sits locked and empty — a shameful lost opportunity to bring desperately needed open and green space to the people of Chelsea.” At the event, several design scenarios were offered up, and a 3-D design “Make Your Own Park” kiosk encouraged attendees to do just that. “Friends” representative Matt Weiss called the evening a “conversation-starting event, meant to spark creativity.” Elected officials will ultimately decide if the space becomes a respite for residents and families in the high-density neighborhood, or is used for much-needed affordable housing. Look for a full report on the free-flowing ideas and opinions that came out of “Picture Your Park,” in the next issue of Chelsea Now.
