Kaiser Park - Posthumously named after Dr. Leon S. Kaiser, an early 20th century Brooklynite, lawyer, civic leader and a passionate educator, Kaiser Park is 26.26 acres dedicated to public outdoor recreation and serves as an adjunct facility to Mark Twain High School.  Located in Coney Island and bordered by Bayview Avenue and the Gravesend Bay (North), West 24th Street (East), Neptune Avenue (South), and West 32nd Street (West), Kaiser Park boasts facilities for baseball (4 fields), handball, basketball and tennis courts, soccer/football fields, track and field, swings, fishing, bird watching, barbecuing and with unobstructed views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge!  Kaiser Park is not only vital to Mark Twain High School but also to the entire Coney Island community and is rapidly -- and delightfully -- becoming the communal Coney Island backyard.

Friends of Kaiser Park, Inc. - Established in 2001 and obtained 501(c)3 status in 2004, Friends of Kaiser Park, Inc. (“FOKP”) is a participating organization in the City of New York’s Partnership for Parks program and adopts their mission to promote involvement in Kaiser Park so the Coney Island community will not only join in the efforts to restore and preserve Kaiser Park but also FOKP acts as the community’s guide in their discovery, and ultimately enjoyment, of all Kaiser Park has to offer.

The measure of FOKP’s success can been seen in the growing numbers in attendance on both the community’s participation side as well as on the volunteer side.  We sponsored five major events in Kaiser Park:  Easter Egg Hunt, It’s My Park Day/Halloween in the Park, Tree Lighting and Caroling, It’s My Park Day in May, Senior Day in Kaiser Park. Ultimately, the measure of FOKP’s success is in the community’s feedback and that has been extremely positive from both parents and kids alike.

In the beginning, FOKP was a small group of people who went door-to-door soliciting support and donations from the community and local merchants.  At that time, many people had not even heard of Kaiser Park, let alone know where it is located.  However, that small core group of volunteers were determined to accomplish their mission, continued to volunteer their time and persisted until their efforts paid off -- literally.  Donations were received and additional volunteers took interest.  The first FOKP events were held … and the community came.  Before long, the neighborhood children were getting acquainted with FOKP’s events and eagerly participated in cleaning and painting.  I wish FOKP had a dollar for every time one of the volunteer had a kid ask them when the next event would be.

With the establishment of 501(c)3 status 2004, we were able to obtain larger donations enabling bigger and better FOKP events.  With much appreciation to Council Member Recchia, FOKP received their first grant.  2007, with the help of Council Member Recchia, Assemblyman Brook-Krasny and Senator Savino, we received additional the grants that were direly needed for FOKP’s work to continue. Also sponsors Taconic Investment Partners LLC, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Salt & Sea Mission, Coney Island Gospel Assembly, Astella Development Corp, Frank J Tripodi, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Cyclones, William E Grady CTE High School, Brooklyn School for Global Studies, Girl Scout Troops 2860 & 2861, Our Lady of Solace Girl Scout Troop, Partnership for Parks, 60^th Police Precinct and all volunteers. Most importantly, Kaiser Park’s renaissance would not be possible without the lion’s share of funding from Council Member Recchia.  To him and his vision we are truly indebted.

Clearly, FOKP is an viable and vital organization that both the Coney Island community and Kaiser Park need and benefit.  And, there’s plenty of work to be done and from the momentum FOKP has thus far, this is just the group of people that will get it done. In the year 2008 we launch our web site www.friendsofkaiserpark.com

 

Rocco J. Brescia

Executive Directo