The existing playground and picnic areas were reconstructed with new play equipment, swings, a river-themed spray shower, childrens amphitheater, steel perimeter fencing, reconstructed drainage and water supply systems, ground hydrants, pavements, curbing, benches, picnic tables, and landscaping.

Over the past five years, Parks & Recreation has invested more than $125 million for Bronx park improvements, including new waterfront parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. Over the next five years, Parks will invest an additional $560 million to develop park projects in the Bronx, including more than $200 million from the construction of the Croton Water Filtration Plant and $98 million from Mayor Bloombergs PlaNYC initiative to establish the sustainable growth of New York City by the year 2030, which includes developing Soundview and High Bridge Parks into the Bronxs next great, regional parks. Current major capital projects also include Ferry Point Park, Bronx Terminal Waterfront Park, and Story Playground.

-30-

In 1844, 14 years before Olmsted and Vaux handed in their Greensward plan, Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant expounded on the need for a central park in New York City. Soon after, Horticulturalist editor Andrew Jackson Downing echoed these sentiments. Following that lead, Walt Whitman, editor of the then-independent City of Brooklyns Daily Eagle, began advocating for his city to build Prospect Park. So, although its the fruit of Olmsted and Vauxs visionary work that we see, we must remember that editors planted those parks seeds in the Citys soil.

The Bronx, boasts three of New York Citys ten largest parks: Pelham Bay Park is biggest with more than 2,700 acres, Van Cortlandt comes in number four at 1,146 acres, and Bronx Park is number eight with 718 acres. All of these acquisitionsalong with Claremont, Crotona, and St. Marys Parkscame at the hands of John Mullaly, a career newspaper man who worked in a series of posts at several publications before helping to found the New York Park Association in 1881.

Each of these eminent editors have New York City parks named in their honor; additionally, there are over a dozen parks named for editors whose words impacted the history of their local communitiesor, in some cases, the entire nation. From the simple stone relief portrait inserted into the wall of Central Park that honors editor Arthur Brisbane of The New York Sun to Manhattans two large statues honoring Horace Greeley, the founding editor of the New York Tribune, parks around the city pay tribute to historic editors.

Starting in 1831, William Lloyd Garrison published and edited The Liberator, a newspaper through which, for 35 years, he denounced the practice of slavery. His efforts earned him equal amounts of praise, scorn, and respect. Southerners reaction to The Liberator was strong. The South Carolina Vigilance Committee offered a $1,500 reward for the arrest of anyone distributing the publication, while the Georgia House of Representatives offered a $5,000 reward for Garrisons capture and trial. He is honored with a playground in the Bronx.

Manuel de Dios Unanue Triangle Park in Queens honors the memory of another brave newspaper editor who, though he was born in Cuba more than 140 years after Garrison, shared the belief that exposing the truth is a prime responsibility of journalism. Unanue edited El Diario-La Prensa and relentlessly covered the Colombian narcotics trade in Queens. His vociferous efforts to publicize these illegal actions cost him his life; he was shot by a contract killer working for the drug cartel that he exposed.

Although many people whose careers culminated as editors had a great impact on history, there are also great figures who had their start in editing. Roy Wilkins, for whom a park and recreation center in Queens are named, began his career in journalism. From 1934 to 1949, he served as editor of The Crisis, a magazine founded by W.E.B. Dubois. Wilkins rose to the position of NAACP president, where he worked tirelessly to promote voter rights legislation, fair housing laws, and equity in wages.

Even Parks favorite poet Joyce Kilmer was once a dictionary editor. And although he specified that "fools" make poems, he never mentioned who edits them.

-written by John Mattera

"An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox."

Lao Tzu
(600-531 B.C.)

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)

In the highlight of the festival, the Golden Ball, a shimmering sphere with murals depicting the river and its neighborhoods, was launched with a canoe procession at River Park in a ceremony performed by Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice and to the acclaim of a crowd of on-lookers.

Also in attendance were Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Chuck Vasser and John Calvelli of the Bronx Zoo, which hosted the event, Dorothy Lewandowski, Queens Borough Commissioner (and former Bronx Borough Commissioner), John Bachman, Acting Bronx Borough Commissioner, and Anthony Archino, Urban Park Ranger and designer of the Golden Ball. Assembly Member Jeff Klein helped kick off the Golden Ball launching ceremony.

During the festivals speaking program, Torres-Fleming and Adam Green, Founder and Executive Director of Rocking the Boat, presented Commissioner Lewandowski with a Greenland paddle. The paddle, handcrafted by Green, is made of citrus cedar and is highlighted on the paddle edges with red walnut. "This is the perfect tool for me to maintain my connection to the Bronx," said Lewandowski. "Each time I kayak with this paddle, I will be reminded of my many friends at the Bronx River Alliance who share my love of the water."

