Umma Park

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn’s vibrant Flatbush neighborhood, at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Woodruff Avenue, lies Umma Park – a true testament to community spirit and perseverance. This isn't one of Brooklyn's sprawling green spaces, but rather a compact, thoughtful, and deeply meaningful park that serves as a quiet oasis for local residents. Translated from Arabic, "Umma" means something akin to "community," and this park truly embodies that spirit, having been born from the dedicated efforts of a local community group.

The history of Umma Park is particularly inspiring. It was once a vacant lot that had unfortunately become a neighborhood dumping ground, attracting illegal activities and detracting from the beauty of the surrounding area. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Umma Group, a Central Brooklyn community organization formed by eight Muslim families in 1978, took the initiative to clean up and monitor the lot. Their efforts were instrumental in transforming this eyesore into a productive and inviting space. Working closely with Community Board 14, the Brooklyn Borough President, and NYC Parks, the Umma Group brought about the rebirth of this site as a park. The property was officially transferred to NYC Parks in 1993, and the park, funded by Borough President Howard Golden, opened its gates to the community in 1996. Today, Umma Park serves as a peaceful playground for children and a gathering spot for older residents, a remarkable transformation from its past. It's a testament to what dedicated local action can achieve, turning a negative into a positive community asset right here in our beloved borough.

Umma Park is conveniently situated at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Woodruff Avenue in Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA. This location places it squarely within the Flatbush neighborhood, bordering Prospect Lefferts Gardens, two vibrant and diverse communities known for their residential charm and active local life.

Accessibility to Umma Park is straightforward for anyone navigating Brooklyn's public transit system. The park is just a short walk from several subway stations, making it easily reachable from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Q train, which runs along Ocean Avenue, has stops like Church Avenue and Parkside Avenue, both within a reasonable walking distance. The 2 and 5 train lines at Winthrop Street station are also a viable option, though slightly further. Multiple MTA bus lines also serve the Ocean Avenue and Woodruff Avenue corridors, providing additional transit options for reaching the park.

For those who prefer to walk, the park is highly walkable from the surrounding residential blocks, making it an ideal destination for local families and individuals seeking a nearby green space. Its proximity to larger green areas like Prospect Park (approximately a 13-minute walk) means it can be a convenient stop on a longer park excursion, or a peaceful alternative when the larger parks are bustling. While street parking can be a challenge in this dense urban area, the excellent public transportation links ensure that Umma Park remains an easily accessible community resource for all.

Umma Park, while small, provides essential recreational and communal services to the local neighborhood. Its design focuses on creating a safe and engaging environment for children and a serene spot for all ages.

• Playground Facilities: The primary feature of Umma Park is its playground area, equipped with climbing equipment and slides. This offers a dedicated space for children to play, explore, and socialize in a safe environment. Reviewers note it's "usually pretty empty at the playground," which can be a plus for those seeking a less crowded play experience.

• Safety Surfacing: To minimize injuries, the playground includes safety surfacing, a standard feature in NYC Parks playgrounds designed to protect children from falls.

• Seating Areas: The park features benches, including companion seating, providing comfortable spots for parents to supervise their children, for older residents to relax, or for anyone to take a moment to unwind. The central sitting area includes an arc of benches and ornate paving stones.

• Community Garden: One wing of the park, extending north from Woodruff Avenue, boasts a community garden with a crushed rock path and additional benches. This green space offers a touch of nature and a tranquil spot for quiet reflection.

• Limited Wheelchair Access: While the entrance is wheelchair accessible, NYC Parks notes that not all play elements within the playground are accessible, indicating some limitations.

Umma Park, though modest in size (0.11 acres), possesses several unique features and highlights that underscore its importance and charm for the Flatbush community:

• Community-Driven Origin: A significant highlight is the park's compelling backstory. It transformed from a notorious dumping ground into a vibrant green space thanks to the tireless efforts of the Umma Group, a local community organization. This history makes it a symbol of local empowerment and collective action.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: As noted by local users, Umma Park is often "small quiet playground." This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil environment for children to play, away from the hustle and bustle of larger, more crowded parks. It provides a much-needed respite for quiet reflection or relaxed supervision.

