Purpose: The Memorial Grove at Sunset Park will consist of two semi-circular clusters of canopy and under story trees that will embrace and frame lower Manhattan. The botanical color signature is white, featuring tree and shrub species that will flower from early spring throughout the summer.
Reason site was selected: Sunset Park, which is elevated above street level, is a perfect viewshed for lower Manhattan, which is why it was chosen as the Parks Department’s memorial site for September 11th. It is also a Park that will benefit greatly benefit from the landscape enhancement. Parks hopes to generate community interest in the grove by working with local groups to help maintain the planting.
Events planned for site: Their design plan is still in development, but they plan to denote the trees as living memorials through the use of signature species and interpretive iconography. They also hope to have outreach through volunteer tree plantings, community contributions of seasonal plantings, art installations, meetings, and performances. Their design will reflect these plans by leaving some space unfinished for future community input.