Official website: http://osanb.org/
Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn (OSA) was formed in 2003 to raise private funds to expand and improve open space in North Brooklyn. OSA is modeled after other successful conservancies, working with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, elected officials, and the community to maintain, activate, enhance, and expand local parks.
Unlike traditional park conservancies, however, OSA is committed to improving ALL the parks in Community District 1 rather than focusing on a single park. In doing so, less advantaged areas of the community can be improved by leveraging resources from more affluent parts of the district.
In 2008, OSA signed a formal operating agreement with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, and hired an Executive Director who serves a dual role as the North Brooklyn Parks Administrator. Today OSA has six staff members including two maintenance workers and one gardener, all working to make North Brooklyn parks the best they can be.
Board members are required to contribute financially, and provide service on Board Committees. Annual Board member contributions make full time staffing possible, and demonstrate to traditional funding sources that OSA has a dependable cash flow, and local support. OSA’s Board includes the local elected officials in an advisory capacity.
By raising funds and joining their parks advocates, community groups, Community Board 1, elected officials, and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, together they create the green space the neighborhood needs.