Ecologist Dr. Eric Sanderson of the Wildlife Conservation Society, headquartered at the Bronx Zoo, led a group on a walk through the Bronx River watershed, through the neighborhoods now known as Crotona Park East, Bronx River, West Farms and Bronx Park South. "This nature walk allowed participants to imagine what the Bronx was like before its modern development," said Sanderson. "In order to restore the Bronx River, we must first understand what it once was." Other tours took festival-goers through Woodlawn Cemetery and to Muskrat Cove and the new Mitsubishi Riverwalk exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.

The Golden Ball Festival was conceived in 1999 to celebrate and unite neighborhoods along the Bronx River and focus attention on its revitalization. The festival celebrates the Bronx River as a symbol of the vitality of the Bronx, embodying its solidarity, progress and exciting future.

The actual Golden Ball, created by Urban Park Ranger Anthony Archino, depicts the Bronx River and the communities that it flows through, as well as wildlife, restoration, and recreation activities.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance
to work hard at work worth doing."

Theodore Roosevelt
(18581919)

On the morning of Thursday, August 12, in Bronx Park along the Bronx River, the eight-person Bronx River Alliance Conservation Crew and a conservation crew from Westchester County installed eight duck boxes. Six of the boxes were placed along the Westchester side of the river, while the remaining two were installed along the City sectionone in Bronx River Forest, just north of the New York Botanical Garden, and one in the Shoelace section of the river at 228th street.

"Ive been on the river for four years and have seen a steady increase in wood duck pairs over that time," said Brian Aucoin, a Conservation Specialist with the Bronx River Alliance. "The Bronx River seems to have become an increasingly important part of their migratory route, and we want to extend to the ducks the utmost in hospitality."

The result is the duck boxa fowl flat of sorts, measuring one square foot, with an interior cavity at the center measuring four inches wide. Ducks are cavity nestersthey generally nest in the woody cavities of tree trunks. These duck boxes complement the accommodations that the Bronx River Alliance already makes for wood ducks. The conservation crew routinely leaves dead tree trunks eight inches in diameter or more in the forest so that ducks can make homes in them by hollowing out the dead wood. Other inhabitants of these cavities are flying squirrels.

The hope is that the tonier and more abundant the accommodations, the greater the number of wood ducks will stop over on the Bronx River during their migratory seasons, and the longer they will stay. If the ducks stick around for enough weeks, they may even begin laying their eggs in the boxes (which can hold dozens of eggs). Aucoin says that the crew will observe the boxes closely during the next migratory seasons. If the boxes prove popular with migrating birds, the crew will build more.

In addition to housing ducks, the conservation crew manages and restores the eight-mile New York City section of the Bronx river and roughly a thousand acres of parkland. The crew serves as the eyes and ears of the river, performing weekly reconnaissance for hazards. The crew also routinely removes invasive vegetation, plants native trees and shrubs, and works on stream bank stabilization and salt marsh projects.

The Bronx River Alliance is a non-profit organization whose mission is to serve as the voice of the river and to rehabilitate, manage, and protect it by working with Parks & Recreation, local community groups, schools, and other parties involved in the upkeep of this precious resource. Because Westchester County is upstream from the Bronx, the Bronx River Alliance works in tandem with Westchester County to implement as many conservation projects as possible.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"It is as impossible to translate poetry as it is to translate music."

Voltaire
(1694-1778)

The sun was shining in Riverdale on Wednesday afternoon as nearly a hundred community members and friends gathered to cheer on one of the city's greatest park volunteers. Paul Cymerman, 82, has been looking after Henry Hudson Park's Playground for the past 17 years. In recognition of his dedication, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe led a special ceremony at which the green space was renamed "Paul's Park" in his honor.

"It's not every day that you rename a playground," began Commissioner Benepe. "This is an honor that very few people in New York have earned. Parks are not normally named for living people." He added, "Mr. Cymerman's vigilance has transformed this place and made it a place where parents want to bring their children. He is the ideal Park Steward, and his work is an example of the way that one individual can change an entire community."

Mr. Cymerman, 82, has been a fixture at the Henry Hudson Park playground for the past 17 years, opening the park every morning and locking it every night. For years, neighborhood families and residents have unofficially called the green space "Paul's Park" as a result of his dedicated efforts to keep the park clean and safe. Paul's Park boasts one of the last sandboxes in a city playground. Another unique feature of the playground is the wealth of play toys, which were donated by the community and are safeguarded by Mr. Cymerman.