• Unique Design Elements: The park's shape is somewhat like a bird, with an entrance opening into a central sitting area. An iron fence features "two ironwork duck silhouettes" on the gate at Woodruff Avenue, adding a charming and distinctive artistic touch that reflects the park's local character.

• Inclusion of a Community Garden: The presence of a dedicated community garden within the park offers a green sanctuary, promoting urban gardening and providing a beautiful space for residents to enjoy nature.

• Safety and Cleanliness: The Umma Group's initial focus on cleaning up the lot and deterring illegal activities laid the foundation for a park that is known for being clean and safe. This commitment continues under NYC Parks management, ensuring a pleasant experience for visitors.

• Strategic Location: Despite its size, Umma Park's location at a key intersection (Ocean Ave & Woodruff Ave) makes it highly accessible for residents of surrounding neighborhoods, serving as a convenient neighborhood amenity.

As a public park managed by NYC Parks, Umma Park does not offer commercial promotions or special deals in the typical business sense. Its core "promotion" is its continuous availability as a free public space for recreation and community enjoyment.

However, the park, being a product of strong community involvement, often benefits from and hosts local events and initiatives that serve as valuable "offers" to the community. These may not be advertised widely as "promotions" but are significant for local residents:

• Community Engagement Meetings: NYC Parks occasionally holds public input meetings for park improvements or reconstruction, as seen in February 2023 for Umma Park. These are opportunities for locals to directly contribute to the park's future.

• Public Art Initiatives: Umma Park has been the site of public art projects, such as a mural created in collaboration with CITYarts and students from Ditmas IS 62. These cultural additions enhance the park experience and provide free artistic enrichment.

• Volunteer Days: Community groups involved with the park may organize volunteer clean-up days or gardening events, offering residents a chance to engage directly with the park's upkeep and connect with neighbors.

While specific event schedules are not fixed, interested locals can often find information about such happenings through the NYC Parks Department's website (for Umma Park specifically), Brooklyn Community Board 14's announcements, or local neighborhood associations in Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. These free community-driven activities are the true "special offers" of Umma Park, enhancing its role as a local gathering place.

For general inquiries about Umma Park or NYC Parks facilities, you can use the following contact details. While there isn't a direct line specifically for Umma Park, the main NYC Parks number can provide relevant information.

Address: Ocean Ave & Woodruff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA

Phone: (212) 639-9675

Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675

These numbers typically connect to the NYC Parks Department's general information line. For more specific details about Umma Park's history, features, or any community events, it is also advisable to check the official NYC Parks website for Umma Park (by searching "Umma Park NYC Parks") or contact Brooklyn Community Board 14, as they often have information on local park initiatives and public meetings. These resources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information for residents interested in their local park.

For us New Yorkers, especially those living in the Flatbush and Prospect Lefferts Gardens areas of Brooklyn, Umma Park is a highly suitable and cherished local asset. Its suitability stems from its unique history, intimate scale, and crucial role as a neighborhood anchor. In a dense urban environment, having a "small quiet playground" just a minute's walk away, as noted by local reviews, is an invaluable convenience for families with young children. It offers a safe and accessible space for kids to play and burn off energy without the need for extensive travel, providing a genuine sense of ease for parents.

Beyond the playground, Umma Park's integrated community garden offers a tranquil spot for all ages to connect with nature, a rare commodity in city living. The park's very existence is a testament to the power of local residents uniting to transform a neglected space into something beautiful and beneficial, fostering a strong sense of community pride and ownership. This makes it more than just a park; it's a symbol of what collective action can achieve. Its often less-crowded nature, as observed by locals, can be a significant draw for those seeking a more peaceful outdoor experience. Umma Park truly embodies the essence of a local gem: a clean, safe, and easily accessible spot that quietly but effectively enhances the daily lives of those who call this vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood home.

Umma Park

Ocean Ave &, Woodruff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226, USA