Katie Shimick is doing her part to improve the environment here in the Capital District. The Shaker High School senior is being honored as the North Colonie Kids Care recipient for the month of December after creating a micropark on Albany’s Livingston Avenue.
This project is the result of a 501(c)3 organization called Green Spaces Albany, Inc. created by Shimick. Her original idea was to clean up a vacant Albany lot, which turned into an 18-month process resulting in Green Spaces Albany which leases land from the city of Albany and creates micro-parks with grants from local and national businesses.
The mission of her non-profit had two goals. The first was to pioneer a streamlined process for others to obtain neglected lots in Albany County and convert them into permanent green spaces. Her second goal was to create Green Spaces Albany’s first micropark on Livingston Ave, which she did! Katie worked with lawyers, the Albany Land Bank, various community groups, local small businesses and big box stores. With the help of these community partners and volunteers from Shaker Student Government, Green Spaces Albany has provided a year-round park for families on Livingston Avenue to enjoy. Congratulations Katie and keep up the great work you are doing!