"He's one of those people who, when the flame gets a little low, rekindles it in you," said Manhattan Parks & Recreation Commissioner William Castro, who became close with Paul while serving as Bronx Commissioner.

"There are 185 playgrounds in the Bronx but there's only one of them with a dedicated volunteer like Paul," said Bronx Parks & Recreation Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski.

"My father is a different kind of person, a very strong person," said Sara Reagan, who also attended the ceremony. Mr. Cymerman and his wife, Ana (May 14, 1923 - August 11, 2003) were both survivors of the Holocaust. The two met at Bergen-Belsen in Germany after they were liberated from different concentration camps. Sara, their first child, was born there before the family emigrated to the Bronx. The two lived in Riverdale for decades and were married for 57 years.

Ana Cymerman was also a fixture in the park and always supported her husband's love of the park, according to Mr. Cymerman. At the service, he recalled the story of Hercules, who was sent on a mission to find a blue rose. "I always had my blue rose," he said, referring to his wife. "There are plenty of other roses-red roses, pink roses, white roses." But he always had his blue rose, he said. In memory of Mrs. Cymerman, Parks & Recreation planted a tulip tree (Oiriodendron Tulipifera). The tree will grow tall overlooking the park.

Throughout the ceremony, every speaker mentioned Mr. Cymerman's passioned enforcement of the playground's rules. And everyone agreed that without that enforcement, the park would not be the treasure that it is. "If you don't like [the rules] in my park, you go back to your dirty park," said Mr. Cymerman.

Mr. Cymerman's dedication is unfaltering. Ms. Reagan noted that on Thursday she and her father went to the park to protect the toys in the area from the approaching storm. "He was very concerned about them," she said.

On Sunday, September 21, his Holiness the Dalai Lama will give a free talk in Central Park. The Dalai Lama will speak on compassion, practices that encourage a peaceful mind, and positive ways to live during difficult times. The event is free and open to the public. It will take place on Central Park's East Meadow at 12:00 p.m. The public should enter the Park at East 90th Street and 5th Avenue beginning at 10:00 a.m.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery."

(1929-1945)

Written by Sarah Kay

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"In the United States there is more space
where nobody is than where anybody is.
This is what makes America what it is."

Gertrude Stein
(1874-1946)

Mayor Bloomberg, standing among the intricate harbor seal sculptures, told the crowd, "Reclaiming New York City's 578 miles of waterfront is one of my Administration's top priorities. This project is another important step in opening our waterfront for greater public use and enjoyment." Mayor Bloomberg continued, "East River Park is used by thousands of people - young and old - and its location on the Lower East Side makes it easily accessible to all New Yorkers." Professional Athletes from the NY/NJ Metro Stars and the Long Island Lizards as well as Council Members Alan Gersen and Margarita Lopez, and former Community Board 3 Chair Anne Johnson were among those groups who joined the festivities.

East River Park, developed by Robert Moses in the 1930s, is the largest park south of 59th Street in Manhattan, and on December 10, 2001, East River Park was renamed in honor of John V. Lindsay (1921-2000), the 103rd Mayor of New York City. The renovation of John V. Lindsay East River Park, which began in August 2001, was constructed with $6.84 million in mayoral capital funds. Parks installed an artificial multi-use turf field for football and soccer. Athletes of all ages will be able to play on two new artificial turf softball fields. Younger athletes can now hone their juggling skills on the new practice soccer field. As the weather gets warmer, toddlers will romp in the tot-play water area complete with harbor seals spray showers. The renovations also include new gardens, walking paths and pedestrian seating. New asphalt volleyball courts and asphalt basketball courts will soon open to the public.

East River Park has received numerous renovations through the years. Most recently, in December of 2001, Parks worked with an ABC television show, "Challenge America" to revitalize the amphitheater as well as one of its soccer fields.

Parks Designer George Vellonakis, Parks Project Manager Lawrence Mauro, Parks Resident Engineer Hassan Mehrpour, M.K.W. & Associates, O'Brien-Kreitzberg Inc. and D. Gangi Contracting Corporation all worked hard to make the reconstruction of John V. Lindsay East River Park possible. Special thanks to Lower Manhattan Together and the Lower Eastside Ecology Center who have been longtime supporters of the revitalization of East River Park.

After the ceremony, Parks Commissioner Benepe got to spend a few moments shooting goals with the students of P.S. 142. "I am grateful for the Mayor's support for this valuable project that will benefit so many New Yorkers," Commissioner Benepe said. "The new fields, picnic areas, gardens and playgrounds will bring new life to the entire southern end of the park."

