Leaders from Columbia University and New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation joined forces in Morningside Park to celebrate a partnership aimed at restoring the park’s pond, fixing water pumps, and revitalizing its iconic waterfall. The event marked the first time in seven years that the waterfall was turned on, providing a refreshing sight as water cascaded over the rocks into the pond below.
This initiative, launched last year, leverages Columbia’s expertise to enhance Morningside Park’s ecosystem and create climate-resilient public spaces. Faculty from Columbia’s Climate School and Engineering School, along with community members, are collaborating on this project to tackle environmental challenges and set a precedent for parks around the world. The focus is on safeguarding parks from the impacts of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall linked to climate change.
Originally constructed in 1989 in place of a planned gymnasium, Morningside Park’s pond has faced challenges in recent years due to pump failures and algal blooms. The restoration project aims to address these issues and provide a sustainable model for urban parks. Algal blooms, a growing concern in stagnant bodies of water, pose health risks and are exacerbated by rising temperatures.
Read the full story on Columbia News.
