Commissioner Benepe joined Deputy Mayor Daniel L. Doctoroff, Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, and Cemusa North America CEO Susan Baron to unveil the first of 20 APTs to be installed under the Citys Coordinated Street Furniture Franchise with Cemusa, Inc. The 20-year contract also calls for Cemusa to build and maintain 3,300 new bus shelters, 330 newsstands, 37 Sheltered Bike Parking Structures and provide $1.4 billion in new revenue to New York City.

Like all of the new street furniture, the APTs have a simple, contemporary design, created for the City by Grimshaw Architects, incorporating stainless steel and tempered glass. The APTs clean themselves after each use, and tamper-proof automatic doors that open from the inside will ensure security.

The APTs cost 25 cents to operate, with a time limit of 15 minutes and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each APT is climate-controlled and includes a toilet, a wash basin with running warm water, and a mirror. An automated system controls the door and prevents unauthorized entrance, and the APTs are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

After 12 minutes of use, an acoustic alarm and red flashing lights go off for three minutes before the door opens. Once a user has exited, the APT doors will close and the 90-second automatic cleaning cycle will begin. During the cleaning cycle the interior surfaces of the APT are cleaned and dried. Once the self-cleaning process is complete, a new user can access the APT.

Since June 2006, Cemusa has installed 1,010 new bus shelters and 39 new newsstands citywide, and the citys first four Sheltered Bike Parking Structures are now in place in four boroughs. The franchise has already delivered $118,460,000 to the city, and by manufacturing at least half of all franchise structures locally, Cemusa has helped to create more than 150 jobs in the New York City. Cemusa has also provided the City with valuable advertising space on its street furniture in cities around the world, which the City has used to promote itself as a tourism destination.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

Illegal aliens have always been a problem in the United States. Ask any Indian.

Robert Orben
(1927 - )

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)

Even New Yorks newer citizens know about the African burial ground that has been preserved just a little north of City Hall in Downtown Manhattan, and most know that Washington Square Park was once a cemetery; the clever ones even tell tall tales about the "hangmens elm." What few people realize is that New York City, especially Manhattan, was once riddled with cemeteries in what were originally far-off locations, distant from the downtown city core, but which were quickly overrun by development. Many of these burial grounds were potters fields, meaning people who did not have enough money to afford a private burial were interred there.

Originally, the City chose to make these potters fields "out of town," but New York expanded so quickly that the town ended up engulfing all the land in Manhattan aside from these old cemeteries. When these burgeoning neighborhoods sought open spaces for recreation, all they had left were the old burial grounds. Since there were no headstones on these paupers fields, nineteenth-century New Yorkers turned their heads and turned burial grounds into parade grounds. They were (in north-south order) James J. Walker Park, Washington Square, Union Square, Madison Sqaure, and Bryant Park.

In order to avoid the need for any future ghoulish land conversions, in 1847 New York State enacted the Rural Cemetery Act to encourage the building of cemeteries in unpopulated areas adjacent to urban areas (i.e., the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens). It was this act that closed the door to Manhattan burials and spurred a citywide interest in large, green, landscaped land preserves. Ironically, the creation of expansive, landscaped cemeteries in places like Brooklyn and Queens led the people in Manhattan to want green space of their own and thus began the movement to make Central Park.

Just about the same thing that happened in Manhattan in the 1820s through 1840s happened in the outer boroughs at the turn of the twentieth century. Apparently, the city fathers of Queens and Staten Island didnt study their Manhattan history. Once again, when neighborhoods became crowded and the people needed parks, there was no place to turn but the cemeteries, and not just potters fields.

As early as 1730, the site of Newtown Playground in Queens at 92^nd Street and 56^th Avenue was used as a cemetery. Some of Newtowns most prominent residents were buried there, and later it was used as a potters field on and off until about 1880. Although many of the famous and well-to-do were disinterred and buried elsewhere, this public space was transferred to the Queens Department of Parks in 1917. The 1927-28 Queens Parks Annual Report notes that "All the old headstones [one historian estimated as many as 86], which stuck up like eyesores, were laid flat and covered with soil." At that time, a "playground apparatus" and drinking fountain were installed, though it is not clear whether these were placed on or adjacent to the former cemetery site. The property was more fully developed as a playground in 1934-35, the dawn of the Moses era.

All told, there are more than 20 cemeteries within land that is now parks. Some of them, like Friends Cemetery in Prospect Park, remain untouched to this day; others are adjacent to our historic houses for all to see; but, in many cases, the clues of the past lie deep underfoot.

-written by John Mattera

"The man who has no imagination has no wings."

Muhammad Ali
(born 1942)

"If youve ever stepped in dog doo, you know how important it is to enforce the canine waste law," said Mr. Koch. "New Yorkers overwhelmingly do their duty and self-enforce. Those who dont are not fit to call friend."

The legislation, first introduced by then-Assembly Member Lehner and former State Senator Franz Leichter, went into effect in August 1978. The Canine Waste Law, (Section 1310 of the New York State Public Health Code), in effect across New York State and calls for the "Removal of canine wastes in cities with a population of four hundred thousand or more persons." Lehner, who now serves as a Supreme Court Judge for New York State, explained that when community members approached him in the mid-seventies regarding such legislation, he thought it was a job for the City Council. But, he explained, the council wasnt interested in passing such a bill. So, he and Senator Leichter co-sponsored the bill in Albany. Although it wasnt easy to convince their colleagues, they managed to pass the legislation.

"In the twenty-five years since we passed that law, I have never stepped in it," said Justice Lehner. "It has become a law, not only in large cities, but in many smaller cities worldwide."

"Im happy the law has worked as well as it has," said Mr. Leichter (who couldnt attend the ceremony) but phoned in from travels abroad. "New York City is a lot cleaner because of it."

"The Sanitation Department enforcement unit has carefully trained officers out on the streets every day looking for violators of the citys very successful pooper-scooper law," said Commissioner Doherty. "The officers are on duty to make sure that New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy the citys streets, which are now the cleanest theyve been in the last 30 years." In the past year, the Department of Sanitations enforcement wrote 644 summonses for those in violation of the canine waste law.

