In 1976, Barry Benepe chose Union Square Park, which dated to 1831 and
had fallen into extreme disrepair, as the site for his second
greenmarket. Benepe, an architect and planner, started the
Greenmarket program in 1975 with an $800 grant from the America the
Beautiful Fund to demonstrate how temporary markets could bring life
to streets and create community gathering places on empty lots and
underused parks. The program now sponsors farmers markets in more than
30 neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
The Greenmarket prompted activity around the park, drawing residents
who wanted to buy fresh produce trucked in from farms throughout the
region. In the 1980's, the market's popularity led to a
multimillion-dollar renovation of Union Square and revitalized the
neighborhood. The market now draws tens of thousands of people a
year.
bldrwu and juliehudsongreen added this photo to their favorites.
Letincelle 66 months ago | reply
ohhh
anaivette64 45 months ago | reply
Award your photo seen in:
Fresh Market