Everything Under The Sun: Visions For A Better Community

Some of Project Petals' volunteers.

Imagination and vision can lead to some transformations, even in a city the size of New York City. Alicia White is a singular and distinguished woman whose vision led to a better community. Among the many hats she wears is social entrepreneur, advisor, innovator, advocate, and visionary. She has experience in management, development, staging events, sort of a multi-talented woman who creates a world of "Wow!' when she starts working on community issues.

So, it's no surprise that Ms. White founded an organization, PROJECT PETALS INC., that focuses on revitalizing and developing neighborhoods, especially in under-served sectors of the City. She didn't have to look far for the first project, a neglected and weed-strewn section of woods and parkland, with a section of LIRR track forming the southwest boundary, known as Railroad Park.

Ms. White explained her interest, before work began on the park in 2013, "Project Petals will restore the park, create a garden, assemble a team of volunteers to clean up, and create a path for the area. To turn Railroad park into a space that can be utilized by all. A community garden and vegetable garden will serve the community. Our second initiative for the park will be to turn the wooded area into a nature trail."

Project Petals has continued its involvement with maintaining the gains made in Railroad Park, while beginning to work with local youth by engaging them in envisioning change in their community. The organization has developed a Youth Builders Program for those interested in architecture, engineering, design, and urban planning. Project Petals has been bringing educational and informational sessions to local students in junior high school and high school. Such community development leaders as Turner Construction and Partnerships For Parks provide professionals in their fields to teach the youths about the knowledge required, in scheduled workshops.

One project that is still in the planning stages is Project Petals Mapping. Mapping out the area is designed to help this organization areas that are affected by community and environmental issues, thus developing a better idea of how interventions will impact specific areas.

Working on a safer commuter pathway through Railroad Park.

For an organization that is as young as Project Petals, to receive honors and recognition for the work they do is pretty astounding. Yet, this organization has done just that. On April 27, Project Petals, including its board and volunteers, are to be honored at The Mayoral Service Recognition Ceremony. Ms. White will also be awarded at the ceremony, in recognition of her work as Executive Director and Founder.