At the Battery Conservancys 12th Annual WaterGazer Gala benefit, attended by almost 600 leaders of New York Citys cultural and business communities, Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Benepe said that Gehrys design for the playspace is expected to be unveiled later this year. $4 million has been earmarked for construction and the Battery Conservancy will raise the balance of the funds.

An original Gehry design will complement the uniqueness of the Battery, where land and sea, history and modernity combine in a refuge for pleasure, relaxation, learning and play for people of all ages. The architects work internationally acclaimed for its daring exploration of form, singular combination of urbanity and whimsy, and sensitivity to culture in our built environment lends itself to this project: an original environment for children to explore and have fun. The one-acre playground will also feature a green comfort station with a green roof and vegetal walls.

The new Gehry-designed playspace will be part of the larger renaissance of the Battery, including the flourishing Battery Bosque Gardens; two new gourmet green and organic food kiosks; a Battery Bikeway connecting Manhattans East and West sides; a new Town Green; renovations to Peter Minuet Plaza; and the planned restoration and expansion of historic Castle Clinton.

The Battery Conservancy was created in 1994 as a not-for-profit educational corporation to rebuild and revitalize the Battery and Castle Clinton National Monument, the park's major landmark. The Batterys 25 acres of gardens, mature shade trees and historic monuments also serve as the disembarkation point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and still greets more than five million people a year. The Conservancy spearheads the improvement efforts in partnership on City, State and Federal Levels, and with its private donors.

Frank Gehry is founder and principal of the Los Angeles-based firm Gehry Partners.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

The right to be heard does not automatically include
the right to be taken seriously.

Hubert Humphrey
(1911 1978)

"Id like to thank Frank Gehry for his extraordinary gift tonight," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Its something that should make everybody feel even more optimistic about the future of the Battery and Lower Manhattan. We look forward to his brilliant addition to our world-class City."

At the Battery Conservancys 12th Annual WaterGazer Gala benefit attended by almost 600 leaders of New York Citys cultural and business communities, Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Benepe said Gehrys design for the playspace is expected to be unveiled later this year. $4 million has been earmarked for construction. The Battery Conservancy will raise the balance of the funds.

"It is fitting that the Battery, the birthplace of New York, will be home to another first," said Commissioner Benepe. "Frank Gehrys newest creation will be a truly innovative play experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike, for the young and the young-at-heart."

An original Gehry design will complement the uniqueness of the Battery, where land and sea, history and modernity combine in a refuge for pleasure, relaxation, learning and play for people of all ages. The architects work internationally acclaimed for its daring exploration of form, singular combination of urbanity and whimsy, and sensitivity to culture in our built environment lends itself to this project: an original environment for children to explore and have fun. The one-acre playground will also feature a "green" comfort station with a green roof and vegetal walls.

The new Gehry-designed playspace will be part of the larger renaissance of the Battery, including the flourishing Battery Bosque Gardens; two new gourmet "green" and organic food kiosks; a Battery Bikeway connecting Manhattans East and West sides; a new Town Green; renovations to Peter Minuet Plaza; and the planned restoration and expansion of historic Castle Clinton.

Battery Conservancy President and Founder Warrie Price said, "It is a tremendous honor and privilege to have Frank Gehry as a partner in our rebirth of one of New York Citys most magical places because Frank is one of our nations great magical thinkers his sense of wonder and belief in unlimited possibilities are as alive as any childs. We are delighted that he will bring his remarkable spirit to a new playspace at the Battery, a destination for children of all ages."

The Battery Conservancy was created in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational corporation to rebuild and revitalize the Battery and Castle Clinton National Monument, the park's major landmark. The Batterys 25 acres of gardens, mature shade trees and historic monuments also serve as the disembarkation point for ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and still greets more than five million people a year. The Conservancy spearheads the improvement efforts in partnership on City, State and Federal Levels, and with its private donors.

Frank Gehry is founder and principal of the Los Angeles-based firm Gehry Partners.

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, the Union had no choice but to abandon the Norfolk Navy Yard at Portsmouth Virginia. Before leaving, however, they substantially destroyed and sank the steam-powered ship Merrimack. Confederate engineers raised the hull, rebuilt the Merrimack as an ironclad warship, and renamed it Virginia.

Word of this deadly innovation reached the north and set Swedish-American engineer and inventor John Ericsson (18031889) to action. His formidable resume made him a well-qualified candidate to help the Union at this crucial juncture in history. Ericsson was interested in engineering from an early age and served in the Swedish Army. In 1836, he invented and patented the screw propeller, a device that vastly improved steam vessel travel, and made Ericsson prosperous. Approached by the United States Navy, Ericsson came to the United States in 1839. His design for the United States Navy frigate Princeton united many of his technological inventions, including state-of-the art screw propellers, smokestacks, ventilators, optical instruments, and gun carriages.

The Monitor represented the culmination of all of Ericssons prior inventions and the addition of metal plates or "iron cladding" to the outside of the ship changed naval warfare forever. This famous story of the first "ironclad" battle appears in most high school history books, however, what most people do not realize is that Ericsson built the Monitor in what is now New York City. The ship itself was built in Greenpoint, Brooklyn at the Continental Iron Works, and the ships engine and machinery were fabricated in Greenwich Village at the Delamater Iron Works. The keel was laid on October 15, 1861, and within an astounding 100 days, the Monitor was launched from Greenpoint on January 30, 1862.

This proved to be "not a moment too soon" because, more than a month later, the cumbersome new ship had not yet reached Virginia. On March 8, 1862, the souths ironclad ship Virginia (formerly Merrimack) turned the wooden Union ship Cumberland into toothpicks and ran aground the Congress. These ships constituted key elements of the northern blockade, however they stood powerless in the face of the souths ironclad ship. On the next day, the Monitor, fresh from Brooklyn, arrived to settle the score.

The battle between the two ironclads raged for four hours. At close range the motley pair fired cannons that would have annihilated sailing ships, but the advanced armor on these new ships made their cannons useless. The battle ended in a draw.

Ericssons success led to the construction of similar vessels for military use by the Union and other countries. In 1869, he produced a fleet of 30 gun-boats for Spain, and in 1881, devised a submarine gun. His later years were dedicated to diverse scientific investigations, including experiments with solar power and its practical applications. For his efforts, he was given many honors in the United States and Sweden, and from other European nations. He died in New York City on March 8, 1889, 117 years ago yesterday.-written by John Mattera

"I can resist everything except temptation."

(18541900)

When Western Union sent its final telegram on January 27, 2006, it ended a century and a half-long development of communication that set the foundation for todays wireless world. In 1835, Samuel F.B. Morse created the first telegraph machine, which employed Morse Code (a series of dots and dashes he conceived to be sent over telegraphic wire). His work spurred modern technology and drove older methods of communication such as the Pony Express into the past.

In 1871, sculptor Byron Pickett depicted Morse in a statue at the Mall in Central Park, making Morse the first living person to have a statue dedicated in his honor in a Manhattan park. He maintains that distinction to this day. The statue was eventually moved in the 1980s to it current location, just south of the 72^nd Street Transverse, near Inventors Gate.

Picketts statue portrays Morse with his telegraph machineincluding a strip of bronze tickertape returned to the piece during its 1994 refurbishment by the Central Park Conservancy. The inscription reads "Morse," confirming his far-reaching fame and importance.

