Welcome to the first 'e' newsletter of the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving and celebrating Brooklyn’s historical park. Read on to find out more about summer in the park.

This past June, the Conservancy was honored to receive an Encore Award from the Arts and Business Council of New York City. The award recognizes innovative programming and partnerships between non-profit organizations and for-profit business. The 41st “Encore” was presented to Conservancy Board Chair Charles Jarden by Independence Community Foundation director, Marilyn Gelber at the Arts and Business Council’s annual luncheon pointing out the Conservancy’s day-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass." Whitman's masterpiece was partly insipired by Fort Greene Park, and the famous poet’s poetry and prose helped to establish the park as one of the first green spaces in Brooklyn.

Fort Greene Park’s newly renovated Visitor Center (pictured at right) officially opened May 18, 2006 with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring special guest David McCullough, author of the best-selling history, "1776." The Visitor Center is open every day and hosts tours by the Urban Park Rangers. For more information or a calendar of ranger programs, stop by the Visitor Center or contact Park Manager Jeff Sandgrund at jeff.sandgrund@parks.nyc.gov or check the calendar at the Conservancy website. The Fort Greene Park Conservancy, partnering with the Parks Department has filled the Visitor Center with interesting artifacts and displays about the park. Visit the new gift shop, which thanks to Conservancy Board Member Jim Barnes, is stocked with postcards, tote bags, books and other gifts as reminders of the grand history of our park. Special thanks go to Brooklyn Borough Parks Department Chief of Staff Martin Maher for all his work in spearheading this remarkable rejuvenation of an unique McKim, Mead & White structure.

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy will be holding a Winetasting Fundraiser on September 28, 2006. ALL proceeds will help the Conservancy to fund improvements and expand programming and outreach initiatives for Brooklyn's historic park. For a donation of $75 to the Conservancy, you will be able to taste over 100 wines. A VIP donation of $125 entitles you to attend a special wine tasting class and priority access to the wines. For tickets or more information, please email Conservancy Board Member Amy Bennett at amy@greenegrape.com.

You can also now donate via credit card or Paypal account on the Conservancy website.