So far, these funds have helped to rebuild Coney Island with projects like three new comfort stations and a lifeguard station, three new shade pavilions, two new playgrounds and two palm tree-shaped spray showers. New entrances to the boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue and West 23rd and West 24th Streets, nine information kiosks, 18-20 volleyball courts and new drinking fountains along the boardwalk. Finally, a brand new artificial turf little league/soccer field, and playground, that sit adjacent to Keyspan Park. The renovation of this icon of Brooklyn is a fitting next step in the rebirth of the Coney Island.

"I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg, EDC and the Parks Department for supporting this very important endeavor because there is nothing more Brooklyn than the Parachute Jump," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz in a comment provided to the Plant. "Since Coney Island is undergoing such a tremendous economic renaissance, refurbishing and possibly reopening the Parachute Jump, if it makes sense economically and could be done safely, would be another important step in the right direction. That is why I am happy to fund a feasibility study, to be performed by EDC, to determine if we can bring it back to life. While it may never be what it once was when I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, that doesn't mean this historic piece of Americana can't be updated for the 21st century."

"Refurbishing the parachute jump as a monument to Coney Island's glorious past is a fitting final touch to the area's revitalization and what promises to be a great future," said EDC President Andrew M. Alper. "The redevelopment of Coney Island is one of the best examples of our efforts to encourage economic development and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs."

Erected in 1939 for the New York World's Fair at Flushing Meadows in Queens, the parachute jump was moved to its present location soon after, in 1941. The Jump operated continuously brining joy to over half a million users a year until 1968. In July 1977, the Jump was designated an official landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. That October, the Board of Estimate, doubting the Jump's structural integrity, rescinded its landmark status, but the Jump was eventually put on the National Register of Historical Places in 1980. Finally, in 1989, the Jump was designated a City landmark after its structural soundness was proven, a testament to its solid engineering. In 1991, a $700,000 two-phase plan was undertaken to clear debris, such as hanging cables, from the Jump and to stabilize the structure.

"We are not born bad; everybody has something good inside them.

Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there."

(1910-1997)

On Tuesday, August 27, 2002, Commissioner Benepe joined Borough Commissioner Lewandowski, David Fraiser Chief of Staff to Council Member Larry Seabrook, Lt. Richard Evans from the 47^th Precinct, and Christine Forman the Parks Chair to Community Board 12, to cut the ribbon culminating a year long $477,000 restoration project. This neighborhood green space was beautifully redesigned by the design firm of Faye, Spoffard, and Thorndike of New York, Inc. Working closely with Parks Project Managers Larissa Wayne-Paulmeno and Andrew Penzi, the construction of this playground went smoothly and finished on time.

In its reconstruction, Rosewood Playground was given a Beauty and The Beast theme. Character silhouettes representing moments from the classic childrens tale adorn the playgrounds fences reminding everyone that beauty is more than skin deep. Additional improvements to Rosewood include new concrete curbs, asphalt pavements, new fencing, new benches, new plantings, a reconstructed flagpole, and improved water services including drinking fountains and spray showers. The construction was capped off with new play equipment and safety surfacing.

On hand, and enchanting the crowd with their amazing voices, were kids from the Zimmerman Summer Program. Niasha Wilsons rendition of the National Anthem left the crowd breathless, and just when they caught it again Chantal Taylor Grey took it away with "America the Beautiful." To round out the days entertainment, Shaquena Pugh gave a stirring performance of R&B classic by Mariah Carey "Cant Take That Away From Me."

As the day wound down, and the crowd began to disperse, one look back showed you just how great this new playground was going to be for the neighborhood. With kids on slides, kids climbing on play equipment, kids playing Potsy and Double-Dutch you could just feel the New York summer in the air.

"I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life

which are the real ones after all."

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Bronx

Crotona Park- Crotona Park East and Charlotte St.
Orchard Beach- North and South Lawn
Pelham Bay Park- Bruckner Blvd. and Wilkinson Ave.
Van Cortlandt Park- Allen Shandler Recreation Area, Jerome Ave., south of East 233rd St.
Brooklyn
Manhattan Beach- Northeast of Promenade, Oriental Blvd and Hastings St.
Prospect Park
Surrounding picnic house (Park West and 5th St., east side of Park Dr.)
South of Bandshell, off 9th St.
Nethermead Area, South Lawn at Wollman Rink