Morse is not the only forefather of wireless technology honored within New York Citys parks. The Wireless Operators Monument in Battery Park, currently undergoing a refurbishment, features Guglielmo Marchese Marchoni, who sent Morse Code wirelessly using electromagnetic technology in 1895. Marchoni went on to win a Nobel Prize in physics in 1909 for his wireless developments, including the modern-day radio. In addition to his inclusion in the Battery Park monument, a park in South Jamaica, Queens is named for him.

Like Marconi, Antonio Meucci, a 19^th-century inventor and Staten Island resident, shares the distinction of having a park named for him. Less renowned than his fellow inventors, Meucci is credited with the development of the first working model of the telephone in 1857 after spending several years experimenting with sound transmission via electrically charged wire. However, distracted by business and health problems, Meucci was unable to secure a patent for his work, and Alexander Graham Bell patented a very similar version of Meuccis telephone in 1876. In 1989, a marker donated by the Italian Historical Society was placed at Meucci Triangle in Brooklyn to give credit to his work.

Still, it was Samuel Morses initial vision that provided the inspiration for generations of inventors to come. From his spot in Central Park, Morse sits within a city fueled by the technology he spearheaded. Picketts work shows the inventors hand outstretched, leading the way into the future.

Bronx:

Van Cortlandt Park Take a leisurely walk around the lake or hike the John Muir Nature Trail in this woodsy paradise.
Wave Hill Watch the sun set over the Palisades or visit one of the most impressive arboretums in New York City.
Orchard Beach A romantic walk on the rocky shoreline of Hunter Island will transport you to the coast of Old New England.
Bronx Park Watch the spectacular waterfall on New York Citys only freshwater river, Bronx River.

Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Bridge Park Watch the sun set over Manhattan as the East River glistens before you.
Lullwater Bridge, Prospect Park The waterfall and boathouse make the perfect setting for romance.
Fulton Park Stroll through the great trees in this treasured neighborhood park.
Sunset Park Eagle-eye views of Manhattan, Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Statue of Liberty over the East River and New York Bay will make you feel like youre on top of the world.

Manhattan:
Heather Garden, Fort Tryon Park This picturesque garden offers spectacular views of the Palisades in all seasons.
The Battery Take in unparalleled views as seagulls fly, the waves lap, and the sun sets over Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
Madison Square Park Enjoy world-class outdoor art in this historic park right in the heart of Manhattan.
Carl Schurz Park Cuddle up on the benches behind the grand, Federal-style Gracie Mansion.

Queens:
Fort Totten Park Peer across the Long Island Sound through stately Civil War-era structures.
Astoria Park Stroll the East River waterfront overlooking Roosevelt Island and the awesome Manhattan skyline.
Baisley Pond Park Sit and relax under the gazebo and gaze out at the fabled gigantic lily pads resting on the pond.
Kissena Park Weeping willows set the mood around the beautiful lake.

Staten Island:
Alice Austen House This Victorian garden will transport you to 19^th-century romance.
Willowbrook Park Ride the carousel with your sweetheart and feel like a kid again.
Clove Lakes Park Row a boat ride on the lake while enjoying the beautiful park.

St. Valentine is considered the patron saint of love and lovers. According to legend, he married lovers in secret when Emperor Claudius outlawed marriage, fearing it made men poor soldiers. While imprisoned for these actions, he sent the first "valentine," a note to his beloved that he signed "from your Valentine."

"If you keep at it, one day something which at first appeared impossible will become merely something very difficult indeed."

Danny Paradise
(born 1943)

During archaeological monitoring as part of construction on the new South Ferry Station under Battery Park, the wall was uncovered, measuring more than 40 feet in length and 7 feet in width. Archaeologists believe it is a segment of the Citys fortifications of the late 17^th or early 18^th centuries.

"We believe this wall to be an important remnant of the history of New York City and one of its oldest public parks," said Commissioner Benepe. "We will do everything in our power to preserve it for future generations. The protection and preservation of our Citys historical heritage is one of City governments most important missions."

The date assessment is based upon artifacts found on top of and adjacent to the wall, though a definitive analysis is still pending. The most exciting artifact found was a 1744 George II half penny in very good condition; other finds include ceramics and pipe stems.

"This wall most likely is a portion of the gun batteries that once protected the City in the late 17^th and 18^th centuries and gave rise to the modern park name," said Chairman Tierney. "The City and the MTA are working together to save this important find."

"The Battery is the birthplace of New York, and with this excavation we have further evidence of Manhattans original shoreline and its structural heritage," explained Warrie Price.

"The MTA will be working with City Parks & Recreation, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the City Landmarks Preservation Commission to determine the best way to recover this important find for historic preservation purposes," said Nagaraja.

Between 1625 and 1780, a series of forts were built in the vicinity of the present-day Battery, located at Battery Place and State and Whitehall Streets. While the discovered wall could potentially be part of one of the forts, it is more likely part of a gun battery associated with one of the forts.

The wall was found during MTA construction of a new subway station, funded by the Federal Transportation Authority. Because this project fell within a historically significant area, archaeologists considered it likely that archaeological resources would be found, although no one guessed that such a large portion of the Battery could have survived.

"There are some days when I think Im going to die from an overdose of satisfaction."

Salvador Dali
(1904-1989)

"We believe this wall to be an important remnant of the history of New York City and one of its oldest public parks," said Commissioner Benepe. "We will do everything in our power to preserve it for future generations. The protection and preservation of our Citys historical heritage is one of City governments most important missions."

The date assessment is based upon artifacts found on top of and adjacent to the walla definitive analysis is still pending. The most exciting artifact found was a 1744 George II half penny in very good condition. Other finds include ceramics and pipe stems. A complete list of finds is not yet available.

"This wall most likely is a portion of the gun batteries that once protected the city in the late 17^th and 18^th centuries and gave rise to the modern park name," said Chairman Tierney. "The City and the MTA are working together to save this important find."

"The Battery is the birthplace of New York, and with this excavation we have further evidence of Manhattans original shoreline and its structural heritage," said Warrie Price.

"The MTA will be working with City Parks & Recreation, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the City Landmarks Preservation Commission to determine the best way to recover this important find for historic preservation purposes," said Mysore Nagaraja.

Between 1625 and 1780, a series of forts were built in the vicinity of the present-day Battery, located at Battery Place, State and Whitehall Streets. While the discovered wall could potentially be part of one of the forts, it is more likely part of a gun battery associated with one of the forts.

The wall was found during MTA construction of a new subway station, funded by the Federal Transportation Authority. Because this project was within a historically significant area, archaeologists considered it likely that archaeological resources would be found, although no one guessed that such a large portion of the Battery could have survived.

Now, if Rufus were to show up on our doorstep today and we could "Bill and Ted It" back 228 years exactly, we too would have an excellent adventure, and our phone booth would never have to leave parkland. August 26, 1776 marked the official beginning of the Battle of Brooklyn, which in turn was the first full-scale battle of the American Revolution. Were we to transport ourselves back to that day on the land that is now John Paul Jones Park, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, we would see before us the masts of more than 300 ships of the British Royal Navy. It was the greatest armada ever assembled (more than twice as many ships as the famed Spanish Armada), and being so far from home, constituted a foreign deployment unprecedented in scale.

The British hoped for a short war, assuming that the Colonial rebels would quickly collapse after merely seeing such a massive force. The ships had been coming in for more than a month, carrying soldiers from England, Scotland, and Hesse-Cassel, now part of Germany. More than 20,000 trained fighting men took on 8,000 rebels, few of whom were true soldiersmost were loosely organized farmers and hunters.