"The pooper-scooper law is as important in our parks and public spaces today as it was twenty-five years ago," said Commissioner Benepe. "From the over three dozen dog runs in parks across the city to park paths to sidewalks, its important that New Yorkers make it their business to take care of their dogs business."

Its true: the City is a lot cleanerand better smellingbecause of the law, and New York was the first major American city to have such a law. Since then, of course, the rest of the world has followed. San Francisco, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Palm Springs, Stamford, and other cities across the countryand abroadhave adopted similar legislation.

Asked at the event if hed ever tried picking up after a dog, Koch explained that hed never gotten a dog for that reason. But, he said, hes been thinking lately about getting a dog. "A small dog," he added.

Written by Eric Adolfsen

"The essential is to excite the spectators. If that means playing Hamlet on a flying trapeze or in an aquarium, you do it."

(19151984)

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.

The Shake Shack will feature a menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, frozen custards, and beverages. The environmentally-friendly and aesthetically distinctive building was designed by James Wines of Site Architecture, and the signage was designed by Pentagram. The structures design, demonstrated by the model, is harmonious with the park and its surrounding architecture and features a sloping, planted ivy roof. At the announcement, the clear skies allowed the sun to directly hit the scale model of the restaurant, making it easy to imagine how the actual eatery would fit into the surroundings.

"Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce this newest addition to Madison Square Park," said Commissioner Benepe. "This new kiosk joins a spectacular collection of outdoor art, a fun-filled playground, and beautiful landscaping. That the Madison Square Park Conservancy is opening the kiosk is a shining example of what public-private partnerships can achieve in our parks."

"With the new Shake Shack, New Yorkers and tourists now have one more great reason to visit Madison Square Park," said Debbie Landau. "It has been so exciting to see the transformation of Madison Square Park over the last six years, and we are thrilled to partner with Danny Meyer and USHG, some of the parks most passionate supporters, on this project."

"We are delighted to be able to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy with the new Shake Shack and hope it will bring together people from all walks of life to enjoy delicious burgers, hot dogs, and shakes," said Danny Meyer. The inspiration for the kiosk, he explained, came from the classic roadside food joints across America.

To help illustrate his plans, Meyer offered a tasting of a few menu items. Many of those in attendance tried samples of the burger and hotdog, both deliciously garnished. The frozen custards, a variation on the milkshake, were also available to all. One bite of the burger made it easy to imagine the kiosk becoming an instant hit.

The Parks Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in July 2003 for the construction of a food kiosk and the operation and maintenance of a cafin Madison Square Park. After reviewing all proposals received, the concession was awarded to the Madison Square Park Conservancy, in conjunction with the Union Square Hospitality Group. The term is for nine years. The kiosks $750,000 budget is being funded exclusively from private philanthropic donations, including major contributions from Met Life, New York Life, and Union Square Hospitality Group.

"... a country encapsulates our childhood and those lanes, byres, fields, flowers, insects, suns, moons and stars are forever reoccurring."

Edna OBrien

From Mother Ireland, 1976

In May, Parks & Recreation held its second annual Meet the Manager program, with Park managers hosting patrons in 130 parks citywide. Through these meet and greet sessions, we have reached out to thousands of New Yorkers, with 1,110 doing short surveys in the last two years. Though too young for the surveys, hundreds of children also received Parks & Recreation frisbees, balls, and rulers - adding more fun to their park experience.

On June 25, a group of summer interns launched a two-month survey initiative that will reach each of the five boroughs. First up was Union Square Park, where over 70 surveys were completed. Parks & Recreation set up a table with surveys, Special Events calendars, and free giveaways to members of the public who stopped by to give us their feedback. The day was a great success as both visitors and residents expressed satisfaction at the newly renovated Union Square Park. Even the sun gave us approving ninety-degree weather for the day.

Since then we have surveyed in four boroughs. On July 8, 5-Boro Operations staff and interns went to Madison Square Park and St. Catherine's Park where over 130 customers participated. The following week, intern volunteers from many divisions of Parks & Recreation went to Brooklyn's Prospect, Sunset, and Red Hook Parks. Despite the rain and clouds, over 200 surveys were collected. Operations interns and staff tackled Staten Islands Clove Lakes Park and the Bronxs St. Marys Park during the week of July 28. The St. Marys team broke the all time record by coming home with 102 surveys collected in one park. So far, over 1,538 park surveys have been tabulated, and the program is growing.

Park & Recreation Surveys are opening up a new way for the public to communicate about parks and to express their priorities and concerns. Thanks to Susan Friedman, Lofton Johnson, and interns Miriam Petersen and Ian Shin, and all our interns for their help, to Sherry Lee who is coordinating this initiative, and to Leslie Nusblatt, Parks & Recreations Intern Coordinator.

"Public-private partnerships are vital to the success of our green spaces and I congratulate the board and their supporters for creating the Madison Square Park Conservancy," said Commissioner Benepe. "This Conservancy will help us keep Madison Square Park, one of New York City's first parks, a safe and inviting place."

The Madison Square Park Conservancy was formed to support Madison Square Parks beautification, programs, and maintenance. Community members, elected officials, and corporations including, MetLife, NY Life, and Credit Suisse First Boston have been instrumental in the parks transformation over the last decade.

"I am thrilled to announce the formation of the Madison Square Park Conservancy," said Debbie Landau. "Todays ceremony marks the culmination of our efforts to restore and revitalize Madison Square Park. Thanks to support from corporations and individuals, Madison Square Park is now guaranteed a bright, lush, and financially secure future for years to come."

For the first time, Madison Square Park will offer a variety of summer tunes for all New Yorkers to enjoy. Through Madison Square Music, a free performance series on Wednesday evenings from July 9 through August 13.

On July 9, the music series kicks off with folk-rocker Dan Zanes & Friends and continues on July 16 with alt-country singer Laura Cantrell. The following three Wednesday evenings will be presented in association with Jazz Standard Steven Bernstein's Millennial Territory Orchestra on July 23, a jazz ensemble on July 30 and virtuoso jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter on August 6. The series concludes August 13 with Broadway star and cabaret singer, Melissa Errico. Bring your family out to enjoy these free evenings of music.

This summer the Madison Square Park Conservancy will also be launching Madison Square Kids, providing performances followed by arts and crafts activities and Madison Square Art, presenting unique contemporary art.

