Barnard student research supports Street Lab’s work on NYC Open Streets

Students from Barnard College have volunteered and interned with Street Lab for many years, in neighborhoods near campus and across the city. Recently, urban studies major Mariah Iris Ramo worked with Street Lab’s Community Planner, Jim Lammers, on a project to map community assets and resources near locations where Street Lab is working with local groups and schools to launch Open Streets. In the case of schools, Mariah also cross-referenced data about space near each school for physical fitness and play, because a lack of these spaces is a critical issue for our school partners. Mariah’s work will help Street Lab connect our local partners to existing resources that can help ensure the success of the Open Streets we are supporting across the city.

Mariah noted how the research made her more aware of the quality and availability of public spaces and other resources at street level as she walked through New York. “I was especially struck by the lack of youth centers and other spaces for young people in some areas,” she said. “Where I’m from in Hawaiʻi, these spaces are an important part of neighborhoods, and I’ve seen the power they have in cultivating community among younger generations and across generations. I’m hopeful to see more of these kinds of spaces continue to grow across the city, as they create opportunities to come together, to learn, to celebrate, and simply to enjoy being in community with each other.”

We appreciate Mariah’s work and encourage people of all ages to get involved with Street Lab. You can volunteer, participate in our Youth Education Programs, and apply to work with us as Program Staff.