project leader
Joel G
location
Fort Four Park
(Kingsbridge Road, Bronx NY)
latest update rss
We reached $10,000!

the project

Often times, we are trapped with the idea that it's hard to make a change. Conveyed with a notion that government limits our efforts to contribute to the local problems surrounding our neighborhoods. I am no politician. I am a civic representative speaking on behalf of Fort Four Park located in Sedwick ave Bronx, NY. Living here for 25 years, I realized that the park and community I grew up in, has been drained of color and spirit. It felt as if the parks that gave us life, friends and purpose began deteriorating and losing our love and interest. Soon enough, many stopped playing basketball completely and young kids will skip basketball to smoke weed.

We could not bear to see our park lose the community we once built. That is why I took upon the initiative to attend a Bronx Community Board meeting and speak in behalf of all our park members and ballplayers to get an approval by NYC parks to begin renovations for our basketball courts. 

During the Bronx Community Board meeting, I raised awareness of how our parks are being neglected and how we are deciding to help contribute to change with NYC parks if we can gain an approval. Bronx Community Board and NYC parks loved my presentation and directed me to the head rec manager of Fort Four Park to begin the initiative. We were also able to partner with a nonprofit called Project backboard in order to renovate the color theme of our courts while we covered the installation of the backboard. So far, we have the green light. All we need now is for our community to come together and be part of a change that will impact the lives of many.

Once we collect the full funding amount. We will begin installing new backboards immediately while our civic members and Project Backboard vote on the color theme of the park. Once we conclude to a collective decision, we will begin the painting and try to open the new renovations by June 1st. 

Let's be the change that people want to see...

the steps

The process will begin with the installation of the backboards. The process will

  • Cost around $10,080
  • Project Start: May 1st 
  • Will take 4-6 hours to install
  • Will be 3 fiberglass backboards with new rim and net.

On June 1 2021 we will host the grand opening and open the park with a basketball tournament fundraiser planning to raise funds for other park initiatives. 

 

why we're doing it

This park initiative is much bigger than us. I am simply the spokesperson for the change that our communities have been begging for. 

I was born and raised playing basketball in Fort Four Park. I'm sure many can agree that FFP has molded them as well. I can confidently say that I have made some great friends there and have learned lessons through the trials and tribulations I faced playing basketball. However, it wasn't always like that. As I began to age into an adult, I'd pass by the park and see no one there. Just an empty park with faded painting and rusty backboards. 

It isn't our responsibility, but our moral obligation to do what's best for our park. 

budget

Disbursed budget:

- Fiber Glass backboards x3 - $8,000

- Installation - $1,800

- Safetiness and performance features - $280



TOTAL RAISED = $10,000.00
ioby Platform Fee $35.00
ioby Fiscal Sponsorship Fee (5%) $498.25
ioby Donation Processing Fee (3%) $172.18
TOTAL TO DISBURSE= $9,294.58

Original budget:

  • Fiber Glass Backboards with rim and a customized theme - $5,000
  • Installment fees for the resurfacing of the concrete floor - $10,000
  • Painting and outlining of the basketball court - $3,000
  • Plants and grass designs to accompany our trees - $2,000


SUBTOTAL = 20,000
ioby Platform Fee  $35
ioby Fiscal Sponsorship Fee (5%) $1,000
ioby Donation Processing Fee (3%) $600
TOTAL TO RAISE = $21,635

 

updates

We reached $10,000!

Sedgwick Park Community, we embarked on another great milestone. The $10,000 mark embodies the tremendous effort we've put in since day 1. From the very beginning, we stood along the ride and went through every storm to get to where we are now! Let's just trace back to the events that helped us shape our community in the year 2019.

  • We Hosted a Summer Kick-Off Day Offering Pizza, Drinks, Music, Good vibes and Basketball.
  • We hosted a School Supply Drive with the help of multiple Organizations.
  • Followed by Planting bulbs and seeds to our tree beds and painting benches
  • Halloween fest at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
  • Turkey Drive at St James Park
  • Toy Drive at PS86
  • Basketball Saturdays!

And we are not stopping here! We continue to speak to our neighbors to discuss ideas and ways that we may keep igniting and shaping our community for the better.

We need you to keep our momentum going in the meantime! Small donations make a dramatic difference in making others follow suit. But it starts with one of us. We have what it takes. Let's continue making a difference. We've done a great job so far and our true leadership is showing each and everyday. We salute you and most importantly, God is pleased.

- Joel Xavier

Community Activist

A chance for Sedgwick Park to win $200,000

Hey Guys, Joel from Sedgwick Park. Hope everyone is having a productive week.

