"Regular exercise is one of the keys to staying healthy," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Thanks to our partners, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Asphalt Green, we are able to launch Wake Up New York. This new pilot program will provide families with a fun and easy way to exercise together, and we hope will be an entry into a lifetime of fitness."

At East Harlems Thomas Jefferson Park (1st Avenue and 112th Street), for example, Asphalt Greens fitness supervisor Damon Byrd, as well as Parks & Recreation fitness specialists Cindy Berkoski, Joe Harley and others will start you off with simple stretching exercisesto help increase your heart rate and prepare yourself for the workout. Once warmed up, music will help get your blood circulating as you practice basic fitness and cardiovascular exercises. Youll also learn ways to increase your flexibility and muscle strength. Nutrition is also an important element of the program, and children and adults alike stand to gain from some sound advice about how to eat better.

Wake Up New York kicks off just as the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of Education released a survey finding that 43% of children enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade in New York City's public schools are either overweight (19%) or obese (24%). This program is geared specifically to fight this alarming trend by increasing awareness of health and nutrition and decreasing the risk of obesity and diabetes through exercise.

From now through August 22, the Wake Up New York pilot program will be offered at four parks in a series of sessions beginning at 7:00 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays. In addition to Thomas Jefferson Park, you can also catch the early morning fitness wave in Washington Heights Highbridge Park (West 173rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue), Brooklyns Maria Hernandez Park (Knickerbocker and Irving Avenues) and the South Bronx's St. Marys Recreation Center (145th Street and St. Ann's Avenue).

Taking the first step towards a more active, healthy lifestyle can be the most challenging, but its a worthwhile one to make. Adding exercise to your routinecombined with a healthy dietwill help decrease your chances of diabetes and other health risks. With 28,000 acres of parkland in New York City, theres plenty of room to play. And thanks to Wake Up New York, theres never been a better time to start.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/parks or call 311.

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs

and returns home to find it."

(1852-1933)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(1903-1944)

Cold weather permitting, each "safe-skating" site is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. Signs have been clearly posted to show that these areas are safe for winter sports. Thanks to the recent frigid temperatures, Operations and Recreation staff members have been busy around the clock keeping the ice frozen and the kids warm. Ultimately, as many as 19 sites will be open to the public, but currently the following seven safe skating locations are fully operational.

Classic Playground, Riverside Park (74^th St. and Riverside Drive, Manhattan)

Conservatory Water, Central Park (74^th St. between East Drive and Fifth Ave., Manhattan)

Highbridge Park (173^rd St. and Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan)

Dry Harbor Playground (80^th St. and Myrtle Avenue, Queens)

Pomonok Playground (Kissena Blvd. and 65^th Avenue, Queens)

Martlings Pond (Martling Ave. and Clove Road in Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island)

Allison Pond (Brentwood Ave. and Prospect Ave and North Randall Ave, Staten Island)

Call 1-800-201-PARK or visit www.nyc.gov/parks for the latest information on "safe-skating" sites and for information on other fun winter activities for you and your family. Have a great time this winter, and remember to stay off the ice on ponds and lakes that do not have official signs saying the ice is safe for skating.

Written by Jocelyn Aframe

Preserve History and Clean your office at the same time!

The Parks Library is expanding the program it began last year that sought to increase the catalog by asking members of the public and former Parkies to donate park-related materials. Realizing that many current Parkies have books and reports in their offices that are not used day to day, the Parks Library invites you clean up by contributing.

Primary documents provide the foundation of good scholarly research. Raw information, reports, brochures, maps etc., could convey a great deal about how a park looked or functioned at a certain time. These documents, which might be written, submitted and overlooked today, could someday present a extensive record of what the Parks Department was doing at the beginning of the 21st Century. In short, youre making history whether you like it or not. Please interoffice small items to John Mattera at the Parks Library in the Arsenal. If you have a lot of materials please call 212-360-8240 or e-mail Library@parks.nyc.gov to arrange for a pickup.

"The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy."

(1780-1831)

Sachiko (Sony) Onishi is Citywide Services' Employee of the Month for September.
Sony joined Parks on June 7, 1999 and currently works as Parks Photo Archivist. Sony has made significant improvements in Parks' arrangement, organization and retrieval capability of its extensive picture archive. In the past year she has assisted more than 300 research projects, including several major film productions and PBS documentaries. She has helped us win more than $60,000 in state and private grants, and has played a key role in special projects including Arsenal Gallery art exhibitions. She even helped greet a foreign Japanese delegation visiting Parks. For her surely outstanding contributions, Sony was nominated by Jonathan Kuhn.

