Don't Call It A Sponge Park...

Of all the things to argue about. I guess we now know why the previous story on the Sponge Park had a trademark on it, and a commenter requested not to refer to it as a Sponge Park. Take it away, Brooklyn Paper:

"It turns out that “Sponge Park” is not some kind of public trust — it’s a trademarked name that belongs to dlandstudio — as do two Web domain names that use the name to promote dlandstudio’s business.

“They trademarked the name without our knowledge or permission,” said Andy Simons, chairman of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy.

Simons specifically blamed dlandstudio’s principal, Susannah Drake, for the betrayal. Strong word? You decide: For her work on the park, Drake received about $21,000, of which $16,000 came from a New York State Council for the Arts grant.

Simon’s mind is made up.

“When you are taking public money, you are not supposed to be creating something that is privately owned,” he said. “As soon as you take public funds, it becomes publicly owned.”"

Don't Call It A Sponge Park...