George Washington, who called himself "General" but whom the British commanders considered a civilian combatant, could watch the masts multiply from the fort that stood at what is now the entrance to Battery Park as well as from his fortifications at Brooklyn Heights (now the Promenade). On August 22 he saw the first landing at Gravesend Bay (Dyker Beach Park) in Brooklyn. Trained by the British himself, he knew the invaders would either come up Shore Road and Flatbush Avenue (to what is now Prospect Park) or the Kings Highway and around Jamaica Road (now Eastern Parkway). The trick was how best to organize a rag-tag army to defend his fledging countrys most strategically important city.

Contrary to what one might assume, and yet in keeping with our present-day dispositions, New Yorkers generally opposed the war. They just wanted to "go about their daily business" and looked forward to the American surrendersome even passed information to the British in order to expedite the rebellions inevitable failure. The British called them loyalists and assumed that they comprised a "silent majority."

Ultimately, fighting the worlds greatest sea power on an archipelago city proved futile. Perhaps the most notable episode in the Battle of Brooklyn was the bravery of the 400 Marylanders who held off thousands of British at the Vechte-Courtelyou House, now the Old Stone House in the present-day J.J. Byrne Park. Having fought nearly to the last man, their courageous efforts allowed the bulk of the rebel army to escape. Those soldiers who died are remembered with a monument in Prospect Park.

Due to the fact that the British had total control of New York City throughout the war, they were able to imprison both soldiers and civilians on hulks in New York harbor. The 11,500 men and women colonialists who died in that harbor are remembered in the Prison Ship Martyrs Memorial in Fort Greene Park. There are many other important American Revolution sites that survive around the city, and more often than not, theyre located on parkland. You can find them by reading the park histories (Historical Signs) on our website, and then you too can plan out your own "excellent adventure."

Written by John Mattera

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Good music is very close to primitive language."

Denis Diderot
(1713-1784)

Bronx
Saturday, August 14 is National Marina Day. Hammonds Cove Marina, at Harding and Pennyfield Avenues, will celebrate the event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with games, rides, music, and delectable food. The Coast Guard will teach water safety, and chiropractors and masseuses will relieve your accumulated stresses of the week next to the beautiful waterfront.

Brooklyn
On August 14, 21, and 28, Brooklyns Wingate Park, at the intersection of Brooklyn Avenue and Rutland Road, will host Youth Day. From 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., there will be a poetry slam, Double Dutch contest, organized basketball games, a talent show, and food. The Departments of Education and Youth Services will also be there to provide information relating to youth issues.

Manhattan
An exciting and historical event taking place for the first time in Manhattan, KompaStage2004, a Haitian-American free music festival, will be held in Battery Park on August 15, 2004 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "KompaStage Music Fest" celebrates Haitis 200th anniversary as a sovereign nation. Battery Park is located at Battery Place and State and Whitehall Streets.

Queens
Celebrate the cultural diversity of Queens at Outdoor Cinema 2004 in Socrates Sculpture Park, at Vernon Boulevard, Broadway, and 31^st Road. This annual festival of international film, music, dance, and food presented by Socrates Sculpture Park in collaboration with the American Museum of the Moving Image, holds free screenings every Wednesday until September 1 at 7 p.m. Created six years ago by Socrates Sculpture Park in cooperation with Partnerships for Parks, each evening in the six-part series focuses on a different country or culture. Local performing arts groups showcase the talents of their members, and area restaurants present regional foods.

Staten Island
On August 21 and 22, from noon to 9 p.m., Midland Beach, stretching from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field, will host the Back to the Beach Celebration. This annual event celebrates the renovation of Midland Beach by offering two days of food, fun, and entertainment to the public. While artists craft creations in the sand, landlubbers can cruise the Midland Beach Promenade for deals on jewelry, T-shirts, and pocketbooks. Kids can bounce in blow-up castles, fly high on carnival rides, and satisfy their hunger with sausage and peppers, calzones, and funnel cake.

Citywide
Parks & Recreation is proud to present the 8^th annual Citywide Beach Volleyball Tournament. Borough preliminaries begin this Saturday in parks and beaches throughout the five boroughs. Saturdays top teams will compete for the citywide title and $3,000 in cash prizes on Sunday, August 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Coney Island Beach. Sponsored by Snapple, this rain-or-shine event is free and open to everyonelike all the Best Stuff in NYC.

Compiled by Citywide Special Events

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

Warrie Price, president and founder of The Battery Conservancy, is the 2004 recipient of the Municipal Art Society Evangeline Blashfield Award. Presented on Tuesday, July 20, at the Bridgemarket Plaza, the award honors Warrie for carrying on the spirit and ideals of Evangeline Blashfield, a founding member of the Municipal Art Society and advocate of public art and civic amenities at the turn of the twentieth century.

Deputy Mayor for Administration Patricia E. Harris, last years recipient of the Evangeline Blashfield Award, presented Warrie with the honor and welcomed her as she took the spotlight. A native of San Antonio, Texas and mother of three, Warrie remarked with humor about the days of Evangeline Blashfield and the vendors that inhabited The Battery. "Oh how I yearn for Evangelines apples, oranges, and grapes, but our lot in life is that of sunglasses, knockoff handbags, and briefcases filled with watches," said Warrie. "But then again, we do have the majesty of New York Harbor to look upon, and we havent let these vendors deter us from seeking a great vision for the park."

Warrie has made a career of transforming waterfront parks into treasured landmarks. She has helped raise more than $4.1 million to rebuild The Batterys 23 waterfront acres and worked to restore the Castle Clinton Monument. She presently holds the positions of director of New York States Harbor Park heritage area and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation administrator for Battery Park. As former chair of Manhattans Community Board 8, Warrie was influential in developing new waterfront access along the East River and worked to refurbish six parks along the Upper East Side. Her love for parklands and their waterfronts is further evidences by her former service on the Manhattan Borough Presidents Waterfront Taskforce and her continued presence as a board member of both the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and Scenic Hudson.

"Improving a public space serves a higher order than just improving its own surroundings," said Warrie. "It is also about ennobling the public realm by making the city all the more beautiful, one project at a time."

As a special surprise to Warrie, Luci Baines Johnson was present to relish in her friends achievements and read a special letter written by her mother, Lady Bird Johnson. "After observing your generous involvement and commitment, I would agree that you truly have made a major contribution to the ennoblement of civic life in your adopted city," wrote the former First Lady. "I know Lyndon would be applauding more enthusiastically than anyone!"

Warrie began her career in government for the U.S. Foreign Service as assistant cultural attachin Santiago, Chile and even lived in the White House for a period of time. She was later awarded a fellowship from the Kennedy School at Harvard University, where she received a Master of Public Administration in 1972. She came to New York City after being recruited to serve in the Bureau of the Budget.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Irreverence is the champion of liberty and its only sure defense."

Mark Twain
(18351910)

Mark di Suveros signature steel-beam constructions suggest strength, beauty, and form on a monumental scale. Visitors to Madison Square Park will walk through, under, and around the pieces, allowing active participation in the dynamics of the sculptures. His sculptures combine the natural environment with the industrial and draw on his own experience of places and objects.

