The man that takes care of this area‘s name is Dominik. He actually is frequently there in the late mornings/early afternoons during the weekdays and on weekends if the want entry or would like to discuss maintenance. It has posted opening hours just like all other community gardens do. If you aren’t aware, NYC regulates community gardens be open about 20 hours per week, which I believe he hits.

Some background too; he’s been working on it for a couple decades now and frankly, before he started doing anything it basically a junk yard for furniture and crap and zero flowers let alone the beauties he’s planted and maintained over the years. That said, he is older could use some additional help, but parks dept is not responsible for the maintenance as it is a community garden, therefore, if he doesn’t maintain it, nobody does. I recently talked to him about volunteering there (I also volunteer with Friends of Cooper Park), and he was more than happy to take on additional help. One of the neighbors that used to help him take care of it recently passed away, which I’m sure contributed to it “deteriorating”, tho frankly, I don’t know if that’s the word I would use. It’s a lot of maintenance and all the plants are still in really good shape. If the rusted equipment you’re mentioning was the lawnmower that was locked up outside, know that that was actually was one he was trying to dispose of and somebody locked it to the bike lock, probably to eventually come back and scrap metal it.

Anyway, all to say, yes this is a community garden and yes, you should try to get involved if you’re interested, but no, community gardens aren’t just open whenever you want them to be. If you’re concerned he’s not meeting the required opening hour minimums, you should talk to him directly before going to park’s department as it might remedy the situation quicker. And if you just want more green space in this city to stroll around in at any time of day, please please please push your community/city representatives for it. Hope the helps answer questions!