Manhattan
East River Park- East 10th St. and FDR Dr.
Highbridge Park- 177th and Amsterdam Ave.
Inwood Hill Park- Dyckman Field at Hudson River and Dyckman St.
Riverside Park- West 145th St. and Riverside Dr.
St. Nicholas Park- St. Nicholas Terrace at St. Nicholas Avenue and West 128th Street
Wards Island- East River and Hell Gate

Queens
Alley Athletic Field- Union Turnpike and Winchester Blvd.
Alley Pond Park- Winchester Blvd. and Grand Central Pkwy.
Brookville Park- Brookville Blvd. and South Conduit Ave.
Cunningham Park- Union Turnpike and Francis Lewis Blvd.
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park- off Lake West and off Lake
East Forest Park- Woodhaven Blvd. and Forest Park Dr.
Springfield Playground- 147th Ave. and Springfield Blvd.

Staten Island
Cloves Lake Park- Clove Rd. and Victory Blvd.
Willowbrook Park- Richmond Ave. and Eaton Place.
Wolfe's Pond Park- Cornelia Ave. and Luten Ave.
Midland Beach- Midland Ave. and Lincoln Ave.

PARKS FACTS

Ever wonder what the largest park in New York City is? Think its Central Park? Guess again. Below is the list of the 10 largest parks in New York City.

1. Pelham Bay Park, Bronx 2,765 acres
2. Greenbelt, Staten Island 1,778 acres
3. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens 1,255 acres
4. Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx 1,146 acres
5. Central Park, Manhattan 843 acres
6. Freshkills Park, Staten Island 813 acres
7. Marine Park, Brooklyn 798 acres
8. Bronx Park, Bronx 718 acres
9. Alley Pond Park, Queens 655 acres
10. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, Staten Island 638 acres

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT

(Thursday, September 7, 1989)

The summer of 36 was so hot that Parks built 10 new public swimming pools before it was over.. A half century later, the City has begun to rebuild one of the biggest, the 100-by-246-foot Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem.

Parks broke ground for the $9 million reconstruction of the facility, located at 113th Street and First Avenue, on Thursday, August 31. Originally dedicated on June 25, 1936 by Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia and Park Commissioner Robert Moses, Thomas Jefferson Pool was the second of the new swimming pools constructed by the Parks Department that summer with Works Progress Administration (WPA) funds.

"Let us then suppose the Mind to be, as we say, white Paper,
void of all Characters, without any Ideas; How comes it to be furnished...?
To this I answer, in one word, From Experience:
In that, all our Knowledge
is founded; and from that it ultimately derives it self."

John Locke
(August 29, 16321704)

There was a hint of sadness in the air, however, as Kidfest marked the end of the six-week-long baseball clinics offered by Parks and the Turn 2 Foundation throughout the five boroughs. "Sadly, all fun things must end, and the Turn 2 Clinics are no exception," said Commissioner Benepe. "But even though these clinics are over, I know they have set you on a course for living healthier and more active lives." And active they were. Kids jumped like they were out of this world on the Moon Bounce, tested their aim and strength at the carnival games, and challenged their endurance on the obstacle course. While all these energetic activities were going on, there was plenty of waterboth from bottles and hosesto replenish and cool down the kids during the week-long heat wave.

The baseball clinics are run by Parks and the Turn 2 Foundation, a private nonprofit corporation Derek Jeter established in 1996. Jeter coined the foundations name to signify both the agile movements of every shortstop as well as the programs goal that kids can "turn to" the sports clinics for exercise and support. Celebrating their fifth year, the clinics teach children ages 8 to 13 the basics of baseball while also giving them a chance to make new friends and work as a team.

Addressing the kids, Jeter spoke to the kids about the importance of playing sports, doing well in school, and listening to their parents teachers. Later, Jeter praised the recreation centers he used as a kid growing up in Michigan. The coaching he received then, he said, inspired him to become an athlete. Now, as one of the most respected players in baseball, Jeter has made it his mission to offer leadership and inspiration to future generations of children.

(Monday, July 24, 1989)

Two years ago, Parks helped launch the Adopt-A-Monument program to preserve New York Citys public art. And now, to preserve our living monumentstreesBronx Parkies are launching a "Future Forest Fund" in Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay Parks. Finance by tax-deductible contributions, the fun will be used to help replace trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants in the boroughs two largest parks.

"Our forests are a much needed refuge for New Yorkers feeling the hustle and bustle of city life," said Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay Administrator Paul C. Berizzi. "Weve contacted hundreds of people we hope will help us plant thousands of seedlings.

"It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly."