Commissioner Benepe emphasized the importance of waterfront development to improving quality of life and spurring economic development in New York City. To open up the waterfront, Parks & Recreation, under the leadership of Mayor Bloomberg, has partnered with a number of city, state, and federal agencies, including the EPA, EDC, DOT, and the City Planning Commission. Working with these and other organizations, Parks & Recreation is developing Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Ocean Breeze Park Pier, and the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, and is restoring waterfronts in Red Hook, Gerritsen Creek, Spring Creek Park, and on Staten Islands north shore. Commissioner Benepe also praised lifeguard recruitment efforts and the recreational and educational programs run by the Urban Park Rangers.

Another area of focus, Greening New York, highlighted Parks & Recreations horticultural and environmental initiatives, noting ongoing successes with Greenstreets, playground and greeting gardens, and the Daffodil Project. Again underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships, Commissioner Benepe described recent gardening projects, such as Piet Oudolfs gardens at The Battery, the Heather Gardens $1 million endowment, and the upcoming British gardens in Hanover Square. The Commissioner spoke about the importance of thinking green, outlining Parks & Recreations most successful efforts to conserve resources by using plastic signs, recycling holiday trees, installing synthetic turf fields, and driving energy-efficient vehicles. With visual images of Parks & Recreations most pristine natural areas behind him, the Commissioner then spoke about the importance of natural area restoration. We embrace green design so that our citys wildest, most beautiful places dont unravel under urban pressures, said Commissioner Benepe. Our work cleans air, improves water quality, and ensures that we will not be the last generation of New Yorkers to enjoy a long walk in an unbroken forest.

The Commissioner closed his remarks with a discussion of Drumgoole Plaza, a recent Parks & Recreation project just outside of the auditorium, that, with the help of partnerships, was completed in just five months. Quoting novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, he called New York Citys parks places of enchantment and charged audience members to help Parks & Recreation forge new partnerships in the months ahead.

Written by Hannah Gersen

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

an old man sits netting,
his net, in the gloaming almost invisible...

Elizabeth Bishop
At the Fishhouses, 1955

Wild turkey populations live in various parks across New York City, including Van Cortlandt Park and Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan, the Greenbelt in Staten Island. Recently, a single wild turkey has been spotted in Manhattans Riverside Park and Battery Park. Its unclear whether its the same bird, but either way, it is making friends with its new neighbors.

Based on research conducted by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, wild turkeys were abundant in the 1600s. Wild turkeys generally live in large flocks, sometimes as large as 70. The male wild turkey, also called a gobbler, has bright feathers that can change color, while the female has brown feathers. The male turkey also has a beard that hangs down from its breast that can be as long as 16 inches. Female wild turkeys, or hens, weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, while the gobbler can weigh as much as 22 pounds.

Interestingly, the "gobble" noise commonly associated with turkeys is just one of 28 different calls. Other calls include the yelp, cluck, puff, and kee-kee. Wild turkeys are also impressive movers. They can fly as fast as 55 mph and run as fast as 12 mph.

As Thanksgiving approaches and we feast on turkey, everyone should keep their eyes out from the spotted turkey in Riverside Park, suspected to be a female. New York City is filled with animal and plant wildlife and there is lots to see and learn from in our parks.

Weekday closings of Central Park drives will be suspended starting Monday, November 24, 2003 through Wednesday, December 31, 2003. The Central Park drives will remain open all day on weekdays during this period. The Central Park drives will be closed on weekends and legal New York City holidays during this period, as usual: the drives close on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m. Monday morning. On legal NYC holidays, the drives close at 7:00 p.m. the night before the holiday and re-open at 6:00 a.m. the morning after the holiday.

Weekday closings of Prospect Park drives will be suspended starting Monday, November 24, 2003 through Friday, January 16, 2004. The Prospect Park drives will remain open all day on weekdays during this period from 7:00 a.m. Mondays until 7:00 p.m. Fridays. The Prospect Park drives will be closed on weekends and legal New York City holidays during this period with the following schedule: the drives close on Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and open at 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. On legal NYC holidays, the drives close at 7:00 p.m. the night before the holiday and re-open at 7:00 a.m. the morning after the holiday.

"There be none of Beautys daughters

With a magic like thee;

And like music on the waters

Is thy sweet voice to me."

(1788-1824)

To commemorate this moment in history and to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict, the United War Veterans Council of New York County, led by President Vince McGowan, held a ceremony at the Battery Park Korean War Monument, dedicated in 1991. As part of its mission, the United War Veterans Council, made up of representatives from all major veterans organizations in the region, conducts ceremonies honoring those who served their country in the Armed Forces in both war and peace.

Last Sundays commemoration was well attended, with more than 150 people making their way to the tip of Manhattan to witness the solemn ceremony. Congress Member Charles Rangel, a Korean War Veteran, Council Member Alan Gersen, who served in the Judge Advocate Generals Division, Parks Inspector Frank Acquaviva, also a Korean War veteran, and Parks & Recreations Manhattan Borough Commissioner Bill Castro all attended.

At the ceremony, Congressman Rangel movingly recalled the difficulties of serving in a foreign country and the battles which took so many lives. He emphasized that, while the Korean War is often regarded as the forgotten war of the twentieth century, many soldiers made the greatest of sacrifices. The Korean War may not register at the center of our nations collective conscience, but it will never be forgotten by those who lost loved ones and those who served.

A representative from the Republic of South Korea who also fought in the war expressed eloquent appreciation to the many countries that fought alongside South Koreans. In addition to the United States, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Greece, Turkey and other member states of the United Nations took part.

Vince McGowan underscored the importance of the war to history and to the present day. "Fifty years after engaging in an international conflict on the Korean peninsula to secure world peace and democracy, the United States and the United Nations are still working to find our way through the tangle of human failure and greed. Korean War Veterans, as their comrades before and after them have learned, know the price for freedom is very high and that the rewards are elusive. All who serve our county give some measure of themselves to our cause. Some who serve our country give their all. Our grateful Nation must never forget the sacrifices made by the few for the good of the many."

Also present at the commemoration were a Korean music troupe and three members of the Uniformed Services Organization (most famously represented by the late Bob Hope). The three ladies from the USO, clad in red white and blue, sang the national anthem and a medley of other songs saluting the different branches of the Armed Services.

"Choose equality."

(1822-1888)

The following individuals were awarded Employee of the Month on Friday, July 18, 2003.

The Commissioners Employee of the Month for June is Javier A. Rodriguez. Javier is the Chief Lifeguard at Rockaway Beach and has been with Parks & Recreation since June 21, 1979. In his 24 years, Javier has helped safeguard the millions of New Yorkers who use and enjoy our beaches each summer. As a Chief Lifeguard, Javier trains and evaluates new lifeguards including a number of lifeguards who have come to New York from overseas. Most importantly, he keeps daily watch over the beach, making sure that patrons behave cautiously in the water and respond quickly, with his lifeguard teams, to life threatening situations. City beaches are among New York Citys most important recreational assets, and Javier, along with all our lifeguards, keep them safe and fun. For his efforts, Javier was nominated by Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh.

Vicki Ann Lombardi is the Capital Projects Employee of the Month for June. Vicki is a Construction Project Manager for the Staten Island Team and has been with Parks & Recreation since July 19, 1999. Vicki oversees a number of complex projects such as the $1.8 million Juniper Valley Park ballfield renovations and the Cunningham Park Ponderosa soccer fields. Both projects involved active and vocal community involvement. Vicki has also been instrumental in improving the citys golf courses. She coordinated $8 million of work in Staten Island and $12 million in the Bronx to provide added irrigation, rebuild golf tees, reconstruct paths, and upgrade course facilities. Vicki juggles many tasks at once, works well with the borough offices, and ensures that contractors are doing what is expected of them. For her effective service, Vicki was nominated by Deputy Commissioner Amy Freitag.

