Changing of the guard at the Promenade gardens

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — NYC Parks Department Gardener Anil Chandrakumar, who has inspired the volunteer gardeners of the Promenade Garden Conservancy to horticultural heights, has been promoted to Brooklyn Horticulture Supervisor.

The Promenade gardeners gave Chandrakumar rave reviews, saying he made gardening fun for the volunteers who come out every Tuesday to pull weeds, trim and plant while learning about all things green.

“Anil joined us in the fall of 2021, so he was our gardener for almost two years. During that time he endeared himself to the volunteers and impressed everyone with his knowledge and easy-going manner,” said Koren Volk, Brooklyn Heights Association president and Promenade Gardens Conservancy project manager.

The historic Promenade gardens and its volunteer group remain in good hands, however, Volk said.

“The Parks Department has a deep bench of experienced and hard-working gardeners, and since 2009, the Promenade gardens and gardeners have benefited from their care and attention. Each has brought their own unique skill set and personality,” she said.

Parks Gardener Jessica Kulig has been appointed as the new Promenade Gardener and volunteer coordinator for the Promenade Gardens Conservancy. 

BHA’s Promenade Gardens Conservancy has been lauded for its role in lovingly maintaining the gardens along the Promenade, a historic and scenic walkway a third of a mile long. BHA and the city’s Parks Department formed the conservancy partnership in 2009, and BHA underwrites roughly half the cost of the Parks Department’s professional horticulturist.

Kulig will also work with the volunteers who gather in Cadman Plaza Park every Wednesday morning to beautify the gardens there.

“The Cadman Park Conservancy has been greatly enriched…