Mabel Newcomber

"This park was born on September 26, 1951, making it a half of a century old," said Lewandowski. "It shares its birthday with T.S. Eliot (1888) and George Gershwin (1898) who were both great writers, one of poems and one of music." The Commissioner, however, refrained from reciting The Waste Land or singing Porgy and Bess tunes. Rather, she let the kids demonstrate their own musical abilities. In addition to reciting the National Anthem, the children performed "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing" and "God Bless America."

"This park is in great condition for a 50-year-old," remarked Lewandowski. "Of course, its had some help from former Council Member June Eisland." Eisland, a long-time dedicated advocate for parks and playgrounds, funded the parks $225,000 in improvements before leaving office this past year. The renovationsimagined by Parks Designer Paul Rubeincluded the rebuilding of several benches, the installation of fencing, the construction of colorful play units and swing areas for both small and large kids, the addition of beautiful bronze north arrow paver, the reconstruction of the spray shower area, and the planting of seven Japanese zelkovas. Resident Engineer Javier Torres of Abel, Bainsonn, & Butz ensured that all of Rubes designs went as planned.

The Bronx Commissioner also taught the kids about the origin of the parks name. In particular, she told them about Robert Weinberg, a man whose career exemplified the balance of work and play. Weinberg, who worked at the Parks Department during the 1930s as an architect and city planner, spent his working hours looking for places to build playgrounds. In 1987, the park received its current name as a tribute to Weinberg. "You might ask, Why did we name it Vinmont if his name was Weinberg?" said Lewandowski. She then taught the kids that "Weinberg" means "wine mountain" in German and that "Vinmont" means the same thing in French. In fact, many places in the neighborhood are named Vinmont, also after the Weinberg family.

Lewandowski elaborated on the theme of business and pleasure, promising that the park would always be staffed with Parks maintenance workers whose job would be to making sure the kids have fun in a safe and clean surrounding. Eisland, who spoke at the event in addition to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and other Riverdale community members and City Officials, explained that she used to bring her own children to the playground. She also thanked the Parks Department for its commitment to keeping the playground staffed and for always fighting for children and green spaces in the Bronx.

After the ribbon cutting, students were eager to try out the playgrounds new equipment. Before returning to class, the kids hit the new slides, swings, and play equipment. Their laughs signaled that Parks had done its homework.

(Thursday, June 15, 1989)

If you are thinking of celebrating Fathers Day with a walk in Central Park, stroll over to Bethesda Terrace, midpark at 72^nd Street, where the Central Park Conservancy and the Sweet Feast Cafare sponsoring a summer-long free music series beginning this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Bring Dad and the whole family to relax and enjoy the green heart of Central Park with free juice, coffee and bagels and jazz and classical music.

Dan Levinson on saxophone will perform from 10:30 a.m. to noon and Joe Hrbeck and his Magical Jazz Quartet from noon to 2:00 p.m. You can enjoy a mix of jazz and classical selections by the Brass Extravaganza from 2 to 4:00 p.m.. Gordon Radfords Fusion will entertain park goers from 4 to 6:00 p.m.

"Sleep is the best meditation."

(b, June 6, 1935)

With the most extensive municipal collection of public art and monuments in the nation in its custody, Parks maintains more than 300 items of sculptural significance. Many are works of the premier American masters of the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1997, the CPF Monuments Conservation Program was launched with two initial goals: to augment through private investment the Citys care of its public art collection and to train the next generation of conservators. In its first five years, the program has conserved 39 sculptural pieces, and maintained (often on an annual basis) 66 additional sculptures. Thirty-four graduate-level interns from the United States and abroad have received training in the methods and precepts of outdoor sculpture conservation. Major funders have included the Florence Gould Foundation, the Laurence Rockefeller Foundation, the David Schwartz Foundation, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, the American Express Company, and the American Battle Monuments Commission.

Jonathan Kuhn commented on his vision for the future saying, "We seek to treat the collection as an outdoor museum. Many of the artworks are by the premier American masters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The commemorative monuments honor the heights of human achievement and depths of human sacrifice; they are permanent reminders of the people and events that shaped our city, the nation and the world. We now wish, with additional private investment, to broaden the Programs mission to include education and public programming."

Commissioner Benepe expressed his appreciation to the staff of the Monuments Conservation Program, and he hoped that more Parkies might claim Design Awards next year. Deputy Commissioner for Capital Projects Amy Freitag commented, "The Art Commission Awards provide incentive for our designers to produce high quality and innovative designs. In the next year, we hope that our creative innovators will prove to be among the best of their peers in other city agencies and in the private sector."