At the end of the event, the officials unveiled Madison Square Park Conservancys new banner. This colorful banner now hangs on over 30 lamp-posts throughout the Flatiron District and in the park. Thanks to the efforts of Parks & Recreation Manager John Herrold and his team the park is in great shape. Across the way from the banner unveiling, scores of children happily scurried up the parks playground equipment, excited to partake in the warm sunshine.

Written by Jocelyn Aframe

"This is the place!"

(1801-1877)

Last Thursday, December 5, the ribbon was cut on the new Forest Park Bridle Path. The 4-mile bridle path winds through the 538-acre Queens park and was improved as part of a $1.7 million capital project. On this particular day, New York City was hit with its first winter storm of the season, but Parkies and Queens residents trekked through the fresh snow to show their support for the project.

Though most of the funding for the project was allocated by former Council Member Tom Ognibene, Council Member Dennis Gallagher was there to celebrate the paths reopening. Council Member Gallagher represents District 30 in Queens which includes the neighborhoods of Middle Village, Glendale, and Ridgewood. Always a supporter of Parks, Gallagher, appropriately, was dressed in a cowboy hat.

Also in their cowboy hats were Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Queens Borough Commissioner Richard Murphy, celebrating the project that re-graded the bridle path and replaced drainage pipes and dry wells. New curb edging and log barrier rails were installed to improve upon the riding experience. Stone screening now covers the path and erosion control bars were also added. Finally, a beautiful mural was painted on a stone bridge over the path.

"This restored bridle path not only improves the riding experience for horse enthusiasts, but it also renews and preserves Forest Parks surrounding forest," said Commissioner Benepe. "The new bridle path joins the recently reconstructed Sobelsohn Playground, the Carousel, and a host of other recreational facilities located inside this natural treasure."

"The Forest Park Bridle Path is a Queens jewel that many people dont know exists," said Commissioner Murphy. "With this renovation, we hope the riding public from across the City will come and give it a trytheyll be thrilled with the conditions."

As the surrey pulled Benepe and Gallagher, along with the Administrator of Forest Park Debby Kuha, down the snowy path, excited attendees walk along the path enjoying the beautiful scene before them. The path will be used by horse lovers from across the City, especially those from Lynns Riding School and Dixie Dew Stables. "Ben" and "Jerry," two of Parks Mounted Parks Enforcement Patrol horses were able to "test drive" the new and improved bridle path. Despite the cold air and the frozen ground, everyone at the ribbon cutting ceremony was warmed by their enthusiasm for this project and their excitement for the future of horseback riding in Forest Park.

by Hannah Gersen

Before I moved to New York, I fell in love with the idea of living here from reading about it. Guided by my favorite writers, I imagined landmarks like Central Park, Fifth Avenue, the Plaza, Madison Square Park, and Times Square many times before I actually saw them. Now that I live here, I still find reading about New York inspiringI enjoy seeing what details the author chose to include in their description and what has changed since their writing.

New Yorks parks are often included in these literary descriptions and to celebrate this fact, (and to remind you, in these cold winter months, how lovely our parks are) The Daily Plant will periodically run selections from books, movies, poems, and song lyrics.

To start off, Ive chosen the conclusion to E.B. Whites essay, "Here Is New York," published in 1949.

"...there is an old willow tree that presides over an interior garden. It is a battered tree, long suffering and much-climbed, held together by strands of wire but beloved of those who know it. In a way it symbolizes the city: life under difficulties, growth against odds, sap-rise in the midst of concrete, and the steady reaching for the sun. Whenever I look at it nowadays, and feel the cold shadow of the planes, I think: "This must be saved, this particular thing, this very tree." If it were to go, all would gothis city, this mischievous and marvelous monument which not to look upon would be like death."

"The Devil is easy to identify. He appears when you're terribly tired and makes a very reasonable request which you know you shouldn't grant."

Fiorello La Guardia

(1882-1947)

Roy began his first tour with Parks on January 2, 1996 and stayed until April 30, 1999. After a brief hiatus, he returned on July 27, 2001. Roy works as a City Park Worker at the Zoo Garage. Roy is responsible for the Commissioner's vehicles and transportation. He attends hundreds of events with the Commissioner, ensuring that they get to their destinations safely and on time. During those duties, this year Roy spotted a man in Central Park who had collapsed. His quick calling in of this incident helped save the man's life. Roy is also the driver evaluator for administration, helping to ensure we drive safely and reviewing the rules for operating Parks vehicles. Calm and level headed, Roy is a terrific asset to the Arsenal and the Commissioner's staff.

Julio is a CPW and has been with Parks since November 4, 1985. Julio takes care of playgrounds in District 7 which includes Rose Hill Park, Poe Park, and PS 8 Playground. He cleans the playgrounds, removes waste, and keeps the sites graffiti free. His efforts have helped District 7 achieve a cleanliness rating of 94%, above our citywide average. Julio also goes out of his way to make sure the equipment, fences, benches, sidewalks, and signs are in good shape. With Julio down by the schoolyard, things get done. He was nominated by SPMO Felix Valentine.

Carlos is an APSW and has been with Parks since May 6, 1985. Carlos worked this summer as a seasonal SPMO Pool Supervisor. He helped oversee the busy crowds at Commodore Barry Pool and kept everyone cool during one of those hottest and driest summers on record. Now that autumn has arrived, Carlos supervises a WEP crew that removes graffiti and performs other projects boro-wide. Be-Cous-O his hard work, Carlos was nominated by PRM Arthur Decesario.

Jeremy is a CPW who started with Parks last year on June 7, 2001. Working with Greenstreets, Jeremy helps maintain 56 Greenstreets in District 1 and 31 sites in District 5. These districts have among the most Greenstreet sites citywide. Checking on dozens of sites each day, Jeremy performed weeding, watering, cleaning and planting. He helped keep the sites healthy, clean and attractive despite this year's drought. A just keen new employee, Jeremy was nominated by Gardener Kathleen Rosa.

