Founded in 1929, the Regional Plan Association’s New City Parks builds thriving urban parks in neighborhoods of need. The New City Parks initiative focuses primarily on creating and upgrading green spaces in low-income communities and communities of color. The Pershing Neighborhood of Poughkeepsie, NY, is the latest focal point and happens to be one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, 90% of which is of non-white background. Predominantly pedestrian, only 40% of the residents on the north side of Poughkeepsie own a car, and according to data gathered by Scenic Hudson, 38% of residents live below the poverty line.
Studies show that greater access to nature reduces stress, lowers levels of anxiety and increases cognitive function. A $114,868 Sun Club grant will allow Poughkeepsie to illuminate an updated Pershing Park with new, solar-powered lighting, especially important for remote areas of the park that do not have access to underground electrical connections
