Alley Pond Environmental Center

The City of New York Parks and Recreation department initiated plans to expand and renovate an area of the Alley Pond Park to create the New Alley Pond Environmental Center. The proposed program included indoor and outdoor class instruction spaces, small animal storage, exhibit room, bathrooms, office space, children’s library and staff library, parking area, and covered walk way connecting structures.

The existing 5,700 square-foot building was in need of great repair, including structural work to stabilize the building. A new building of approximately 10,000 square feet was erected in its place, offering more space for classes and events. Built on a wetlands ecosystem, the surrounding environment and nature trails serve as teaching materials for the staff and students. Per of the design for the new environmental center, the building includes a sloped roof to drain storm water to a rain garden, skylights, and a geothermal heating system. Additionally, space is provided to house the center’s live animals while a wide-ranging sheltering roof opens classrooms to the outdoors.

Sustainable systems installed at the site are intended to be used as educational tools for visitors and have been made viewable by the public where possible. The project is LEED Silver Certified.

Renderings Courtesy of Leroy Street Studio/DLANDstudio