"The David Prize" is hosting a grant contest for those who have big ideas for their community. The $200,000 grant helps us tackle many issues in the neighborhood and will help us take this project to the next level. I ask if you may nominate me into this award. By earning this grant - we will work 10x harder in revitalizing our neighborhood and making our community safe, fun and engaging.

Here is the link

https://thedavidprize.org/nominate/

Nominee Details

Name: Joel Guerrero

Email: Joelxguerrero

Thank you guys - we're making great strides to ensure that we revamp our neighborhood. 2020 will be a great year for us.

Best, 

The Sedgwick Community

 

 

Taking Care Of The Neighborhood That Took Care Of Us.

A community has resources, events, social recreation, seminars, courses, open green space, engaging people and charming amneneties. It begins with connection. But how can we do it in the age of social media? Yup, "Social Media." 

Let's connect ideas with one another via social - \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/ 

www.Instagram.com/Wearekingsbride  and www.instagram.com/SedgwickPark

We've came along way since our initial plan to revitalize our courts. To raising $9,400 from over 100 community members to hosting a Pizza event & hosting our first Annual School Supply Drive! The turnout has been amazing and we don't plan to stop just yet! 

Our next goal is to partner with New York for Parks and Bronx is Blooming for a First Annual Neighborhood Cleanup. Would love for you guys to be involved.

http://bronx.news12.com/story/40485717/kingsbridge-heights-community-raises-money-to-renovate-basketball-court

https://riverdalepress.com/stories/colorful-courts-in-kingsbridge-park-could-come-soon,69225

 

Our donations are being matched dollar for dollar via IOBY Power up match program!

We've reached 37% of our goal! $7,500

We are excited to thank all of the donors who are participating in helping us secure the necessary funding to keep our vision alive. Our neighborhood is in dire need of some change and the members of the community are doing the best within our power to ensure that we meet this goal! 

We have reached out to sponsors, small businesses and even Director of Communications for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr to tag along this project.

We've also agreed to allow (www.Projectbackboard.org) to be the artist for our Basketball court theme.

 

We're one step closer and we'll need all the help we can get to keep the flame on!

If you've already donated in the month of March. Please feel free to throw in a smaller donation. Even small change can help us make BIG impact.

 

Looking forward to keeping you guys updated!

 

Best,

Fort Four Park Community

photos

This is where photos will go once we build flickr integration

donors

  • Gus V.
  • Anonymous
  • iron emp
  • Anonymous
  • Eliza Balazic
  • Anonymous
  • Jonathan P.
  • Brian Rudolph
  • The Rev. Dr. Kahli C. Mootoo
  • Petrit
  • Tracy H
  • Amber D.
  • Basit D.
  • Joel X.
  • Gus V.
  • Anonymous
  • Brandon D
  • Jonathan P.
  • Anonymous
  • Anonymous
  • PITOLA
  • Ron Thomas
  • Anonymous
  • Anonymous
  • Ashley R
  • Anonymous
  • Samuel R.
  • Anonymous
  • Sam
  • Joel X
  • Joel X Guerrero
  • Elloys D.
  • Ricky Castro
  • Gus V.
  • Softheon
  • Samantha G.
  • Joel X. X. Guerrero
  • Enz
  • @Bosswarr
  • Gus V.
  • Henry O.
  • Trippy
  • Migz
  • Lov3 EndlessLY
  • Lov3 EndlessLY
  • Klivia B
  • Osaze M.
  • Anonymous
  • Joel G.
  • Ricardo Lyons
  • Gus V.
  • Joel X
  • Ron gees
  • Marlene Pinales
  • Jonathan P
  • Akeem B.
  • Joel G.
  • Christian B.
  • CantaveMarketing
  • Rubbani Singh
  • Anonymous
  • Clement F.
  • Anonymous
  • Martha M.
  • Cara Kelly
  • Rafael P.
  • @BossWarr
  • J. Waldo IV
  • Lizzy Kons
  • Jose
  • Morgan T.
  • Claude Williams
  • Sally
  • Brianna D.
  • Edward guerrero
  • Edward guerrero
  • Brandon D & Edward G.
  • Cristal Arlandy
  • Simeon H.
  • Joel X
  • Amrietaa
  • Keisha Arlene
  • Anonymous
  • Darien
  • Ruyert p
  • Anonymous
  • Migz
  • Elloys D.
  • Leanna
  • Amanda
  • Yesenia L.
  • PJ Perez
  • F. Garcia
  • Lawrence McCutchen
  • Romy
  • Mildred
  • Joel X. X. Guerrero
  • Joel Xavier
  • Jon
  • Gilie A