Our Purpose

We inspire all generations of Rockaway residents to care for their environment and community. We provide civic engagement and youth development programs that advance social equity and the physical well-being of our vibrant coastal neighborhood in Queens, New York.

Our History

RISE was established in 2005 and has led initiatives created “by the community, for the community.” We see potential in places and people that are often overlooked or marginalized. From our first community-directed planning effort, which led to the creation of the 28-acre Waterfront Park on a lot that had been an illegal dumping ground, to our recent work to transform a dilapidated firehouse in the heart of Far Rockaway into a hub for community programming, to Project Underway, our current effort to repurpose an abandoned stretch of roadway into a safe place to walk, ride bikes, and recreate public space, RISE brings residents together to improve the built and natural environment.

Our Team

From naturalists to filmmakers, educators to designers, our staff connects experts in various professions to the local Rockaway community.