Marilyn works as a Brooklyn Construction Resident, and she has been with Parks since December 22, 1997. She is just completing the oversight of the $1.5 million dollar renovation of the Marine Park Playground. This complex project included an innovative design of sea animals, coral, and a nautical boating scene. Her other construction projects include Penn Street Triangle, Bergen Beach Ballfields, Ashford Playground, and McKibbin Park. For skilled and capable performance of her duties, Marilyn was nominated by Assistant Commissioner Nancy Barthold.

(Thursday, December 14, 1989)

"The Star of Hope" shines again in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, after a re-lighting ceremony yesterday afternoon at sun-down. The large, five-point star, which marks the location of the nations first public Christmas tree, has 22 bulbs and sits atop a 30-foot cast iron decorative pole in the center of the park at 25^th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues.

Congressman Bill Green joined Manhattan Parks Commissioner Patrick Pomposello and pre-schoolers from the Single Parent Resource Center and the Prince George Hotel in Manhattan for the re-lighting of the star.

"You must not lose faith in humanity.

Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty,

the ocean does not become dirty."

(1869 - 1948)

This star-shaped lamp sits atop the flagpole in Madison Square Park. The light was first lit on Armistice Day, November 11, 1923 to commemorate the return of United States troops from World War I. Architect Thomas Hastings, of the noted architectural team of Carre and Hastings first designed the Memorial. The original flagpole was crafted out of Oregon pine, but in 1976, the pole was replaced with steel and its electrical system was updated. Hastings, along with Carre, also worked on the design of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue.

In April 2002, Parks & Recreation and Con Edison joined forces to return the Eternal Light Memorial to its original splendor. Completed in September 2002, the star's new lighting interior glows 240 watts strong. Con Edison and the Sentry Electric Corp. of Freeport, New York collaborated on designing and implementing the LED lighting system while Parks & Recreation ensured the star was in perfect condition before the new bulbs were installed.

This new lighting fixture will provide up to 12 years or 100,000 hours of continuous illumination. Thanks to the efforts of Parks & Recreation and Con Edison the Eternal Light Memorial in Madison Square Park flickers once again to honor those who have given their life to fight for the freedom of our country.

Friday, November 1, 2002 was a very lucky day for one resident of New York City. In the Ravine in Central Park, a 5-6 month old red-tailed hawk was found and probably didn't have much longer to live. The bird was severely underweight and was suffering from a mild concussion (thought to be sustained by a collision). A park patron spotted the bird and alerted Parks & Recreation, and Urban Park Ranger (UPR) Perry Wargo responded to the call. Wargo transported the hawk to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan, which eventually brought the hawk to the Green Chimney Wildlife Center in Brewster, New York to continue its rehabilitation. After almost two weeks of rehabilitation, the hawks weight was brought from 27 ounces to 34 ounces, and the hawk was given a clean bill of health. On Wednesday, November 13, 2002, a small group of Parkies, including Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Chief of the Urban Park Service Alex Brash, and honorary Parkie Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris, gathered on the roof of the Arsenal to watch as the hawk was re-released. UPR Yvonne Monge held up the youthful hawk for all to see before letting him go to find friends, food and more in the wilds of Central Park.

(Wednesday, November 29, 1989)

When Director of Horticulture Thomas Ching was a child, he really liked eating vegetables a fact that stayed with him.

Years later, as an English major at Cornell University, he sought a change of direction and thought, "Why not turn my love of vegetables into a career?" So, Ching joined the schools botany departmentand a horticulturist was born.

"One-fifth of the people are against everything all the time."

(November 20, 19251968)

The Farragut Monument has recently been conserved through the Adopt-A-Monument program, a joint venture of the Municipal Art Society (MAS), Parks, and the Art Commission. And with the support of the Paul and Klara Porzelt Foundation, the bronze statues surface was cleaned, repatined, and coated, by Wilson Conservation. Additionally, the missing bronze sword was replaced with an exact replica.

About 75 New Yorkers gathered on Monday, including children from the Friends Seminary School, to help unveil the statue after its conservation. A huge gold-colored cloth covered the monument and greatened everyones excitement to see the conserved Admiral Farragut. At the event were Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Deputy Mayor for Administration and a founder of the Adopt-A-Monument program Patricia E. Harris, President of MAS Kent Barwick, and Rear Admiral Ronald A. Route, of the U.S. Navy.

Attendees were treated to a history lesson, an art lesson, and a U.S. Navy lesson, all in one. Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870) began his military career at age nine. At the outset of the Civil War, Farraguts Union sympathies compelled him to move from Virginia to Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. It was at that time that he became famous for uttering the words "Damn the torpedoesfull speedahead!"

The Farragut Monument was erected in 1881. Made of bronze, the statue was Augustus Saint-Gaudens first public commission. Architect Stanford White built the broad granite exedra upon which the statue is placed. Admiral Farragut is depicted in full naval uniform with binoculars and a sword. The conserved Farragut Monument will educate and delight the patrons of Madison Square Park for years to come.

(Tuesday, October 31, 1989)

New Yorkers with an accumulation of academic accolades can now add another to their curriculum vita, a "degree" from a free Central Park seminar.

Commissioner Stern and Central Park Administrator Elizabeth Barlow Rogers will lead a free three-part seminar on the history and landscape of Central Park entitled "Central Park: Then and Now." Participants who "pass" the course will receive a special "Central Park Seminar Certificate of Completion."

"A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind."

Eugene Ionesco
(1912-1994)

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.)

The art encourages visitors to notice the space around them. Dalziel + Scullions cast-metal tents evoke the idea of exploring new territory, Dan Grahams pavilion inspiring reflection on design, and Mark Dions nostalgic Urban Wildlife Observation Unit reminds us that even familiar creatures like gray squirrels and house sparrows are wildlife. As Susan Freedman notes in her introduction to the Field Guide that accompanies Dions unit, parks are places where urban and natural worlds collide in New York City. She writes, "We hope that the installation...will quite literally open the visitors eyes to the richness of Madison Square Park and its many inhabitants who live, grow, or walk through here every day."

The art on display was commissioned by the Public Art Fund and funded by a three-year $1 million grant from Target. An enthusiastic Commissioner Benepe remarked, "I first met with representatives from Target in 2000 while I was still Manhattan Borough Commissioner. They were looking to do a project in New York City. What came about was a great public/private partnership between the City, the City Parks Foundation, and Target that has brought new and innovative public art to this historic park."

