A Queens institution received a high honor for its unique aesthetic and practical contributions to the community.
The American Planning Association (APA) recognized the Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) as one of the “10 Great Public Spaces for 2009” on Wednesday, October 7.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named for this honor,” said Susan Lacerte, executive director of QBG. “It acknowledges the innovations we brought forth at the gardens.”
APA chief executive officer Paul Farmer said that the organization was proud to single out the QBG as one of this year’s honorees.
“The garden has set a new standard for others to follow when it comes to planning public spaces that not only conserve natural resources, but also take into account a community’s varying social and cultural needs,” Farmer said.
Lacerte credited the organization’s attention to the environmental needs of the community for the honor. The Garden has maintained a commitment to sustainable practices, such as total reuse of storm water from the 39-acre site
“We identified early on that as a botanical garden and environmental organization – if we weren’t going to showcase smart environmental design, who would?” she said.
Lacerte’s organization was also credited for its integration of the borough’s rich cultural and social diversity into the design and activities of the Garden. The Garden’s unique sense of place is defined not only by its grounds, interesting plantings and energy-saving buildings, but also by its visitors and the activities taking place there.
“It was our strong connections with the local community and its diverse ethnic groups that was essential to moving the Garden into the next phase of history with an even deeper sense of place,” Lacerte said. “We’re honored to have such work recognized through this prestigious award.”
Through Great Places in America, the APA recognizes unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities – streets, neighborhoods and public spaces.
The QBG has been a part of the borough since its beginning as a five-acre “Gardens on Parade” exhibit during the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
It was moved to downtown Flushing in the early 1960s because its former location was in the path of the Van Wyck Expressway extension and the site of the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
