Poetry Park at Jerome Park in The Bronx | Photo via NYC Parks
NEW YORK – Five new poetry sites in New York’s public parks have been installed through the Park Poems to coincide with National Poetry Month. Since the initiative was launched last year, the sites represent the second batch of poems to grace New York’s public parks. The NYC Parks and the Poetry Society of America officially unveiled the new installations.
The poems, installed in harmony with the surrounding landscape and park infrastructure, reflect various themes, from nature’s emotional impact to basketball’s beauty and dynamism.
“These poems, carefully woven into the landscapes of these parks and playgrounds, invite visitors to reflect on life in the big city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue” “This initiative builds on our commitment at Parks to creating and maintaining spaces for relaxation, wonder, and reflection. I am so grateful to the Poetry Society of America for their great partnership on this initiative.”
Mike Brogan, executive director of the Poetry Society of America, said that the Poetry Society aims to make poetry part of the daily life of every New Yorker by placing poems in the most inclusive and democratic public spaces. Adds Brogan, “… this initiative builds on our commitment at Parks to creating and maintaining spaces for relaxation, wonder, and reflection, and I am so grateful to the Poetry Society of America for their great partnership …”
NYC Parks and the Poetry Society are displaying poems in the following five public parks:
Bronx: Jerome Slope, “Return to the City / Regreso a la Ciudad” by Manuel Ulacia (English/Spanish)
Brooklyn: 100% Playground, “Slam, Dunk, & Hook” by Yusef Komunyakaa
Manhattan: J. Hood Wright Park, “Trappings” by Noelle Kocot
Staten Island: Richmond Terrace Park, “Wish” by Hoa Nguyen
Queens: Torsney/Lou Lodati Park Playground, “Cut Shadows” by Ron Padgett
“Parks are already pretty places for playful pastimes but add poetry, and you’ve got a plan for paramount pleasure!” said NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “Park Poems enhances our outdoor spaces and enriches our collective experience with the power of poetry. By fostering connections between people, this program serves as a beautiful reminder of the diverse voices and narratives that make up the fabric of our city.”
The Poetry Society and NYC Parks first launched Park Poems in April 2023. Since its inception, the program has inspired similar partnerships with state and national parks, including You Are Here, Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s signature project, which champions how reading and writing poetry can situate us in the natural world.
The installations will remain on view for approximately one year. The poets selected hail from New York City and worldwide, and non-English poetry is presented in both the original and English translations.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