Our city parks can be thought of as an open-air museum with both a permanent collection and visiting exhibitions on display for the public. The art in Madison Square joins over 1200 monuments in parks citywide including more than 300 items of sculptural significance and monuments to famous American statesmen Roscoe Conkling, Admiral Farragut, William H. Seward, and Chester Allen Arthur already in the Square. There are several other temporary installations now on display citywide. In Sauer Park on the Lower East Side, there is a piece called The Bird of Imagining, inspired by a poem and designed in part by the students in the adjacent school. In Tribeca Park, a piece called Open House invites passerby to peer into a small glass house. Next month, a sculpture show is scheduled to open in Flushing Meadows Corona Park giving modern art lovers incentive to see more than just MoMA next time they visit Queens.

Visitors can see Target Art in the Park on display until Halloween. Though it is the final year of the project in Madison Square, Targets John Remmington told those present for the opening that his company gives away $2 million a week through its community giving program. Lets hope that another grant might enable this wonderful program to continue and bring more young artists creative work into our parks.

(Tuesday, August 1, 1989)

Marga Hellman cast an appreciative eye around the walls of the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park this morning. "This is a young piece," said Hellman, an art dealer, standing in front of Jack Demyans watercolor, "Richmond Town." "I especially like the composition of colors. Light but not too pastely. A happy kind of coloring."

"This one," she continued, admiring "Girl in Blue" by Esmie Palmer of the Bronx, "has a certain elegance that reminds one of Matisse. Very, very nice."

"Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us."

Roy Azdak

Parks and the City Parks Foundation hosted over a hundred people Tuesday morning to celebrate the final touches on the newly renovated Madison Square Park. Commissioner Benepe and Borough Commissioner Castro were joined at the podium by Council Member Christine Quinn, former Commissioner of the Department of City Planning Joseph Rose, and Bill Lukashok, a member of the Campaign for the New Madison Square Park.

The new playground has been updated with new play equipment, safety surfacing, animal art, a drinking fountain, gates, fences, and benches. Old-fashioned toy soldiers decorate the play equipment. Scenes from the poem "The Owl and the Pussycat" by Edward Lear are depicted on the fence of the swings. The spray shower has oversized alphabet blocks that spray water in the shape of a pinwheel. The roofs of the play equipment mirror the "Mansard" style of surrounding buildings like the MetLife building. And finally, as requested by neighborhood residents, an area was designed for storytelling and make-believe games, complete with a child-size bench in the shape of a cute caterpillar.

Attendees were treated to brightly decorated cupcakes and popcorn from an old-fashioned cart and youngsters had fun blowing bubbles and having their faces painted by Divina Moore, Youth Coordinator in Manhattan. This celebration marked the completion of Madison Square Parks revival. Last June a $5 million renovation was completed that was accomplished because of a unique public-private partnership. Of the many updates, the park was outfitted with a Victorian fountain and a contemporary reflecting pool. The $750,000 in renovations on the playground completes a project led by residents and businesses in the Madison Square Park area and the results are magnificent.

(Thursday, April 20, 1989)

Despite Saturdays steady downpour, hardy Boy Scouts braved muddy conditions to spread wood chips along a 350-foot nature trail in Pugsley Creek Park in the Bronx, as a grand finale to the agencys "5X5" clean-up blitz of the 74-acre site. Neighborhood volunteers and Parkies who joined the soggy Boy Scouts sipped hot chocolate and celebrated the successful spruce-up.

Commissioner Stern thanked Parks workers and volunteers for coming out in the rain. David Malatzky, Activities Chairman for Eastern District of the Boy Scouts of America, gave Commissioner Stern a certificate of appreciation. Bronx Parks Commissioner James A. Ryan, APRM Jill Weber, PPS Everett Frederick, and Santos Murillo, Treasurer of the Coalition of Neighborhoods in Action, also received certificates.

"It is not love, but lack of love, which is blind."

(April 11, 1901- 1987)

St. Vartan Park is named for nearby St. Vartan Cathedral of the Armenian Orthodox Church in America at the corner of 35^th Street and 2^nd Avenue, in Manhattan. The Cathedral was built to resemble the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzinthe world's first cruciform churchbuilt in the 4^th century and still standing in Armenia today. Vartan was an Armenian who lived during the 5^th century and died as a martyr during the Battle of Avarayr in 451 A.D.

By Eric Adolfsen

Renovations to Manhattan parks started with a splash in the spring with $12 million of renovations to Madison Square Park. Public and private funding aided Parks in restoring it to its original design and adding more modern additions. Other similar projects were Harlems Hooper Fountain and Donellan Square, Recreation Center 54, the East River Park Amphitheater and the approval funds to rehabilitate the arch in Washington Square Park.

Manhattan parks have traditionally been a safe place for New York City children to play. Keeping with this spirit, many playgrounds were constructed and renovated and several major ballfields were covered with artificial turf. Generous City Council Members helped to revive Manhattans playgrounds, with major work and renovations done to the Courtney Callender, Happy Warrior and Seward Park Playgrounds. Projects yet to be completed in the coming weeks are at St.Vartans Park, Madison Square Park and McCaffrey Park Playgrounds.

There were also several high profile projects in Manhattan last year, including the Daffodil Project, the East River Park "Challenge America," and the reopening of the Battery Park Promenade. In response to the tragic events of September 11, we planted over one million daffodils around the city. Many New Yorkers and Parks employees volunteered their time to ensure that parks would be awash with yellow and golden daffodils in 2002 and to spread warmth throughout the city. After September 11, Battery Park served as a rest area for hundreds of police officers and firefighters. In early December, Mayor Giuliani and other city officials joined Commissioner Stern in Battery Park to unveil the improvements and to celebrate its re-opening. The East River Parks derelict Amphitheater was restored to its former glory and the soccer field was also equipped with artificial turf to allow for year round play on a formerly notorious mud puddle.