Michael G. Michajlo is Managements Employee of the Month for June. Michael has been with Parks & Recreation since September, 6, 2000 and was recently appointed Senior Inspector at Operations and Management Planning. As an inspector, Michael has performed 2,295 site inspections at Parks properties throughout the five boroughs. Michaels trained eye assesses the cleanliness, structural and horticultural conditions of our parks, and alerts borough management to immediate safety hazards. He also tests out our drinking fountains and comfort stations to ensure we are providing needed amenities to the public. Michael has played a key role in the continued success of our Parks Inspection Program (PIP) and will now take the lead in supervising the inspection team. A wealth of knowledge about Parks & Recreation, Michael was nominated by OMP Director Laura Sullivan and Assistant Director Ben Delisle.

Marlon St. Hill is an Operations Employee of the Month for June. Marlon is a CPW in Riverside Park in Manhattan and has been with Parks & Recreation since May 22, 2001. Marlon performs a variety of duties for Riverside Park including turf work, horticulture, tree pruning and removal, and storm damage clean-up. Marlon can use a chipper, chainsaw, and other pieces of heavy equipment, and he updates the small equipment inventory for the district. Marlon has assisted with major projects relating to the park including the rebuilding of the sand volleyball court at 105^th Street, clean-up of the Amtrak Tunnel entrance at West 72^nd Street, and emergency pruning during the spring rains. His efforts helped District 14 achieve 99% cleanliness ratings in 2002. For his flexibility and diligence, Marlon was nominated by Riverside Park Administrator KC Sahl and Parks & Recreation Manager Jibrail Nor.

Shalini Rao is Public Programs Employee of the Month for June. Shalini is a Clerical Associate with the Urban Park Rangers and has been with Parks & Recreation since June 19, 2001. Shalini handles all of the administrative tasks for the Rangers and coordinates major special events. Recently Shalini worked with the Mayors Alliance of NYCs Animals to put on a pet adoption event and organized an Arsenal Book Reading with the Chairman of Battery Park City, James Gill. Shalini also oversees the safe transport of animals to the State Department of Environmental Conservation medical examiner. A role model at Urban Park Service, Shalini is responsible and reliable with everything she works on. Shalini was nominated by UPR Director Sara Hobel and Deputy Director Matt Symons.

John M. Leon is an Operations Employee of the Month for May. John is an Associate Park Service Worker in Queens District 6 and has been with Parks & Recreation since April 15, 1985. As the mobile crew Supervisor for the district, John and his team are responsible for keeping over 30 properties, including Worlds Fair Playground, Real Good Park, and MacDonald Park in top condition. The district achieved a 92% cleanliness rating thanks to Johns efforts. This summer, he has been named a pool supervisor. John is knowledgeable and dependable and takes close care of his equipment. John is also accident free. For his hard work, John was nominated by Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations John Dwyer.

Marivel Gonzalez, Executive Assistant to Deputy Commissioner Kavanagh and her husband, Alex Gonzalez are the proud new parents of Jonathan Alexander. Jason was born on Thursday, July 17 and weighs 7 lbs. 5 oz. Mother and baby are both doing well.

"The universe is not hostile, nor yet is it friendly. It is simply indifferent."

(1879-1964)

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"The true university of these days is a collection of books."

Thomas Carlyle
(1795-1881)

On May 27, Mayor Bloomberg announced that the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) allocated $25 million for over a dozen high-impact projects to create new green spaces and improve parks throughout Lower Manhattan. Joined by Interim LMDC President Kevin Rampe, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development & Rebuilding Daniel Doctoroff, Deputy Mayor for Administration Patricia Harris and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, the Mayor announced the news at the Battery, a site whose plans for renovation are already underway. The Mayor also revealed Parks & Recreations preliminary renovation plans for the new and improved green spaces throughout downtown Manhattan.

"Great cities are defined as much by their parks and open spaces as they are by their architecture," said Mayor Bloomberg. "The plans proposed by the Department of Parks & Recreation create a beautiful and dynamic network of parks and open spaces that will become a worldwide destination and tangible symbol of the rebirth of the downtown area."

Working with various city agencies and LMDC staff, Parks & Recreation has formulated an aggressive timetable for creating parks and revitalizing existing open spaces throughout Lower Manhattan. Work will begin immediately on at least 13 sites, 8 of which will be substantially completed within 12 months; 4 others will be completed within 18 months; and the final project will be completed within 24 months. Sites include green spaces along the East RiverCoenties Slip, Old Slip, and Wall Street Triangle; neighborhood parksAl Smith Playground, Brooklyn Bridge/Drumgoole Plaza, Tribeca Park, Washington Market Park; and "gateway" parksthe Bosque at the Battery, Bowling Green Park, Columbus Park, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, the East River Park Ballfields, and Canal, Varick & Laight Streets.

The projects focus on reconstructing sitting areas, public plazas and playgrounds south of Canal Street. Through coordination with the Department of Transportation, the plan takes advantage of opportunities within the downtown street network to create new public spaces such as greenstreets and enhanced pedestrian corridors. Every site will also be rejuvenated with new horticultural elements as well as new benches, lighting and decorative paving. Two of the sites, Canal Street and Battery Park, may also include decorative fountains once design plans are finalized.

The project will also restore critical "gateway" parks up to Houston Street. These regional parks contain the athletic fields and wide-open green spaces that serve downtown residents and schools. At these locations, Parks & Recreation will rebuild and re-program existing athletic fields in order to maximize recreational opportunities. At Sara D. Roosevelt and Columbus Parks, asphalt will be replaced with the latest technology in synthetic turf, creating a vastly improved playing surface. At East River Park, four existing dirt ballfields at Houston Street will be reconstructed with either synthetic turf or natural grass.

"Lower Manhattan is where New York City was born but it historically did not share in the growth of the park system," said Commissioner Benepe. "Repairing and enhancing these open spaces, as well as creating new parks, is critical to the future of the downtown area. Our plans will infuse downtown with green space that will serve as an oasis for workers, tourists, and the growing residential community."

This project is being overseen by Deputy Commissioner Amy Freitag, Nancy Barthold, Joshua Laird, Mike Bolger, and Jesse Brackenbury.

"An artist is his own fault."

(1905-1970)

"A horticultural revolution in New Yorks parks is beginning where the citys history also began," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Its an honor to have a world-class talent, Piet Oudolf, to create and plant the gardens, and were working to create an endowment to ensure that it will thrive for many years to come."

"Nothing makes me happier than seeing Commissioner Benepe picking up a trowel and planting the first plants of the Piet Oudolf gardens at The Battery," said President of The Battery Conservancy Warrie Price. "These gardens would not be happening without the support and assistance of the working hands of the Parks & Recreation Department. We are thrilled to be an important part of the horticultural era in The Battery."

The perennials and flowers that comprise the new gardens 6,000 plants from 113 species are being placed in a 10,000-square foot green necklace of planting beds running contiguous with the waterfront and overlooking New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

The Gardens of Remembrance, commemorating the events of September 11th, 2001, were conceived to honor the enduring life force of New York City and pay tribute to the courage and resilience of its citizens.

Oudolf, whose practice is based in the small town of Hummelo, The Netherlands, designed the Gardens of Remembrance as part of a commission from The Battery Conservancy to create a horticultural master plan for the revitalization of The Battery. The Gardens will be Oudolfs first completed public commission in the United States. He will also design the gardens for Chicagos Millennium Park.