(Tuesday, June 13, 1989)

Bronx Seasonal Park Supervisor Robert Stokes staged a daring rescue when he saved an innocent victim from being pecked to death. Stokes was supervising a Whitestone Bridge construction crew in Ferry Point on May 24 when he noticed a group of crows swooping down on a young owl.

Stokes routed the attackers by scaring off the mischievous crows and then whisked the injured bird to the office of Bronx Parks Commissioner James Ryan, who immediately phoned Tony Emerrich, Natural Resources Management Advisor for Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay Parks. Emmerich identified the bird as a common barn owl, a variety named on the New York State list of Species of Special Concern.

"Patience, persistence and perspiration
make an unbeatable combination for success."

Napolean Hill ]]> 2009-11-21T20:08:54-05:00 dailyplant14013 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=14013 Latin Jazz music filled the windy air in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Poe Park on Tuesday, May 14. This 2.3-acre park received a makeover totaling $1.2 million. Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe enjoyed the new park with Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr., City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera, and Bronx Parks Commissioner Dotty Lewandowski.

Poe Park, named after esteemed American poet and author, has been recently updated with new play equipment and safety surfacing, asphalt pavements, steel bar fencing, drainage, park benches, and trees and shrubs. A majority of the project ($1.034 million) was funded by former Council Member Jose Rivera. $80,000 was funded by former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer.

The current Bronx Borough President, Adolfo Carrion Jr., was on hand to celebrate this neighborhood park. He spoke of the Bronx as a great borough that needs to see more attention and funding being given to it in ways like this project at Poe Park. Joel Rivera, Jose Riveras son, also spoke. Jose Rivera is now a State Assemblyman and Joel has followed in his fathers footsteps, becoming a council member himself. It was clear on Tuesday that Joel Rivera felt a strong connection to the Fordham neighborhood and the Bronx in general.

Poe Park is the grounds for the historic Edgar Allan Poe Cottage. Built in 1812, Poe lived in the cottage in 1846 with his wife, Virginia. The Poes were escaping to the countryside of the Bronx in an attempt to cure Virginias tuberculosis. They rented the little house for just $100 a year.

Edgar Allan Poe was a poet and also the creator of the American Gothic tale. He is most famous for his works entitled "The Raven," "Berenice," and "The Fall of the House of Usher." During his remarks, Commissioner Benepe read an excerpt from "The Raven," entertaining the school children with his interpretation.

The Poe Cottage actually stands 450 feet north of its original location. In 1913 it was moved upon the widening of Kingsbridge Road. The park opened to the public in 1902, making this year its 100^th birthday. Many outdoor music concerts were held in the park in its early years, especially after the bandstand was constructed in 1925. On Tuesday, Andy Gonzalez and the Latin Jazz Lab entertained guests from the bandstand. The school band from P.S. 246 played a rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "The National Anthem."

Commissioner Benepe said of the newly reconstructed Poe Park, "this park can now serve as an outdoor classroom for children. A place where they can learn of the history of this esteemed American poet and of this great borough." This history lesson is taught with the help of the Historic House Trust, a nonprofit group working in partnership with Parks to preserve and promote historic house museums located on Parks property. There are 20 such houses, including Poe Cottage, that are open to the public. Poe Cottage offers visitors a glimpse of this literary figures life in the rural Bronx of the 19^th century.

On May 7 and 8, 172 prospective donors presented themselves for the biannual Blood Drive for Manhattan, the three Arsenals, and Central Park Conservancy. A total of 143 donations were recorded. 29 Parkies were turned away for one reason or anotherlack of identification, low hemoglobin, the sniffles. The target of 150 donations was almost met, thanks to the coordinators impressive efforts. The following is a break-down of donations:

Manhattan: 54
Arsenal: 25
Central Park Conservancy: 25
Arsenal West: 23
Arsenal North: 6
5-Boro: 5
Undocumented: 5

Many thanks to Veronica Llanos (Manhattan), Tarice Harris (Arsenal West), and Nadieje (Central Park Conservancy). Veronica, Tarice, and her Benefits staff volunteered during both days to ensure a smooth operation at the sign-in table and at the canteen.

"You know that bank I used to cry all the way to? I bought it."

Liberace
(May 16, 1919-1987)

The playgrounds reconstruction was funded by Council Member Fosters father, former Council Member Rev. Wendell Foster. Structural improvements included the construction of a new retaining wall, stairway, and handicap accessible ramp. For athletes, Landscape Architect Kai-Tai Lin installed brand new basketball backstops. He also repositioned the parks handball court wall to make it fully visible from the street and more safe for kids to play in. Children can also enjoy colorful new play equipment and a brand new spray shower.

