Please join us in signing this petition directed to the Parks Department, city officials, and Linden Hill Cemetery to save the sunset view at Grover Cleveland Park. 

As residents of Ridgewood, we cherish both Grover Cleveland Park and Linden Hill Cemetery. Recently, the tall overgrown fence that divided the park and the cemetery fell over. This opened an incredible view towards the Manhattan skyline, especially at sunset, delighting many members of the community who came to the park to sit and enjoy this spectacular prospect, including a tremendous display of fireflies that led to some calling the spot Firefly Point.

As of a few days ago, the entire area is newly fenced off, the path itself blocked, and this unique new community space lost. We understand that a fence at this location is necessary for safety but we think that this moment presents an opportunity to consider how to make this view permanent through thoughtful design.

While the cemetery is private, it is also green space, which we lack in this neighborhood: according to the New Yorkers for Parks Open Space Profile, our Community District 5 has just 7% park land as compared to 23% for the city as a whole, putting us 41 out of 59 community districts.

Even the accidental opening up of this view made the extent of green space feel more integrated and abundant. It also increased appreciation and awareness of the two historic cemeteries adjacent to the park  (Linden Hill and Ahawith Chesed) among the hundreds of current Ridgewood residents that we estimate stopped by this spot over the last few months.

There may be relatively straightforward solutions that could preserve the view while addressing the safety issue. For instance, terraced seating could perhaps provide elevated seating and the fence height could be reduced to 48”, allowing parkgoers to see over it.

We write in hopes that the Parks Department and cemetery can work together to enhance this incredible place on behalf of everyone, taking this unique moment as an inspiration.

Sincerely,

Ridgewood Residents