Sean Williams is Managements Employee of the Month for September.
Sean joined Parks on February 7, 2001 in Citywide Services. This spring he moved to Deputy Commissioner Kavanaghs office where he took on coordination of our beaches and pools. With one of the driest summers in recent memory, the beaches and pools were packed with visitors. Sean was up to the challenge. He helped implement our first international lifeguard program, served as a liasion to the lifeguards, beach operations and PEP, and spent much of the summer on scene. For taking the heat and steamy weather, Sean was nominated by Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh.

Patrick T. Oles is Manhattans Employee of the Month for September.
Pat has been with Parks since January 31, 1989 and is an SPMO with District 12 that includes Inwood Hill Park, Fort Washington, and Fort Tryon. Ratings so far this year in District 12 are 85% overall and 91% for cleanliness. This month, Patrick took the lead in the DIGITAS volunteer project at Highbridge Park. He trained and led 20 volunteers who renovated ballfields, repainted walls, repaired lawn areas and helped beautify the park. Patrick also coordinates equipment training and procurement for the district. For his proficient operations, Patrick was nominated by Jane Schachat.

Raquel Nunez is Queens Employee of the Month for September.
Raquel began with Parks on June 20, 1994 and is a recreation specialist at the ARROW Center. ARROW stands for Astoria Residents Reclaiming Our World. Raquel has been with ARROW from its beginning and helps run the center along with a co-worker. She has helped develop a number of programs at ARROW including an After School initiative and Mommy & Me. Raquel handles all aspects of the center including maintenance, administration and outreach, and has helped increase center attendance. For her real neat contributions to Queens recreation, she was nominated by Laura Gili.

Vincenzo Bonsangue is Staten Islands Employee of the Month for September.
Vincenzo joined Parks on October 1, 1980 and is an Assistant Gardener working with Greenstreets. Vincenzo helps care for Staten Islands 285 Greenstreet sites. He plants flower beds and helps monitor watering and maintenance crews. Vincenzo has very strong gardening skills and has worked to improve his horticultural knowledge through training at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Vincenzo was also an employee of the month as a CPW in October 2000. For his very beautiful contributions to Staten Island, Vincenzo was nominated by Gardener Patricia Magliocco.

Prepared by Keith Kerman and Sarah Coleman

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Wednesday, October 11, 1989)

MONKEY BARS WIN APPROVAL AT
ST. CATHERINES PARK IN MANHATTAN

Michelle and Bradley, first graders at Public School 138, prefer to climb the monkey bars at St. Catherines Park, and Daniel would rather play on the tennis court. But all three youngsters, and their 60 classmates, liked hot chocolate and muffins that were served after Mayor Edward I. Koch and neighborhood residents reopened the 1.4-acre park yesterday on First Avenue between 67th and 68th Streets in Manhattan, to celebrate the completion of a $1 million capital restoration.

The renovated playground has separate play areas for toddlers and older children. Other features include a sandbox; child safety swings; brightly colored wood and metal climbing equipment; safety surfacing; and turtle sculptures to climb and sit on.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

I never forget a face, but in your case
Ill make an exception.

Groucho Marx
(October 2, 18951977) ]]> 2009-11-21T11:04:59-05:00 dailyplant14934 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=14934 Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. And its also a day of backyard barbecues and town parades. New York City parks offer plenty of spots to do just that:

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)

The spectacular High Bridge was built between 1832 and 1848 and is the oldest existing bridge in New York City that links two boroughs, Bronx and Manhattan. It served as the aqueduct that, for the first time, brought fresh water to Manhattan from the Croton River. Thousands of people would spend their free time promenading across the bridge and enjoying breathtaking vistas of the Harlem River Valley. The Old Croton Aqueduct system is a National Historic Landmark. The bridge has been closed since around 1970.

In his remarks, Commissioner Benepe said, "In 2002, we will take the first step towards implementing a plan to reopen High Bridge for recreational use. For the first time since 1985, an in-depth inspection will take place to assess the current state of the structure." The Department of Transportation (DOT) pledged $1 million to fund the inspection and the final $100,000 comes from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "Reopening the Bridge will require a great investment on the part of all the city agencies involved in the project. Parks is actively applying for funding that would allow us to restore this bridge to its former glory. We recently completed a $739,000 restoration on the Bronx side of Highbridge Park, displaying our commitment to revitalizing this area," said Commissioner Benepe.

Other speakers were Christopher O. Ward, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, Jane Schachat, Director of North Manhattan Parks, Steve Golden, Program Manager of the Rivers & Trails Program of the National Park Service, Sidney Horenstein of the American Museum of Natural History, and Jeff Olson of Trailblazer Inc. The afternoon session of the conference included a tour of the High Bridge Water Tower and a history lesson led by Horenstein. The event was organized by the High Bridge Coalition, a consortium of government agencies and not-for-profit organizations committed to restoring and preserving the High Bridge, reopening it for safe and enjoyable public use, and establishing it as the Manhattan/Bronx link in a regional Old Croton Aqueduct Greenway System.