The Gardens of Remembrance and the horticultural master plan for The Battery are made possible by a $400,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and a $1 million grant from the Verizon Foundation to establish an endowment fund for the Gardens of Remembrance. The Battery Conservancy has launched a campaign to raise an additional $3 million required to fully endow the Gardens of Remembrance and assure their care.

The Battery is a major urban transportation hub and home to more than two dozen important monuments, green spaces, paths for pedestrians and bicyclists, and unrivaled visual access to New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. The public park is also home to Castle Clinton, the storied United States National Monument that over the past 200 years has served a series of functions reflecting the social and economic evolution of New York and the United States.

"Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words. They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of the character, though few can decypher (sic) even fragments of their meaning."

"The Staten Island waterfront is a key natural resource that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy," said New York Governor George E. Pataki. "Working side-by-side with environmental groups, we are identifying and working to preserve key tracts of land that will either improve access to the waterfront or preserve ecologically sensitive areas."

"Improving public access to the waterfront and creating new parks and natural areas is a priority of Mayor Bloomberg," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Parks & Recreation looks forward to working with the Port Authority, the Trust for Public Land, Borough President Molinaro and Council Member McMahon to provide new parks for the people of Staten Island's North Shore and wildlife refuges for our animal inhabitants."

"The growth of Staten Islands North Shore has been phenomenal during the past decade," said Port Authority Vice Chairman Charles Gargano. "It serves as home to a new minor league ballpark, a major marine terminal, numerous cultural organizations and steady residential growth. We must ensure that we balance this rapid rate of development with the need to preserve critical parcels of land along the waterfront to greatly enhance the quality of life for residents who live and work there."

This property is one of several such properties that will be acquired under a $60 million Port Authority program. The properties under consideration are required to provide public waterfront access, preserve important natural resource areas, and serve as buffer zones around existing Port Authority facilities.

Danny Mercado was recently named the new Parks & Recreation Manager for Manhattans Districts 1 and 2, which is comprised of over 50 parks and playgrounds, including Washington Square Park, Battery Park and City Hall Park.

"Danny is a great example of someone who embraces new challenges for an opportunity to move forward," said Commissioner Benepe. "His background in park management has prepared him well to oversee two of the Citys most historic and varied districts."

"Dan comes to his new positions with a lot of experience in a very busy district in northern Manhattan," said Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro. "He is a manager who very much enjoys working with the community and helping volunteer groups achieve their goals in local parks."

Mercado joined Parks & Recreation in 1985 and until a few weeks ago, he was the Park & Recreation Manager for Manhattans District 12 and prior to that he was the Park Supervisor of Highbridge Park in upper Manhattan for three years. From 1993 to 1996 he was the Employment Unit Chief for Parks & Recreation Personnel and his first job with Parks & Recreation was as a Payroll Supervisor. Mercado is a resident of the Bronx and attended New York Institute of Technology.

"As always, victory finds a hundred fathers but defeat is an orphan."

(1903-1944)

The Mayor, standing in front of Brian Tolles Witch Catcher, explained that no witch would ever venture down a twisting chimney, like the work, although he added that according to his reliable sources, Santa Clause would not be hindered by such a chimney.

"We are very grateful that this administration is supportive of the arts," said Public Art Fund President Freedman. "Even during these tough economic times, this administration has sent a clear message to artists that they are not forgotten."

The exhibition features seven local artists whose works cover numerous subjects including nature, public memorials, and childhood experience. The works chosen for "MetroSpective" were Art Domantays Balsa Wood Airplane: The Land That Time Forgot, a 15-foot replica of a balsa wood airplane; Ken Landauers Picnic Tables, two super-sized versions of a picnic table with appropriately sized nuts, bolts, and benches; Walter Martin and Paloma Muzs 9 to 5, a sculpture installed on two of the parks trees, featuring beautiful bronze pears that appear to emerge from faucets and drop into awaiting buckets below; Peter Rostovskys Monument, which depicts a human figure standing alone at the edge of a daunting jutting mountain; Do-Ho Suhs Maquette for Public Figures, a pedestal supported by miniature anonymous male and female figures; and Brian Tolles Witch Catcher, a large-scale installation of the architectural vestiges of a 17th Century New England home, featuring a brick chimney twisting 25 feet into the air and surrounded by the perimeter of the houses foundation. Tolles Irish Hunger Memorial was recently added to New York Citys permanent art collection and stands in Battery Park City.

The works in "MetroSpective" complement other recent installations of contemporary art displayed in City Hall and on the front lawn of Gracie Mansion. Mayor Bloomberg, a public art enthusiast, believes that "MetroSpective" will bring many art lovers to Lower Manhattan. "Thanks to the Public Art Fund, the MetroSpective exhibit contains a bold and imaginative spirit representative of the Citys talented artists and invaluable public arts programs," said the Mayor.

"This show underscores the significant improvements made to City Hall Park in recent years," said Commissioner Benepe. "Since the 17^th Century, the land where this artwork stands has been an essential site of public gathering, and it contains significant sculptures of the 19^th Century."

After the announcement, Public Art Fund Director Tom Eccles and the artists led a tour of the individual pieces. At each stop, the artists took a few minutes to describe the inspiration behind their works.

"MetroSpective" is now part of the Parks Departments long tradition of exhibiting public art. Since 1967, collaborations with arts organizations and artists have produced hundreds of art projects on parkland throughout the City. The Public Art Fund is New Yorks leading presenter of artists projects, new commissions, installations, and exhibitions in public spaces. For the past twenty-five years, the Public Art Fund has identified, coordinated, and realized a diversity of major projects by both established and emerging artists throughout New York City. By bringing artworks outside the traditional context of museums and galleries, Parks and the Public Art Fund provide the public with spontaneous and unusual encounters with art.

"Go West, young man, and grow up with the country."

(February 3, 18111872)

"These grants will help rebuild parks, create new youth recreation facilities and programs, and construct new waterfront parks and greenways," said Commissioner Benepe. "We are grateful to Governor Pataki and Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for their leadership in awarding these grants."

From the creation of a brand new park in the Bronx called Barretto Pont to the building of Staten Island's first ever skate park, these funds will help keep many of Parks' exciting projects on track. Below is a brief description of how the funds will be used throughout the city.

BARRETTO POINT PARK

A $350,000 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act grant will help create the first-ever waterfront park in the South Bronx. The main features of Barretto Point Park, a new five-acre park, will be a waterfront promenade and a large open lawn for general free play. Handball and basketball courts, sand volleyball courts, play equipment, a small amphitheater and new plantings will complete the park.

WARDS ISLAND

A Clean Air/Clean Water Bond Act grant of $550,000, awarded to the Randall's Island Sports Foundation, will be used to create the Wards Island Waterfront Pathway. The waterfront path is the crucial first section of an Island-wide walkway featuring a two-tiered biking and pedestrian trail.

INWOOD HILL NATURE CENTER

A $85,000 Clean Air/Clean Water Bond Act grant will fund the construction of a new boathouse at the Inwood Hill Park Nature Center in Upper Manhattan. Parks will use the boathouse to enhance educational programs that focus on the city's marine ecosystem.

ALLEY POND NATURE CENTER

An Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grant of $250,000 will enhance Parks' youth camping program at the Alley Pond Nature Center in Queens. The funds will improve the nature center's campsite as well as create a new challenge adventure trail, complete with climbing activities. This site is the first overnight Urban Park Ranger camping facility in a City park.

