The Navy Yard Garden Association (NYGA) is forming a Friends group to support its work to invigorate plantings in Shipyard Park, restore waterfront gardens, promote public art, and offer free programming throughout the Navy Yard.
Established in 2017, NYGA is an independent volunteer Section 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to revitalizing and enhancing public open spaces within the Charlestown Navy Yard, including Shipyard Park, through planning, design, programming, and implementation for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
While Covid-19 caused health and safety restrictions on normal life, many of us have been fortunate to access nature’s beauty and healing freshness outdoors in our shared backyard here in the Navy Yard.
The unique waterfront location invites us daily to walk, jog, bicycle and push strollers alongside our historic harbor. Shipyard Park continuously welcomes small gatherings of friends and family at its picnic tables, benches and Adirondack chairs. Some of us photograph the Yard’s glorious sunrises and sunsets, participate in outdoor book club meetings, and Zumba dance near the park fountain… and, amazingly, all while masked and maintaining six feet of social distance!
Despite the pandemic’s challenges, in the past year NYGA volunteers were able to partner with the National Park Service (NPS) to plant annuals at the Commandant’s House and over 600 daffodil bulbs in NPS planters and Shipyard Park. In partnership also with the Friends of Boston Harbor Now (FBHN) NYGA volunteers planted perennials at the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial. The Navy Yard Garden Instagram account grew to more than 1300 followers, NYGA improved lighting at the Shipyard Park amphitheater, and installed 24 white Adirondack chairs for public use on the Shipyard Park lawn facing the City of Boston skyline. Residents and visitors continue to enjoy the family friendly outdoor WOW wind sculpture exhibit that consists of 32 kinetic metal sculptures by Lyman Whitaker and organized by the Navy Yard Garden Association.
We invite everyone to join these efforts and become a NYGA Friend today. The rates are $25 for individuals and $50 for households. Payment may be made by check, PayPal or credit card at www.navyyardgarden.org/friends. Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent granted by law. For further information please email [email protected].