During his remarks, Commissioner Benepe taught children about how the Bronx and Mott Playground got their names. The Bronx, Benepe explained, is named after a sea captain named Jonas Bronck who bought over 500 acres of land there in 1639. Parks named Mott Playground in honor of Jordan L. Mott, a Bronx inventor who moved to the area in 1841. Mott, whose inventions include the anthracite coal-burning stove and the cupola furnace (but not the applesauce), "purchased a lot of land here and created a town named after a very important personhimself," according to Commissioner Benepe.

"Among you, there may be a few inventors. Perhaps theres a future Parks Commissioner hereor a Mayor-to-be," said Benepe "Whatever each of you becomes, please remember to take care of your parks and your community. Who knows, one day there might be a river or a town or a playground named after you." And the kids were all smiles when Commissioner Benepe asked them if they wanted a playground named after themselves.

Highlighting the event were performances by the J.H.S. 22 Marching Band, led by Norman Person. Echoing through the streets, attendees and neighbors enjoyed outstanding renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "She Works Hard For Her Money."

This ribbon-cutting marked the first major Bronx Parks event for Commissioner Benepe and Borough Commissioner Lewandowski. Its success offered a bright glimpse into future Bronx special events. Thats something that should bring smiles to everyones faces.

(Monday, April 24, 1989)

Parks invites all New Yorkers to help clean and green the citys parks on the ninth annual Green-Up Day which will be held on Saturday, April 29 in parks and playgrounds in the five boroughs. The raindate is the following day.

"Every year, thousands of volunteers from hundreds of volunteer groups in all five boroughs clean, paint, and plant their neighborhood park, and we are asking for the same enthusiasm this year," said Commissioner Stern. Parks will provide shovels, rakes, brooms, paint and brushes for the volunteers in their day-long spruce-up.

"Life well spent is long."

Leonardo Da Vinci
April 15, 14521519)

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)

Milton Berle
(July 12, 1908- March 27, 2002)

Parkies, elected officials, police and community members gathered on Monday, January 14, to celebrate the reopening of The Bronxs Highbridge park. The ceremony was held directly above the resting place of the Old Croton Aqueduct, the first of its kind ever constructed in the United States. Using a then-state-of-the-art gravity feed, the waterway fed drinking water 41 miles, from Westchesters Croton River into New York City. At Highbridge Park, the Old Croton Aqueduct bends and crosses the 620-foot wide Harlem River on the citys oldest bridge, the High Bridge. This delivery system was in place from 1842 until 1958.

In redesigning this park, Parks architect Ricardo (Ashbridge) Hinkle wanted to honor this hidden relic of New York City history. An inscription on the ground informs visitors that the brick plaza has been perfectly aligned with the aqueduct beneath it. Following bend in the aqueducts path, steps have been built to allow park visitors to the base of the High Bridge. Running parallel to the Old Croton Aqueduct trajectory, Parks constructed a stone channel, which collects water from five linearly-laid ground spraysand one water-spitting stone frogbefore cascading towards the bridge. A handicap access ramp will now allow everyone to reach the bridge. The ramp also serves as a terrific place from which to enjoy the spectacular vista of the Harlem River and northern Manhattan.

For many years, the High Bridge been closed to the public, but Parks hopes to one day reopen the bridge. On that day, Highbridge Park will become a green gateway allowing visitors the opportunity to complete the aqueducts historic journey from the Bronx to Manhattan. Until then, visitors to the park will enjoy wonderful views as they stand at the parks perimeter fencing which was inspired by the historic steelwork of the High Bridge.

Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern; Bill (Zorro) Castro, Bronx Borough Commissioner; Dorothy (Polka) Lewandowski, Bronx Chief of Operations; Council Member Helen D. (Redemption) Foster; Former Council Member Wendell (Reverend) Foster; Police Captain Nicholas (Captain Moose) DiMuro; Ade (Flying Eagle) Rasul, Community Board 4 Chair; Charlotte (Russe) Fahn of Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct; and Highbridge Parks architect Ricardo (Ashbridge) Hinkle were all on hand to cut the ribbon and unveil the parks historical sign.

In 1988 Management & Budget continued to revise Parks policies and create new initiatives to improve overall agency performance. Highlight include:

The first annual Employee Annual Awards Ceremony held last February honored Parks employee of year, rookie of the year, Commissioners award recipient, and manager of the year. Seventy-four employees of the month were honored in 1988, the first full year of the agency wide program.

We are stardust,
We are golden,
And weve got to get ourselves
Back in the garden

Joni Mitchell

Woodstock (1969)