March 3, 2026
Horticulturist Kim Yim Wins NYC Parks 2026 GreenThumb Garden Award
RIPA Horticulturist's Garden Honored for Third Straight Year by NYC Parks
Last week, Randall’s Island Park Alliance Horticulturist Kim Yim received the NYC Parks GreenThumb “Going the Extra Mile” award for her work at the Pleasant Village Community Garden in East Harlem. This is the third consecutive year the garden has been honored by NYC Parks and Kim has played a role in its growth!
Kim is entering her second season here at Randall’s Island Park and answered a few questions about working for the Alliance and her award-winning garden.
What is your favorite part about working at the Park?
Other than being in such close proximity to where I live, my favorite part about working on Randall’s Island Park is the scale and possibility of it. The Park is such a unique and rare opportunity to steward land. We’re situated at the intersection of nature, infrastructure, and community — and that combination is exciting.
Can you tell us about your award-winning garden?
The garden is nearly 50 years old and continues to be a fixture in the neighborhood. It operates year-round, with approximately 40 fruit trees, two high-tunnel greenhouses for growing summer crops and cultivating mushrooms, and a flock of hens that provide fresh eggs. We maintain an active weekly composting program with a 24/7 drop-off bin, collecting multiple tons of neighborhood food scraps each year. In recent years, the garden has been recognized by the Parks Department with the Outstanding Landscape Award, and last year one of our founding members received the Lifetime Achievement Award. We have approximately 50–60 active members, in addition to long-standing senior members, as well as volunteer groups who support the garden throughout the season. Our public open hours run Saturdays and Sundays beginning in April.
Do you have a favorite public program here at the Park?
I really appreciate Cocktails on the Farm, and I’m not even much of a drinker. Public programming naturally centers families, seniors and children, which is important — but it’s refreshing to see events that intentionally create space for adults to gather, connect, and experience the Park in a different way. It felt relaxed, social, and thoughtfully curated, and it showed another dimension of what the Park can offer.
What are some things you’re looking forward to in 2026 at the Park?
In 2026, I can confidently say I’m not looking forward to any more snow. While the island is undeniably beautiful covered in white, I’m excited to watch the gardens fully come to life this season.
And on a lighter note, I’m looking forward to playing Traitors again (note: this was a staff competition that took RIPA by storm!) — I’ve officially become addicted to the show. I didn’t even realize at first that I actually know people from the show!