4. The Lotus Garden

Once upon a time this plot was merely a condominium garage roof, but now it’s a thriving community garden. Lotus Garden, on the Upper West Side’s 97th street, between Broadway and West End Avenues, is one of New York’s first green roofs, and has tall shrubbery, fruit trees, a green wall, flowers, two goldfish ponds, and views of the colorful buildings across the street.

In the late 1980s, community organizers joined to form a committee whose goal was to create a tranquil green space out of an unused roof. Thirty years later, the 1/6th of an acre garden is flourishing thanks to its community members, whose $20/year membership fees help maintain the gardens and plots. Nearly 30 member gardeners work to maintain the beautiful and secluded elevated park, and host family friendly events. Though Lotus Garden is accessible 24/7 to members, it is open to the public every Sunday from 1-4 PM.