2008 Awards

Merit Award

Library Green
New Rochelle, NY

Thomas Balsley Associates 
www.tbany.com

Library Green is located adjacent to the public library in downtown New Rochelle. The space was formerly an empty lot and the surrounding area was blighted and the target of urban renewal. The timing of the new park coincided with the increasing density of higher-quality housing in the downtown and the need for quality public spaces that would bring 24-hour activity to downtown. The result is a design concept grounded in the philosophy that shared public spaces must be feasible and provide park experience choices in order to sustain their long-term success. A large circular lawn organizes the space and activities by providing perimeter spaces that accommodate the variety of activities: garden beds, social seating, outdoor reading rooms, toddler play areas, caf