BATTERY PARK

A $350,000 EPF grant, awarded to The Battery Conservancy, will fund the Conservancy's "City Edge" project. The funding will help to revitalize the perimeter of Battery Park, bringing new lighting, benches, plantings and more. The project incorporates a new bikeway from Hudson River Park to the East River Esplanade, completing a key link in the long-awaited pathway around Manhattan.

MARCUS GARVEY PARK

A $295,000 EPF grant will cover a large portion of the funds needed for the Acropolis Restoration and Improvement Project in Marcus Garvey Park in Manhattan. The proposed project will replace benches, lighting and pavement to restore the historic character of the area.

MIDLAND BEACH

An EPF grant of $198,546 will help create a skateboard/rollerblade/BMX bicycle facility at Midland Beach on Staten Island. This project will provide the first public skate park on Staten Island, serving the community's rapidly-growing population of young people. Local high school skateboarders, skaters and BMX riders helped Parks to design the new facility.

Prepared by Jocelyn Aframe

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens

can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

(1901-1978)

This award honors the best district operations within each borough. Parks staff who work in district operations are the direct providers of daily services that keep the parks clean and safe. The quality of a districts maintenance and operations can "make or break" a park. Each district faces different maintenance challenges, depending on its size, its natural terrain, and the age and popularity of the parks it contains. The winning districts were nominated by the Deputy and Borough Commissioners and were chosen in consideration of many factors, including ratings improvement, capital investment, acreage, and number of vehicle accidents. Since this is the first year Parks awarded the best district in each borough, in some cases, the award is in recognition of several years of high achievement.

Congratulations to District 1, notably SPMO Philip S. Lombardi, APSW Frank Mazzuca, MW Gary J. Gaddist, APSW Adem Hot, APSW Clayton Othiossinir, CPW Larry Stedley, CPW Tyrone P. McSweeney, CPW Johnnie L. Hopson, CPW Stephen Becchino, CPW Edwin Gonzalez, CPW Luis A. Quirindongo, CPW Arnold Beatty, Gardener Herman Matos, Gardener Richard Haugland, AG Darrel Stephens, and SPWO Gary Cutler.

District 1, which occupies the southern tip of Manhattan and includes many well-known parks including City Hall Park, Bowling Green, and Battery Park was chosen for its exemplary ratings and for the contributions parks workers made to the re-building of Lower Manhattan. District 1 has 23 ratable sites and 20 ratable acres. In fiscal year 2002, District 1 received a rating of 97% in both the overall and cleanliness categories, up 12% from the previous year.

"The staff of District 1 have performed under the most difficult of circumstances," said Manhattan Borough Commissioner Bill Castro. "Theyve had to deal with many issues this year from the September 11 attacks and the immediate aftermath. They kept the district in shape despite many special events and the large number of visitors. I cant thank the managersBill Tai, Gary Cutler, Phil Lombardi, and Frank Mazzucaenough for their fine work." Bill Tai, the former District 1 manager said that he was "very proud to be the inaugural recipient of the Best of the Borough awards," and added that, "the Parks workers in District 1 really deserve an extra measure of praise for working in such a harsh environment for so long."

Congratulations District 9, notably APSW John Maher, APSW Diane L. Nelson, APSW Tommy D. Lee, CPW Joseph Bellamy, CPW Kathleen Scullion, CPW Hernan Torres, and CPW Anthony R. Gallego.

Queens Borough Commissioner Richard Murphy claims that District 9 is a textbook example of the way that one person can make a difference. For the past three years, John Maher, APSW, has been motivating his staff to care about the ratings and to keep them high. His efforts have led District 9 to achieve an astonishing 100% overall and cleanliness ratings for the past three years. Only one other district in the city has accomplished these ratings, and that is a district with only five sites; District 9 has 24 ratable sites.

"John Maher, the crew chief, has made the difference between night and day," said Commissioner Murphy. "Though the SPMOs have been revolving; the one thing that was constant was John and his ability to motivate people."

Congratulations District 3, notably PRM Anthony Arcamone, SPMO Robert Parrella, APSW Steven Ferrara, APSW Edward Herbst, WEP Crew Chief Teresa Valore, CPW Frank J. Baran, CPW Vyacheslav M. Bovtko, CPW Vladimir Biba, CPW Joanne Soto, CPW and Lashonda Hicks.

"District 3 is the best district in the city," said Staten Island Borough Commissioner Thomas Paulo. Hes biased, but its true that District 3 contains some of the loveliest spots in the city, including Conference House Park, Lemon Creek Park, and Wolfe's Pond Park. With 975 ratable acres and 62 ratable sites, the maintenance and operations crews have their work cut out for them. Their current ratings are a whopping 98.8%. District 3 has had the top Staten Island ratings for the last three years. District 3 has achieved this despite less capital investment than the boroughs other two districts.

"I am proud of the work they have done to maintain those ratings," said Commissioner Paolo.

"The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wander."

G.K. Chesterton

(1874-1936)

There were so many in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony that they spilled out of the chairs and onto the grassy areas of the park, demonstrating the solid community support for the park. Those who joined Commissioner Adrian Benepe were Assembly Member Gloria Davis, Council Member Helen Diane Foster, former Council Member Wendell Foster, Jonathan Irons (son of Reverend Lena Irons), Parks Chair of Community Board 3 Leroy Archible, and Bronx Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski.

Most of the park renovation, totaling $989,000, was funded by former Council Member Foster and additional $91,000 was provided by the Mayors Office. His daughter, Helen Diane Foster, is the current Council Member in her fathers former district and continued to support the project.

Reverend Lena Irons Unity Park has been renovated to include a grass stage area and seating. There is a water runnel feature that includes engraved artistic fish renderings and a small map identifying Bronx rivers. Neighbors can enjoy a variety of performances under a beautiful cottonwood tree. Two seating terraces will allow local residents to enjoy the new plantings designed to be a study area for plants. There are checker tables to entertain parkgoers and a drinking fountain and new benches to refresh them.

On December 17, 2001, Unity Park was renamed Reverend Lena Irons Unity Park. Reverend Lena Irons (1968-2000) devoted her life to the preservation, development, and realization of Unity Park.

She was the pastor of the Evangelical Church, the organization that owned most of the parcels that make up the park.

"Irons advocacy began with weekend clean-up efforts but expanded to include a huge group of community leaders and volunteers who dedicated themselves to the maintenance and beautification of Unity Park," said Commissioner Benepe.

The ceremony at Unity Park united people from across the Bronx and New York City. Students from P.S. 42 and P.S. 132 entertained the audience with musical performances and tribute was paid to the late Reverend Irons, who worked so tirelessly to turn Unity Park into the gem it is today.

Parks has a new Director of Public Information. Megan Sheekey joins us from Mayor Bloombergs Press Office in City Hall. If you have any questions regarding press-related issues please contact Megan at (212) 360-1311. Welcome, Megan!

(Tuesday, November 28, 1989)

People passing Battery Park lately have had the rare opportunity of watching public art in the making. It began in the middle of October with a rusting, green Volkswagon Beetle sitting on the grass. As the weeks passed the decrepit car slowly sprouted twigs and branches. And now, the composition of machinery and greenery is about to be unveiled as the latest outdoor exhibit in Parks temporary public art program.

