From Concrete to Greenery

Last summer, I went to Manhattan. And by sheer chance, the hotel I stayed at was right on top of the High Line, a lovely park that used to be an elevated railroad. The city, along with a very large crew of volunteers, turned this elevated railway into a beautiful, thriving park that winds its way through the Meat Packing District.

I spent several mornings walking along this amazing park. Even though the bustling city was just a story below, it felt much further away. This space, which used to be an eyesore, was now a welcome respite teeming with birds, flowers, and peace.

According to UNFPA, by 2030 more than 5 billion people will live in the city. Right now, more than half the world’s population lives in a city. If we’re going to thrive as a human race, then it’s up to us to make sure our cities are as nourishing, healthy, and spiritually healing as they can be. And one of the best ways to do this is by making sure there is enough green space for everyone to enjoy.

Fortunately, more and more cities are recognizing that endless concrete is both spiritually and environmentally depleting. And in spite of the down economy, they’re making efforts to turn unused spaces into lush, green parks that everyone can enjoy.

Madrid is another city that’s trying to transform its landscape. According to the New York Times, the city just finished a six mile park, called Madrid Rio, that used to be an aged highway. Seoul, South Korea finished a park in 2005 that exposed a long buried river running through the city center. And Yonkers, NY is trying to expose the Saw Mill River, which runs right along their city center.

You can help increase the amount of greenery in your own city by getting involved in a neighborhood greenery project. Any unused lots in your neighborhood could potentially be the site of a community garden, a patch of wildflowers, or some newly planted trees.

I used to live in downtown Detroit, and it’s amazing how much work is getting done to transform that city. And, it’s not being done by government or city workers. Neighborhood by neighborhood is getting transformed by regular, everyday people. They’re cleaning up trash, starting gardens, and turning abandoned houses and lots into artistic and beautiful spaces and parks. They’re not waiting for permission; they’re just doing it.

Our cities can be nourishing, environmentally friendly places to live. But, we have to take the responsibility upon ourselves to make them that way. Waiting around for someone else to do it for us will likely mean we’re waiting a long time.