Sowing Seeds of Change: Public Talk at Riverside Park Field House

~Art by Oliver Lopez~

Presented by: Coro J-A Juanena, PhD
Prof. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain)
Coord. Center for Postcolonial Studies, KOIZ (Basque Country)
This session is designed to spark reflection on how parks can be used as spaces for intergenerational learning, environmental activism, and well-being. By exchanging experiences and best practices, we can find new ways to strengthen the role of urban parks in New York as hubs for ecological awareness and community engagement.
In this talk, Professor Coro J-A Juanena, PhD will be sharing inspiring stories and practical strategies from European urban parks that have successfully integrated environmental education into their daily life, with a particular focus on initiatives that engage older adults as key actors in the learning process.
This event will be interactive, encouraging participants to share their thoughts, memories, and experiences with nature in urban parks. A combination of storytelling, visual presentations, and open discussions will make the session engaging and accessible for all. Participants will also be invited to explore simple ways they can contribute to environmental awareness in their own parks and neighborhoods.
Urban parks are not just green spaces; they are living classrooms where people of all ages connect with nature, culture, and community. As cities grow and environmental concerns become more pressing, parks play a crucial role in fostering awareness, resilience, and a sense of collective responsibility towards nature.
Coro J-A Juanena, PhD is a Professor at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (Spain). Dr. Juanena's unique European educational experience and practical strategies, along with inspiring stories, will enrich our community's engagement with nature.

DIRECTIONS TO THE FIELD HOUSE:
ADA ACCESSIBLE OPTION] Directions for pedestrians from 104th Street & Riverside Drive entrance

• Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 103rd Street & Broadway stop

• Head west on 103rd Street until you reach Riverside Drive

• Alternatively, take M5 bus to Riverside Drive & 104th Street

• Cross into the Park and go down the ramp

• At the base of the ramp, take a left and oward the pedestrian/bicycle promenade

• Take a left on the promenade, and veer right at the south end

• Keep right at the fork
  

Directions for pedestrians from 104th Street & Riverside Drive entrance

• Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 103rd Street & Broadway stop

• Walk west on 103rd Street until you reach Riverside Drive

• Alternatively, take M5 bus to Riverside Drive & 104th Street

• Cross into the Park and go down the staircase

• At the base of the staircase, take a left and walk down toward the pedestrian/bicycle promenade

• You will see a staircase across the promenade – walk down the stairs and the field house will be at the base
  

Directions for pedestrians from 97th Street & Riverside Drive entrance

• Take the 1, 2, or 3 train to 96th Street & Broadway stop

• Head north to 97th Street and make a left towards Riverside Drive

• Enter the park at 97th Street, there is a ramp and staircase available at this entrance

• Once you go down the stairs/ramp, make a right and go north, approximately 4 city blocks, until you reach the fork in the path.

• Take a left and then an abrubt right at the fork -- behind a fence you should see a turf field.

• Walk along this fence until you see the first opening on the right -- enter the field

• At the northern end of this field there is a park house. This is the field house!
  

Directions by car to the 96th Street free public parking lot

• Take the Henry Hudson Parkway South until you reach the 96th Street exit

• Take this exit and pass Riverside Drive

• Drive through the light and go down 95th Street until you get to West End Avenue

• Make a left on West End Avenue then make another left at the light to get back on 96th Street to the highway entrance going north

• Stay to your right and take the first exit that says Henry Hudson Parkway south

• This exit ramp loops under the highway and begins to go south

• Take a right and on this ramp will be the entrance to the free parking lot located at the Red Clay tennis courts

• Before the ramp merges with the highway again you'll see the entrance to the free parking lot on your right
  

Directions to Field House from 96th Street free public parking lot

• Once parked, exit the lot via the staircase on the north side of the parking lot (there is also a ramp at the southern part of the lot if needed)

• Take a right and walk along the river – eventually you will reach a fork in the path.

• Veer to the right to go under an overpass into the Park’s interior

• Once you reach another fordfk in the path, keep left

• You will see a turf soccer field behind a fence – walk through the entrance to the fields

• You will see the Field House on the northern edge of the soccer fields!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

102nd Street Field House, West 101st Street, New York, United States