In addition to the innumerable physical renovations and re-constructions, Manhattan recreation centers gave thousands of children safe places to have fun. The "Learn to Play" program offers lessons in soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and softball. A highlight of this years recreation center programs is the basketball camp held in August at the Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center. The camp taught participants about the leadership and mentoring aspects of the sport while exposing them to professional coaches and sports reporters. Manhattans recreation program worked in conjunction with Partnerships for Parks to enlist hundreds of volunteers from the Junior Leagues Playground Improvement Project to help paint, update, and rehabilitate parts of the Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center.

The Manhattan Borough Office and Field Workers worked hard in 2001 to make Manhattan parks more aesthetically pleasing, as well as safer and more practical. This work has led to a smooth entrance into 2002 as we prepare for another successful year in Manhattan parks.

By Francesca Bertolini

(Tuesday, February 28, 1989)

New Yorkers will no longer have to pay hundreds of dollars to join health clubs in order to keep fit. Last Thursday at Highbridge Park in Upper Manhattan, Parks unveiled the first City-owned, free fitness center equipped with the latest in exercise machines.

Commissioner Stern was joined at the ceremony by City Council Member Stanley E. Michels and Fitness Specialist Dr. Jane Katz. The equipment was purchased with Parks receipts from the New York City Marathon.

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

(1901-1966)

Parks observed Veterans Day weekend with the rededications of a Vietnam Memorial Plaza on Friday, November 9 and the Bronx Victory Memorial to World War I on November 11.

The Vietnam Veterans Plaza, at 55 Water Street in lower Manhattan, has been invested with the memory of our servicemen since 1985 when Mayor Ed Koch dedicated it to honor the 250,000 men and women of New York City who served from 1964 to 1975, especially the 1,741 who died fighting.

With the New Water Street Corporation, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the City Parks Foundation, the United War Veterans Council, the Alliance for Downtown New York, and the active support of Mayor Rudolph (Eagle) Giuliani, Parks re-created the plaza, adding a Wall of Honor and a water feature, and planting abundant greenery. Revised in this way, the plaza is more conducive to quiet contemplation. The work was organized by the Veterans Plaza Anniversary Committee: Harry (Double Nickel) Bridgewood, Therese (Ranger) Braddick, Vince (Mastiff) McGowan, and Michael (Iron Mike) OConnor.

A color guard and rifle honor guard from Theodore Roosevelt High School as well as color guards from the Bronx County Veterans Group, the Boy Scout Troop 208, and the New York City Transit Authoritys "Transit Pride Pipe and Drum" made some patriotic noise to celebrate the restored Bronx Victory Memorial. Bronx Borough Commissioner William (Zorro) Castro, Council Member Madeleine (Dolphin) Provenzano, State Senator Guy Velella, and other local officials and veterans groups met at the foot of the monument in Pelham Bay Park. After undergoing a $975,000 restoration, the 120-foot column, the tallest war memorial in the borough, has been completely restored and its Winged Victory statue gilded with a shining patina.

The Bronx Victory Memorial, also known as The Bronx County War Memorial, is located on the southern edge of Crimi Road in Pelham Bay Park. Erected in 1932, the memorial was designed by landscape architect John J. Sheridan and sculptors Belle Kinney and Leopold Scholz. The monument was dedicated September 24, 1933. The main element of the memorial, dedicated to the 947 Bronx soldiers killed in World War I, is a limestone pedestal supporting a limestone column capped by a bronze Winged Victory sculpture. A paved plaza surrounds the towering monument. This 32-acre site was renovated at a cost of $400,000 raised by borough veterans and several local organizations.

The memorial received extensive cleaning and repair. Its limestone masonry and ornamentation were replaced. The missing eagles head was recarved, as was the massive globe supporting the statue. The bronze sculpture was removed from her perch, repaired, regilded, and installed on a new globe. The Veterans Day ceremony marked the completion of phase one of restoration.

(Monday, November 21, 1988)

The Harlem Meer is literally going down the drain. With a ceremonial twist of a bright red valve last Friday, Commissioner Stern sent the Meers 13 million gallons of water rushing down to the East River so that Parks could proceed with a $3.7 million dredging and revitalization of the man-made lake located in Central Parks northernmost section.

"Unromantic as Monday morning."

Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855)

Project Manager Emmanuel Thingue redesigned the playground to solve its former problems. He moved the entrance to the playground from a dangerous location off a busy road to a new location across from a traffic light. He employed an imaginative Art Nouveau theme that draws users into the center of the park where a wrought iron water lily grows from the concrete. He eliminated an unpopular ballfield and replaced it with new attractions such as metal picnic tables with accompanying metal chairs, trees, planting beds, and winding pathways. A large, lush lawn was established for passive park use and color seal coating was added to the renovated basketball courts. Fences stand guard around the perimeter of the park and a state-of-the-art modular play equipment is ready for climbing kids.

Borough President Shulman and Council Member Watkins allocated $1.3 million for the job. Contractor Doyle Baldante promised the children that work would be complete in time for Halloween. The ribbon was cut on Monday, October 29. Borough President Shulman; Council Member Watkins; Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern; Richard (Ricardo) Murphy, Queens Borough Commissioner; Elizabeth Braton, Chair of Community Board Number 10; and Donna Gilmartin, President of the Locust Grove Civic Association, welcomed community residents into the reconstructed facility.

The 118^th National Horse Show began on Friday November 2. This years show, presented at Madison Square Park, will benefit the PEP Mounted Unit and volunteers with the Mounted Auxiliary. Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern thanked the National Horse Show for their support before he cut a ribbon, symbolically opening the stadium for competition. The ceremony included a musical ride by six mounted and two auxiliary officers and appearances by the NYPD marching band and canine unit.

Parks horses are not only beautiful animals and athletes, they are public servants. They assist in our efforts to ensure a safe city for all who would visit public spaces, such as New Yorks more than 28,000 acres of parkland. Horses play a unique role in parks. They patrol woodlands and heavy terrain like streams and rocky cliffs. They assist in crowd control and enable us to bridge the distance between officers and citizens. Parks animals are approachable and made more so by an equine education program, Horse of Course. Because public safety is at the forefront of New Yorkers minds, now is an appropriate moment to thank the animals and their riders as well as Richard (Bronco) Gentles, Director of the Parks Enforcement Patrol; Jay (Huey) Entwhistle, President of the Parks Mounted Auxiliary; and Eugene Mische, Chairman of the National Horse Show who sustain the programs through which they are employed.

