Empowering a Local Parks Alliance

Morrison Foerster attorneys Al Williams and Bo Sarzynska represented The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance (“NBK Parks”) in the creation of a Facilities Use Agreement to be used with counterparties hosting events in outdoor spaces managed by NBK Parks. In 2020, NBK Parks secured a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to manage and operate the public space located on state-owned land under the newly rebuilt Kosciuszko Bridge between Brooklyn and Queens. With in-person events resuming, NBK Parks sought legal assistance for the creation of a template agreement that works within the confines of the DOT permit for use of the permitted spaces to host outdoor events such as concerts and temporary roller rinks. The matter was referred to Morrison Foerster by Lawyers Alliance, and Al and Bo worked closely with the program’s Executive and Deputy Directors to create the Facilities Use Agreement.

Formed in 2003, NBK Parks is a nonprofit corporation that raises private funds to expand and improve open spaces in North Brooklyn. It works with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, elected officials, and the community to maintain, activate, enhance, and expand local parks. Unlike traditional park conservancies, NBK Parks has committed to improving all parks in Brooklyn’s Community District 1 rather than focusing on a single park, allowing it to leverage resources from more affluent parts of the district to improve less advantaged areas of the community.