Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyous Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, it is recognized as the nation's oldest continuously celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States.

Juneteenth is a day to honor freedom, reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate Black resilience and achievement, and reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and community. As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors, may we remember those who struggled for freedom and continue working toward a more equitable future for all.

also invite you to visit Juneteenth Grove in Cadman Plaza Park. The peaceful protests following the murder of George Floyd and the broader movement for racial justice made Cadman Plaza Park a fitting home for Juneteenth Grove—a place for remembrance, reflection, healing, and community.

Since its designation in 2020, Juneteenth Grove has been cared for through a partnership between NYC Parks, the Conservancy, and dedicated community volunteers. Together, they have spent countless hours mulching, weeding, planting, and tending the grove, helping it remain a welcoming and vibrant space for all who visit.

Today, we celebrate not only the significance of Juneteenth, but also the power of community stewardship in creating places where history, reflection, and hope can take root.

Thank you to NYC Parks Horticulturalist Anil Chandrakumar for helping make our pilot park compost area a reality by coordinating with NYC Parks Gardener Nathan Grozan, who installed the enclosure in Walt Whitman Park.  Their collaboration has created an important new resource that supports the park and the community.

Thursday June 18th at 6pm Yoga with Llamaste

Join our State Senator Andrew Gounardes for Fitness in the Park meet at the monument base with your yoga mat, comfortable clothes and your water bottle.  Hope to see you there!

The Conservancy’s Wednesday Morning Gardening Volunteers group meets every Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 am in Juneteenth Grove.  Led by NYC Parks Gardener Nathan Grozan, these weekly sessions offer an opportunity to learn about gardening, care for the park, and connect with fellow community members.

Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome.  Please meet in Juneteenth Grove at 9:30 am.

Join the Brooklyn Heights Librarians for Storytime on the lawn in Juneteenth Grove on Wednesday, June 10th, at 10:30 am.

This beloved series brings the joy of children’s literature to life through stories, music and movement. 
Designed to engage young readers and their caregivers, Storytime offers a fun and interactive way to foster a love of reading while enjoying the beauty of the park.

A special thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy—thank you for helping keep our parks healthy, beautiful, and welcoming for all.

Cadman Plaza Park, Walt Whitman Park, and Korean War Veterans Plaza are thriving this season thanks to amazing community volunteers! 🌿 Over the past week, teams helped mulch around the Brooklyn War Memorial and clean up shared green spaces in Walt Whitman Park as part of the Service Collective’s Wednesday Afterschool program. Huge thanks to everyone helping keep our parks beautiful! 💚

Memorial Day Planting Drive- We need your support! 

Please consider supporting the Cadman Park Conservancy’s Memorial Day and 2026 spring planting season.

The Conservancy will continue its partnership with the NYC Parks Department, working closely with horticulture staff to strengthen the ecological connections between Cadman Plaza Park and neighboring public spaces, including Walt Whitman Park, Korean War Veterans Plaza, and Columbus Park. Together, these efforts focus on planting native perennial pollinators and enhancing the health and continuity of our shared green spaces.

Due to forecasted rain, this weekend’s Mulchfest has been postponed. Please join the Cadman Park Conservancy’s annual Spring Mulching Fest event in Juneteenth Grove, now on Sunday May 3rd.  All supplies are provided. Trader Joe’s is providing snacks and Gristedes is providing water!