The sculpture, entitled Excess Volatility, was created by artist Jerilea Zemple. The project represents nature overtaking man-made culture, a process the artist calls "rustication." The exhibition is co-sponsored by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, a non-profit organization founded in 1973 to present performances and public art in lower Manhattan.

"In war, you can only be killed once, but in politics, many times."

(1874-1965)

On October 17, 2002, the Manhattan Parks softball team preserved the last true dynasty in New York by capturing its 3rd consecutive Parks Softball championship. The Manhattan squad continued a tradition of excellence by winning its fourth championship in the past five years, by defeating the Bronx team 7 5 at Shea Stadium.

Chris Davis was named MVP (Most Valuable Parkie) by going 4-4, including a home run and a triple, with 2 RBI. In a game that wasnt decided until the final out, Joe Reyes, Danny Mercado and Scott McAuliffe combined for 5 RBI to help secure the win.

The game was close throughout with the Bronx rallying from 6 0 to pull within two, but were never able to get any closer as Jack Rohan was able to contain the Bronx bats with a solid performance on the mound. "The game was a classic thriller. Everyone, on both teams, gave their all and left it all on the field," said Manhattan Manager Al Vinetti.

The Manhattan Parks team was comprised of Chris Davis, Joe Reyes, Scott McAuliffe, Danny Mercado, Al Vinetti, Tom Vinetti, Frank "Cheech" Mazzuca, Chris Caropolo, Jack Rohan, Marc Rogers, Ray Henderson, Angelo Figueroa, Hal Sekzer, Aaron Greenberg and Armond Laboy.

Professor Ginkgoman of letters, member of countless learned and tree societies, and preeminent scholar of All Things Parkshas left reclusion after nearly a century to help shed light on the puzzling questions that brush the news desks at the Daily Plant. His name honors the Ginkgo Biloba tree, which is considered to be the oldest species of tree in the world and whose leaves are believed to promote strong memory and mental sharpness. If you have a fun or unusual Parks trivia question, please email him at professor.ginkgo@parks.nyc.gov.

(Wednesday, November 1, 1989)

Commissioner Stern today announced the publication of Parks 1988 Annual Report. The 64-page report, first to be printed in full color, tells how New Yorks green spaces flourished and grew in the winter, spring, summer, and fall of 1988.

The report opens with an essay describing flora, fauna and people in the parks throughout the circle of seasons. Illustrating the text are 50 striking photos featuring native bird species, idyllic scenes of meadows and marshes, major Parks events and children at play. The cover photo is of the Hope Garden in Battery Park, Manhattan, a 10,000 square-foot garden with 50,000 tulips and daffodils planted in memory of people who died of AIDS.

"To dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall, And baffled, get up and begin again."

Robert Browning

(1812-1889)

PARKS HELPS FIGHT BREAST CANCER
Diep Dang

Breast Cancer isn't just a women's issue. It could affect any one of us - or our mothers, sisters, or friends. American Cancer Society researchers are studying vaccines, genes, and the environment in search for answers. Our team from Parks & Recreation will join the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 20, 2002 in Central Park. Join our team as a walker or contributor, and help support the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society. Call or e-mail Rajinder Garcha at (212) 830-7852 for details.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, October 10, 1989)
EVERYTHING'S COMING UP TREES

The streets if New York City are about to receive the biggest infusion of greenery in the last four decades. Parks contractors will plant close to 12,500 street trees in Fiscal Year 1990 as a cost of $6 million, the largest year-long planting since the 1930s.

From October 15 to December 15, 1989, the Street Tree division plans to plant 4,000 new trees. Another 8,000 to 9,000 will be planted during the spring planting season between March 15 and May 15, 1990.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
''Somewhere 'out there,' beyond the walls of the courthouse,
run currents and tides of public opinion which lap at the courtroom door.''
William Rehquist
(b. October 24, 1924)

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, October 9, 1989)

KOREAN VETERANS MEMORIAL MODEL UNVEILED AT CITY HALL

Last Thursday, City officials unveiled plans for a Korean War memorial to be made not only of stone and metal, but air, shadow and light.

The plan calls for a black granite slab in Battery Park with a 20-foot cut-out of a soldier. It has been designed so that every July 23 at 10 a.m. the sun will shine through the outline and fall on a plaque commemorating the end of "the forgotten war." The monument will make New York one of the first cities to build a memorial to honor Korean War veterans of all nations.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
''Life is all memory except for the one present moment
that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going''
Tennessee Williams
(1911-1983)

MANHHATTAN BLOOD DRIVE A SUCCESS

A blood drive held in the Arsenal last week was a huge success thanks to its organizer, Hedi Piel, and those 115 Parkies that gave blood. On Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18, the Arsenal Gallery was filled with nurses in blue scrubs, stretchers with Parks employees on them, lots of juice and cookies to reenergize those that donated blood, and, of course, lots of blood. 25 people were turned away from the trained employees from the New York Blood Center because they didn't fit the requirements to donate blood. The 115 Parkies that did donate blood came from Manhattan Borough (42 donors), the Arsenal (21 donors), Central Park Conservancy (19 donors), Arsenal West (13 donors), and Arsenal North (8 donors). Other Parkies who must have been at the Arsenal for official business also rolled up a sleeve, including 12 donors from the Bronx, 5-Boro, Olmsted, and the Central Park Zoo.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, October 3, 1989)
A WALK THAT'S FIT TO SPRINT

In the 1980s American learned to walk. Not just from the house to the car, but for health and fitness.

To promote walking for exercise, Parks and the New York Times Good Health Magazine will sponsor the third annual Good Health Walk and Festival on Sunday, October 15 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The four-mile sojourn will follow a route on Broadway from Times Square to Battery Park, with Commissioner Stern leading the way as the walk's grand marshal. At Battery Park, walkers can cool down with stretching exercises and enjoy a health festival presented by Parks' Recreation division and Good Health Magazine.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
''No one can look back on his schooldays
and say with truth that they were altogether unhappy.''
George Orwell
(1903-1950)

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, October 2, 1989)
HELP CLEAN YOUR PARK

After a fun summer of playing in the parks, it's time to get to work in our green spaces during the Sixth Annual Parks Clean-Up Day. Parks is asking New Yorkers who enjoy their local parks and playgrounds to spruce them up by planting, pruning, raking, sweeping, and painting on Saturday, October 28.

''New York City's parks are everyone's backyard, ''said Commissioner Stern. ''In order to keep our 26,220 acres clean and green, we need all concerned New Yorkers to give us their energy and enthusiasm. When the parks look good, people feel good.''

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
''Let mortal man keep to his own
Mortality, and not expect too much.''
Euripides
(September 23, 480-406 B.C.)

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, September 18, 1989)
BALLROOM BACCHANALIA AT BETHESDA

Hundreds of New Yorkers tangoed and boogied under the stars at the second annual Ballroom at Bethesda in Central Park on Friday, September 15. Jitterbugging to the sound of the 18-piece Bethune orchestra, dancers of all ages and ability strutted across the terracotta tiles of Bethesda Terrace in a celebration of the continuing renaissance of Central Park and "Dance Month in New York."
Commissioner Stern welcomed everyone to the terrace, and then thanked the Roseland Ballroom for co-sponsoring the event. Jazz musician Bobby Short, the event's honorable chairman, celebrated his birthday before introducing the Step-By-Step dancer who started the night off with an exciting lindy-hop performance.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
''The chief difference between words and deeds
is that words are always intended for men for their approbation,
but deeds can be done only for God.''
Leo Tolstoy
(September 9, 1828-1910)