(Friday, November 18, 1988)

Ever dream of taking a grand bicycle tour of the hidden New York City, past acres if rolling hills, gleaming lakes and sylvan corners that dot our 26,000-acre parks system? You will soon have that chance when a Brooklyn-Queens "Greenway" envisioned by environmental groups and the City is completed.

"Boys, be ambitious! Be ambitious not for money or for selfish aggrandizement, not for that evanescent thing which men call fame.

Be ambitious for the attainment of all that a man ought to be."

William Smith Clark (1826-1886)

"Now these are the Laws of the Jungle, many and mighty are they;

But the head and the hoof of the Law and the haunch and the hump is "Obey!"

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

On the dais at Tuesday's ribbon cutting, representing the major partners were Mayor Giuliani, Speaker Vallone; Borough President Fields; Herb (Merlin) Berman, Council Member; Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern; Bob (Tall Oak) Benmosche, Co-Chair of the Campaign for the New Madison Square Park and CEO of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; Danny (Host) Meyer, Co-Chair of the Campaign for the New Madison Square Park and President of the Union Square Hospitality Group; and Debbie (Courant) Landau, Executive Director of the City Parks Foundation.

As the only park in its neighborhood, Madison Square Park serves a range of patrons. It is equipped with features as diverse as a playground now under construction, flowers and trees, artistic monuments, and a dog run. In this reconstruction, the park was remade in the image of the 19th century, and adapted for modern use. The historic fountain, defunct for years, was restored. At the park's north end a reflecting pool was created. 1,200 square feet of land, formerly a motorcycle parking lot, was reclaimed and two drinking fountains were added. The park was planted with thousands of shrubs, perennials, groundcover, bulbs, annuals, dozens of ornamental flowering trees, and an esplanade of 38 trees. The City Parks Foundation's Monuments Conservation Technicians conserved the Roscoe Conkling monument, and cleaned monuments to Chester Allan Arthur, William Seward, and Admiral Farragut, and the Eternal Light monument as well. This fall, the Municipal Art Society's Adopt-A-Monument program will fund a full restoration of Farragut.

Also in this reconstruction, all of the walkways were repaved, a crushed stone picnic grove was added, as were new ornamental fences and an underground maintenance facility for a new staff funded by private donors in partnership with the City. Throughout the park, there are hundreds of new benches, and new gates yet to be installed will secure the park at night. Management of the park will be overseen by Manhattan Borough Commissioner Adrian (A-Train) Benepe who took a lead role in the park reconstruction. The day to day maintenance of the park will be supervised by John (Deputy Dawg) Herrold.

Congratulations to all who insured that Madison Square Park was restored on time and on budget. The park today is positioned to reflect and foster the prosperity of its neighborhood.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Thursday, June 16, 1988)

PARKS VOLUNTEERS VISIT HARBOR ON SUNSET CRUISE

Laura Mayer was there from Carl Shurz Park in Manhattan, and so was Herbert Mackay, representing the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Maria Marsala put in an appearance from Staten Island's Greenbelt, and so did Michelle Shebanie from Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Joan Bacara of the Friends of Flushing Memorial Field Park in Queens. Rabbi Jacob Goldstein also showed up from Brooklyn's Community Board #9.

Everyone gathered-all 540 of them-on a Circle Line boat to take part in Parks' annual "Thank You to Our Special Friends and Volunteers" party, which focused this year on New York Harbor and some of the city's 220 miles of waterfront.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"In Manhattan, every flat surface is a potential stage
and every inattentive waiter an unemployed,
possibly unemployable actor."

Quentin Crisp (b. 1908)
]]> 2009-11-21T16:03:58-05:00 dailyplant9273 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=9273 On April 18, as part of the renovation of Madison Square Park, work commenced on the conservation of the bronze statue of Roscoe Conkling at the park's southeast corner. The date coincided with the 113th anniversary of the death of Conkling, now forgotten, but once a titan of local and national politics.

Roscoe Conkling served as Mayor of Utica, New York in 1858 and then United States Congressman and Senator from 1859-1881. Conkling's active government role made him the undisputed leader of the Republic Party in New York State and a power broker who controlled federal patronage in the port of New York. He helped draft the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution-giving equal protection under the law to all citizens-and helped form the commission which resolved the electoral outcome of the presidential election of 1876.

In 1881, a dispute with President James Garfield resulted in Conkling's resignation form the senate. On March 12, 1888 Conkling braved the famous blizzard which gripped New York City on that day. Pitched into a snowdrift in Union Square, and struggling for three hours to reach his club at 25th Street, Conkling never recovered from the exposure to the storm, and died six weeks later. Five years, later the Park Board denied a request by Conkling's supporters to place a statue of him in Union Square Park, which, they were told, was reserved for four "Great Americans." By way of compromise, his bronze effigy was installed without ceremony in Madison Square Park on December 1, 1893. John Quincy Adams Ward (1830-1910) who made nine sculptures for New York City's parks, and was one of the most eminent artists of his day, crafted the statue, based in part on having witnessed the charismatic Conkling in action on the senate floor. He depicted Conkling in an active pose, in the midst of delivering a speech.

The $12,000 conservation, which is under the auspices of the City Parks Foundation Monuments Conservation Program, will take several weeks and is being performed by Monuments Conservation Technicians Liz (Statuesque) Short, Martha Seelenberger, and John Cole under the direction of Head Conservator Mark (Lacuna) Rabinowitz. In preparation for the work, the Monuments Program and Art & Antiquities staff researched the history of the statue, and consulted similar works by Ward in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and New York Historical Society. Now streaked and oxidized, the bronze surface will be washed and cleaned of surface soiling and loose corrosion. It will be chemically repatined to an historically appropriate color and tone. With propane torches, the conservators will warm the surface and apply a coating of lacquer, a matting agent, and wax. Thereafter, the monument will be regularly monitored and maintained.

