Founded by local residents in 1982, the Garden of Hope was adopted in 2006 by interior designer Ellie Cullman, Co-Founder of the design firm Cullman & Kravis, Inc. Cullman generously provided the design for this community space, which she dedicated to her late business partner and beloved friend, Hedi Kravis. As Brooklyn natives, Cullman and Kravis – both of whom were born and raised in the area – were no strangers to this community’s need for open, green space.

While undertaking two years of careful planning and execution, Cullman simultaneously raised the funding essential to support NYRP’s restoration of the Garden of Hope through significant donations provided by many of Kravis’ longtime friends and business associates. The garden was officially re-opened in May 2008. Then in 2019, as part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative, NYRP outfitted the garden with a water supply and irrigation system.

Featuring a variety of sculptural elements – including concrete globes of various sizes, travertine pavers, a lawn and gazebo, green walls of espaliered Euonymus, a sprinkler system, a distinctive wrought iron gate and garden sheds – the Garden of Hope has become a popular neighborhood hub for everything from community gatherings to weddings and youth recreation to quiet contemplation.