Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat: Designing Shade Structures for Yonkers
Community-designed shade structures reimagine resilience in the face of climate change
As rising temperatures continue to reshape urban life, the Hudson River Museum and Groundwork Hudson Valley are proud to announce the opening of Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat: Designing Shade Structures for Yonkers, a bold, new exhibit that looks into extreme heat challenges in Southwest Yonkers and addresses these through community-driven solutions and innovative environmental strategies.
The exhibition opens with a special reception on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6 pm –9 pm at the Hudson River Museum, by invitation only. On view through February 15, 2026, Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat is the culmination of a three-year collaboration supported by Con Edison, bringing together Southwest Yonkers residents, artists, architects, and environmental advocates to design shade structures that are both functional and beautiful.
Visitors will discover innovative prototypes and models of climate-resilient shade structures, designed through a collaboration between community members and Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners. These designs not only provide relief from extreme heat but also reimagine public spaces as places of equity, safety, and creativity. Interactive displays further immerse visitors in the lived experiences of Yonkers residents facing extreme heat, showcasing how thoughtful design can spark lasting, systemic change.
“Extreme heat is the deadliest impact of climate change, and it disproportionately affects historically underserved communities,” said Oded Holzinger, Groundwork Hudson Valley’s Executive Director. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when we invest in residents’ ideas and elevate design as a tool for resilience and justice.”
The Hudson River Museum’s Director and CEO, Masha Turchinsky, shares, “Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat showcases the results of an excellent collaboration with Groundwork Hudson Valley that addresses extreme heat challenges and solutions in Southwest Yonkers. It will be exciting for the public to play an active role in exploring this fascinating topic with us.”
“Starr Whitehouse is honored to support Groundwork Hudson Valley’s initiative to prepare Yonkers residents for extreme heat,” said Michael Haggerty, Principal at Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners. “Groundwork and its partners in the community and the Hudson River Museum are showing how design can offer solutions to climate risks that improve the public realm.”
“We’re proud to support projects that help communities become more resilient to extreme weather,” said Jen Hensley, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Con Edison. “This effort brings communities together to find solutions for neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme heat, designing a structure that will literally throw shade and help keep folks cooler in some of Yonkers’ hottest spots.”
By pairing local voices with design expertise, Throwing Shade on Extreme Heat not only addresses urgent climate challenges but also sparks a new conversation about how cities can build healthier, more inclusive futures.
Event Details
Opening Night Reception: Friday, September 19, 2025, 6 PM – 9 PM, by invitation only.
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY
On View: September 19, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Media Contact:
Oded Holzinger
Executive Director, Groundwork Hudson Valley
oded@groundworkhv.org
This project is made possible with funding from Con Edison’s Climate Justice Resiliency Program, which supports organizations advancing initiatives to mitigate extreme heat and other climate-related weather events in disadvantaged and marginalized communities in New York City and Westchester County.
