Groundwork USA Initiative
October 5, 2006
The Groundwork USA Initiative is a network of 15 independent, non-profit, environmental businesses called Groundwork Trusts. Each Groundwork Trust represents a strong partnership between municipal government, business and civic leaders, foundations, churches, community organizations and residents focused on completing projects which improve their communities' environment, economy and quality of life. They are supported by a partnership of the Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program and the National Park Service Rivers & Trails Program.
Current Status of the Groundwork USA Network
As of September, 2006, there are 15 Groundwork Trusts across the United States. Established Trusts are GW Bridgeport (CT), GW Concord (NH), GW Dallas (TX), GW Denver (CO), GW Elizabeth (NJ), GW El Paso (TX), GW Gary (IN), GW Lawrence (MA), GW Milwaukee (WI), GW Minneapolis (MN), GW Providence (RI), GW Somerville (MA) and GW Yonkers (NY). New Groundwork Trusts are GW New Orleans (LA) and GW San Diego (IN).
Two new communities have begun work on Feasibility Studies/Strategic Plans to determine if a Groundwork Trust is appropriate for their community and, if so, how it should be established - Dona Ana County, NM, and Portland, OR.
Accomplishments in 2006
The Groundwork Trusts continued their steady growth and record of accomplishment. The Groundwork USA Performance Measures for 2005 are attached. Many of the accomplishments embody the complimentary missions of EPA and NPS. In 2006, they include:
- Dr. Nina Scarito Park (GW Lawrence) - The c lean-up and transformation of 2.78 acre brownfield into a community park and recreation area was completed with the construction and opening of the new park in 2006. GW role: project management, community organizing and advocacy, pre-development work (political will-building, due diligence research, negotiation/resolution of back taxes, etc.), design and construction management, facilitator of negotiations between former and future site owner, fundraiser, planning for future site management and stewardship.
- BF Nelson Site (GW Minneapolis) - The clean-up of a 15 acre site on the Mississippi River is now underway after sitting for many years. GW role: project advocacy, resource identification, neighborhood consultant
- Appletree Park (GW Elizabeth) - The clean-up of a ¼ acre site for a pocket park was completed and $42,000 was raised to construct the new park as part of a larger brownfield redevelopment project. GW role: fundraising, community involvement, remediation, site design.
- Sawmill River Daylighting (GW Yonkers) - $34 million dollars was committed by New York State to daylight the Sawmill river in downtown Yonkers and create a riverwalk and linear park as part of a larger brownfields revitalization effort. GW role: development of vision and concept, project advocacy, public outreach, partnership development, site design.
- Five Points Community Garden (GW El Paso) - Funding secured for phase I assessment of former gas station intended for reuse as a community garden. GW role: fundraising, advocacy, community outreach.
Establishment of Groundwork USA
Groundwork USA was established in 2001 and incorporated in 2002 as a national nonprofit to coordinate, promote and develop the network of Groundwork Trusts. In 2005, Vernice Miller Travis was hired as Executive Director. In 2006, the Ford Foundation committed $100,000 to support the work of Groundwork USA and build the network.
For more information, contact Douglas Evans, Rivers & Trails Program, 617-223-5124, douglas_evans@nps.gov.
|
