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Author Topic: JH with kids - garden or no garden?  (Read 4513 times)

agritty

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JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« on: July 21, 2008, 11:29:05 AM »
Hi,

My husband and I have been thinking about relocating to JH from Brooklyn for a long time.  We now have an 18 month old daughter and are thinking about it even more.  In terms of apartments, we are looking to buy with a moderate budget.  We are aware of the lack of green space and parks in the area. For you parents out there, how important is it to have a garden in your building?  Our kid is very active and busy.  Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
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Offline John Prester

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #1 on: July 21, 2008, 01:39:10 PM »
I'll make the assumption that since you have a young daughter and have an interest in a building with a garden, that you are therefore:

Looking for a building with a garden, and the building(s) also allows your daughter to run around on the grass.

Two buildings that I'm a bit familiar with:

1.) Hawthorne Court - 35-13 to 35-55 76th Street; 35-14 to 35-58 77th Street (Between 35th Avenue and 37th Avenue)
     I believe these buildings explicity FORBID anyone from walking on the grass in the center, i.e. no blankets permitted, no sitting on the grass, etc.  You may run/jog on the gravel path on the perimeter, but "Stay off the lawn!".  That was what I was told several years ago by someone who lives there.  It may have changed since then, perhaps someone who knows for sure can verify this.

2.) Hampton Court - 78th and 79th Street (Between 35th Avenue and 37th Avenue)
     These buildings allow you to walk on the grass, place a blanket on the grass, have a picnic, children may run around. 
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Offline buddy

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #2 on: July 21, 2008, 10:40:58 PM »
A lot of the gardens are like old fashioned living rooms: look pretty but don't sit on the sofa!  Definitely ask when you go to different buildings if the residents and their children play in the gardens.  There are also some buildings without green gardens to play in but they have playgrounds for their resident's children.  Roosevelt Terraces I think do and Saxony Towers also.  These are fenced in areas where children ride their tricycles and play together usually on cement.
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judibean

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2008, 12:24:32 PM »
I agree, based on my unscientific observations during the summer garden tours where they open up like 10 private gardens (this year's tours just passed).  I noticed only one place where there were people on the grass.  It may have been Hampton Court. 
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Offline Shelby2

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #4 on: July 22, 2008, 12:29:45 PM »
I have heard the Dunnolly has a "well-used" garden that is an entire block long.  I assumed this to mean that people are out and about, barbecuing and reading and playing.  But I must admit I did not ask for details about what "well-used" might mean, so take this comment for what it's worth.
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Offline Ed

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #5 on: July 22, 2008, 01:29:17 PM »
I'm in the Griswold and our building is on a block end and does not have an enclosed "courtyard" garden. But there is private space behind the building that our Garden Committee had been doing a lot of work in (especially this year) and is used. The only barbecues are 'officially sanctioned" ones that are put on by the Board, but there are places to sit and read or take your kids etc.
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judibean

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #6 on: July 22, 2008, 02:51:45 PM »
My recollection of Dunnolly when I was looking to buy is that it is more of a concrete yard with trees and benches around the trees.   There may have been bushes by the entrances to each of the wings.  I didn't see any grassy areas.
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Offline starchild

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #7 on: July 23, 2008, 12:53:55 PM »
Quote from: Shelby2 on July 22, 2008, 12:29:45 PM
I have heard the Dunnolly has a "well-used" garden that is an entire block long.  I assumed this to mean that people are out and about, barbecuing and reading and playing.  But I must admit I did not ask for details about what "well-used" might mean, so take this comment for what it's worth.

the garden at Dunolly is well used in that residents picnic at the tables in the center and small children do run around, drawing chalk pictures on the concrete areas but BBQ and ball playing are not allowed...
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Offline spanishfish

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #8 on: July 26, 2008, 01:06:00 AM »
Most of the gardens in the area are pretty and for quiet activities; sitting a reading a book. The last garden tour I went on, I also noticed that there were only a few that had any grass and even less that allowed anyone to enjoy that grass and sit on it. It's a shame.

So, if you want to get a place with a garden, be sure to ask to see the House Rules about the garden and what activities you are allowed to engage in. Chances are that you can't just let your kids roam around in it unattended.
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Offline Griswold Girl

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Re: JH with kids - garden or no garden?
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2008, 09:15:01 AM »
Roosevelt Terrace is very affordable.  It is a post-war complex with affordable apartments, low maintenance (includes electricity), garage and large enclosed play area for children.  I would absolutely look there.  Also, another tip, if you have a modest budget I think you can absolutely get more bang for your buck up in the 80s where I live.  That is what we chose to do.  It is quieter but still close to everything, we are very happy here. Good luck!
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