Eve Brooks, gardener at Herbert Von King Park, cares for her pet turtle, enjoys Sam Cooke music, and works in the park’s dirt.
Eve Brooks, a dedicated gardener at Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn, has a fascinating journey that led her to her fulfilling career. A decade ago, she found herself unemployed and seeking assistance. A caseworker suggested the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s job training programs, including a horticulture course. This recommendation sparked her interest, and she promptly enrolled in the six-month program.
Growing up in the 1960s in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Ms. Brooks developed a passion for gardening early on. She spent much of her childhood in her backyard, cultivating vegetables with her father and engaging in battles with the unruly city foliage. Her childhood experiences laid the foundation for her future career in horticulture.
Reflecting on her past, Ms. Brooks recalls a memorable incident from her youth when she took matters into her own hands to tackle an invasive tree in her backyard. Despite her unconventional approach of using Drano to deter the tree, she acknowledges that such methods are not advisable. This early encounter with gardening challenges foreshadowed her future role as a dedicated gardener.
Today, Ms. Brooks thrives in her role as the gardener at Herbert Von King Park, a renowned 7.82-acre park in Bedford-Stuyvesant. She navigates the park with ease, equipped with essential tools like a weed whacker, leaf blower, and hedge trimmer. Her commitment to her work is evident in her daily routine, where she dons ski goggles and kneepads, ready to tend to the park’s green spaces.
At 64 years old, Ms. Brooks shows no signs of slowing down and has no intentions of retiring soon. She finds joy and purpose in her work, viewing each day as an opportunity to bring happiness to others through her gardening efforts. Her dedication to her job and the community she serves is unwavering, making her a valuable asset to Herbert Von King Park.
Outside of work, Ms. Brooks shares her home with her daughter in Starrett City, an affordable housing complex in Brooklyn with stunning views of Jamaica Bay. Her commitment to her community extends beyond her professional duties, highlighting her deep-rooted connection to the neighborhood she serves.
In conclusion, Eve Brooks’ inspiring journey from unemployment to a fulfilling career as a dedicated gardener exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing one’s passion. Her unwavering commitment to her work, coupled with her love for gardening, has made her a respected figure at Herbert Von King Park. As she continues to tend to the park’s green spaces with enthusiasm and dedication, Ms. Brooks serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring horticulturists and community members alike.
Source: The NY Times