In the 1940s and 1960s, the monument underwent several treatments. Verbal accounts indicate that the bronzes in Madison Square Park and elsewhere were painted during World War II, possibly to avert their destruction from metal reclamation programs or to reduce reflectivity in the event of an air-raid. In the summer of 2000, as part of the redesign and renovation of Madison Square Park, the nearly eight-foot tall statue on A six-foot high granite pedestal, was relocated 20 feet to what will be a newly landscaped setting

At the height of Conkling's career, his reputation was tarnished due to his confrontation with President Garfield, as well as his reputation as a philanderer. It is hoped that the current conservation will restore the integrity of this fine portrait statue, if not the man.

By Jonathan (Archive) Kuhn, Director of Arts and Antiquities

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, May 9, 1988)

PARKS PRINTS 300-YEAR TIMELINE
OF NEW YORK CITY PARK HISTORY

Parks have played an important role in the history of New York, from the days when George Washington strolled along the Battery to the Fourth of July weekend when millions of New Yorkers thronged in Battery Park to view the Statue of Liberty Centennial Celebration in 1986. To help New Yorkers learn more about the fascinating past of our green legacy, Parks has published "Three Hundred Years of Parks: A Timeline of New York City Park History."

"Three Hundred Years of Parks" tells the story of how our parklands grew from Bowling Green-leased by the City for one peppercorn a year to a group of citizens as the first official park in 1773-to the complex 26,178-acre system of today. The 46-page booklet with photos and illustrations is the first complete Parks chronicle ever published by the agency.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"April is a promise that May is bound to keep."

Hal Borland ]]> 2009-11-21T16:03:58-05:00 dailyplant7670 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=7670 CowParade 2000-the first public art project in New York to span all five boroughs-has come to a close. The cows went out in style as they were auctioned off to benefit a number of worthy charities on Thursday, September 28.

Mayor Rudolph (Eagle) Giuliani, Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern, and CowParade Holdings President Jerome (CowParade) Elbaum were present to bid adieu to the cows and watch as they were sold off to raise a grand total of nearly $1.4 million. The auction, held at Cipriani's at 42nd St., benefited foundations like Hale House, God's Love We Deliver, Citymeals-on-Wheels, New Yorkers for Children, and The Center for Arts Education. The auction also benefited the City Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving our parks and playgrounds citywide.

Phillips Auctioneers donated their services for the event. Michael McGinnis, Contemporary Art Director for Phillips Auctioneers, and Christopher Thomson, CEO, helped make the auction a great success. The biggest seller was the Tiffany Cow, which fetched $60,000. Nearly 200 additional cows are available for Internet bidding at Amazon.com.

ROLLING INTO ROLLER HOCKEY SEASON

On Saturday, September 30, the Morris Park Roller Hockey League held it's 6th annual opening day ceremony at Alfred Loreto Playground in the Bronx, marking the beginnings of the season. Nearly 300 children play for 18 teams in four different divisions, ranging from ages 5 to 17. The grant for the successful program was created six years ago through the cooperation of StarQuest, Bronx Borough Commissioner William (Zorro) Castro, and the City Parks Foundation. Another season of competitive roller hockey fun is already underway.

WORK TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DAY

On Tuesday, October 3, the City will join employers across the nation to participate in the fifth annual Work to End Domestic Violence Day. Employers have a vital interest in ending domestic violence because it has devastating effects on the workplace, not just the home. The Day is part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. You can visit the Commission's web page at www.nyc.gov/domestic violence.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, October 5, 1987)

THE SEWARD MONUMENT

The heroic statue of William Henry Seward (1801-72) by American sculptor Randolph Rogers (1825-92), stands in Madison Square Park at 23rd Street and Broadway, erected in 1876 as part of the nation's celebration of its 100th anniversary.

Seward's life was dedicated to politics. He was elected Governor of New York in 1838 and two years later was re-elected. From 1849 to 1861 Seward served as U.S. Senator from New York, and he was later appointed Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

Elected Silence, sing to me And beat upon my whorled ear, Pipe me to pastures still and be The music that I care to hear.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889)

PARKS KIDS RUN TO VICTORY AT HERSHEY'S TRACK AND FIELD YOUTH PROGRAM

Recreation employees Andy "Nike Swoosh" Williams, Emily "Little Rhody" Brennan, and Abdullah O. "Flight" Wright chaperoned a group of fast-running New York City children to the North American Finals of Hershey's Track and Field Youth Program in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The excursion, which lasted from Thursday, August 10 to Sunday, August 13, was a successful one. Tamieka Pate of the Bronx won the girls' long jump in the 9-10 year-old age group, and Janean Morris of Brooklyn won the girls' 800m run in the 11-12 year-old group. Other top finishers included Rolanda Bell, Shanyce Walker, Joy Maxwell-Henry, Danay Spencer, Whitney Slade, Nakisha Bogle, Talani Bertram, Timothly Lovett, Julian Crosswell, Trevor Lawrence, and Taquan Daniels.

MANHATTAN RESIDENT SEES CLEARLY THANKS TO QUICK-SIGHTED PARKS EMPLOYEE

Phyllis Mishkin of Manhattan recently wrote to Manhattan Borough Commissioner Adrian (A-Train) Benepe praising Parks employee Bruce Debose for his caring and honesty. When Mrs. Mishkin attended a concert celebrating Dave Brubeck's 80th birthday in Madison Square Park, she accidentally dropped her eyeglasses when switching to sunglasses to shield her eyes from the summer sun. She says she thought her call to the Union Square district office the next day would be "an exercise in futility," but within minutes the office called her back to report that one of the workers had found her glasses and was bringing them in. Mrs. Mishkin writes that the unlikely instance of having her glasses returned after a crowded concert in an open public space confirms her notion that New York is a "wonderful town," especially because of "those of you...who work so hard to make it so."

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, August 18, 2000)

FORMER PARKS NATURALIST PUBLISHES BOOK

Steven Garber, a former biologist with the Natural Resources Group (NRG), has written a book entitled The Urban Naturalist. The book offers a comprehensive guide to the plant and animal kingdoms and their relationship to urban life. Publisher's Weekly calls it "a wonderful and casual book that should delight the amateur scientist." In a forward to the book, Commissioner Stern writes, "Garber shows us that cities are teeming with plant and animals life and that new species continue to settle in our rich urban communities. If we can learn to understand, protect, and preserve what we already have, the benefits will fall to us. This book is an essential guide to the sources of those benefits."

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, Of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)