Brooklynites are good at many things – especially when it comes to creatively using any available space. Like many city dwellers, Brooklyn residents who want to enjoy some of the comforts, conveniences and activities typically found in the suburbs have figured out unique ways to make that possible in their urban surroundings. A perfect example of this creativity: The Brooklyn Crush Rooftop Pool which allows 363 Bond Street residents the opportunity to enjoy outdoor fun in the sun instead of an indoor simulation. Another creative use of space for an uncommon city activity was the brainchild of the Brooklyn Grange Farm CSA.
Wishing to build a farm in the heart of Brooklyn seems like futile effort since cities are not the best settings for agriculture. Yet the founders of Brooklyn Grange Farm were determined to find a way to make city farming possible. Knowing that groundspace was limited, they looked to the sky for their solution. Realizing that city roofs were practically undeveloped land, they began to transform rooftops into sustainable farms and greenspaces. Ten years later, Brooklyn Grange manages the world’s largest rooftop farm spread out across three roofs for a total of 5.6 acres.
In addition to providing the neighborhood with over 100,000 lbs of organically-grown produce each year, Brooklyn Grange Farm also supports the community through youth education programs for K-12 students. Adults can benefit from Brooklyn Grange’s year-round workshops that not only focus on food and farming but also on topics that range from wellness to business. Visitors can take ticketed or virtual tours of the farms to see these amazing operations and learn more about their techniques, programs and day-to-day life on the city farm.
If you’re looking for unique dining experiences, Brooklyn Grange hosts seasonal farm dinners at their various locations. These dinners not only incorporate the farm’s vegetables and herbs, they also focus on various farm-themed topics like sustainability and food waste.
As well as feeding minds with knowledge and stomachs with delicious food, Brooklyn Grange also wants to feed the community’s spirit, too. During the summer, Brooklyn Grange presents rooftop yoga classes every Tuesday night. Designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced enthusiasts, each 60-minute class provides movement, meditation and a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline.
Perhaps best of all, Brooklyn Grange is available for private events. With its delicious, locally-grown food, spectacular view and beautiful backdrop, Brooklyn Grange is the ideal location for your next cocktail party, corporate event, team-building retreat or business reception. Plus, a Brooklyn Grange wedding is the perfect answer for young couples who want to throw a rustic wedding in the heart of the city.
Brooklyn residents are innovative and creative visionaries – and Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farms is living proof of this statement.