As catalysts for alternative transportation, connections between communities and parks, and stormwater management strategies, greenways build upon a legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted’s “parkways” that linked citizens to urban green spaces in a pre-automotive era. Now, as bicycle commuting becomes increasingly viable, greenways support linkages across the urban environment. Furthermore, they often offer ecological resiliency through plantings and new habitats. Designs recall, or even incorporate New York City’s long history of industry, infrastructure and planning. But what makes a path a Greenway?
This program features three contemporary projects across four boroughs that each respond to local context and together begin to shape a 21st century greenway typology for New York City’s various urban conditions. Case studies include the New Springville Greenway (Freshkills Park, Staten Island); the High Bridge (Bronx and Manhattan); and the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.
Ellen Macnow, AICP, is a city planner working for the Capital Projects Division of NYC Parks. She served as the High Bridge Rehabilitation project coordinator for its design, reconstruction and re-opening. Ellen was previously the greenway program manager and the director of interagency coordination for NYC Parks, and has been closely involved in the development of the Hudson River Greenway, Shore Parkway Greenway and Harlem River Greenway, among others.
Tricia Martin is a Partner at WE Design Landscape Architecture + Urban Design. After graduating with a Master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon, Tricia moved to New York City to work for Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects. In 2009, Tricia founded WE Design where she works on a variety of project types that include greenways, parks, urban design, and green infrastructure projects at various scales. She has cultivated a community-based design practice that integrates ecological frameworks into cultural contexts. She is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University where she teaches urban design studios. Tricia is also Past-President of the American Society of Landscape Architects NY Chapter.
Mariel Villeré is the Manager for Programs, Arts and Grants for Freshkills Park, where she develops new programs including a public art program for the site as it transitions from landfill to park. She holds a BA in Architecture from Barnard College and earned her Masters of Architecture Studies in the History, Theory & Criticism of Architecture and Art at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in June 2013, where she also acted as Director of Exhibitions and Publications for the Department of Architecture. Mariel has held her current position with NYC Parks since January 2014 and continues independent projects at the intersection of architecture, art and urban studies as a researcher and designer.