(Thursday, June 29, 1989)

Four mounted Parks Enforcement Patrol officers flanked the majestic equestrian statue of General Henry Warner Slocum at Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn on Tuesday to celebrate the $57,000 restoration that returned the Civil War hero to his former splendor.

The monument, which was completed in 1905, sits atop a small hill at Plaza Street East and Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park. Over the years, pollution and vandalism resulted in the deterioration of the historic monument.

"People change and forget to tell each other."

(June 20, 19051984)

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)

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)

Perched atop the rocky outcroppings of Highbridge Park are two-and-a-half renovated basketball courts and three completely new volleyball courts. With a view west to the George Washington Bridge and a view southeast to the historic Highbridge Tower, the courts claim the best seats in the house for two quintessential Manhattan vistas. But players may be too busy keeping their eye on the ball to notice bridges or towers.

Before Parks ever constructed volleyball courts, New Yorkers were making their own, bringing poles, nets, and balls up the hill for games. They gave Parks the idea, and on Tuesday, July 17, Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern offered servers, setters, and spikers a true court for their games. With double and a half the number of basketball courts, the area is also more suited than ever for pick up games and tournaments. Players will enjoy new backboards, hoops, and color seal coating as well as more space, more views, and visual links to neighboring courts. Framing the courts are eight newly planted ginko trees and three Pin oaks. Benchwarmers will appreciate 13 new benches, and everyone can refresh themselves at one of two new drinking fountains. The renovation also leaves room for rollerblading.

In contrast to the urban spectacle of cliff-side volleyball and basketball, the remarkable rock, Manhattan schist, creates a spectacle of its own. Schist is the second oldest of New York City's bedrocks. It was formed 450 million years ago when the ocean pushed a layer of shale on the ocean floor roughly nine miles into the molten core of the earth. There, the intense heat and pressure transformed the shale into a mix of minerals that is schist. It can be recognized from afar by its glittering surface, caused by flecks of white mica. Schist is incredibly strong and will support even the roughest of play. It is the substance that underlies the skyscrapers for which our city is so famous.

New York City is also famous for its outdoor attractions. At the ribbon cutting, Commissioner Stern remarked, "it is with pride that I welcome you into this vastly improved park, and it is with gratitude that I acknowledge Council Members Guillermo (Enriquillo) Linares and Stanley (Falcon) Michels who provided $700,000 and Borough President C. Virginia (Sparrow) Fields who provided $250,000 for this most thorough reconstruction." He also commented that police officers of the 33 Precinct lobbied for the funding. Like Parks, they understand the power that recreational spaces exert to keep kids occupied and happy. He ended by urging guests to join the Friends of Highbridge Park, to use the courts often, and to a keep a lookout for its cleanliness and safety.

Congratulations to consultant Landscape Architects Laura Starr, Steven Whitehouse, and Mike Mainland, and Walter G. Delgado, Chair of Community Board 12; Adrian (A-Train) Benepe, Manhattan Borough Commissioner; Jane (Heather) Schachat, Director of North Manhattan Parks; Danny (Comrade) Mercado, Park Manager; and Eileen (Funny Girl) Remor, Outreach Coordinator for Partnerships for Parks all of whom were present at the reopening and help make Highbridge Park a great one.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Wednesday, July 27, 1988)

SIMON BOLIVAR MONUMENT DEDICATED
BY SIX LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES

Yesterday an international group gathered to celebrate the Simon Bolivar Monument's new lease on life. The statue of the great South American "Liberator" was dedicated by Parks and the Venezuelan Consulate at Central Park South and the Avenue of the Americas after a $24,000 restoration.

The restoration of the bronze equestrian statue, created in 1919 by Sally James Farnham (1876-1943), was funded by the Venezuelan firm CVG International through the Adopt-a-Monument program, a joint effort of Parks, the Municipal Art Society and the New York City Art Commission. The statue is the seventh monument to be restored through the program.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"My body could stand the crutches, but my mind couldn't stand the sideline."

Michael Jordan

Sunday exposed some students to parks they'd never seen before. Eileen (Funny Girl) Remor, Partnerships Outreach Coordinator, reports that at Highbridge Park, students were amazed by the expanse of nature available in New York City. They were filled with questions about the park, and eager to return. The prospect of canoeing from the nature center may entice several students back to Inwood Hill Park.

Parkies from districts 9, 12, 11, and 14 and the leaders of several Friends of Parks organizations volunteered with the students. As the groups got to know one another, there was a growing appreciation of how they can be helpful to each other. Four eight-year-old basketball players, curious about the sudden appearance of college students, joined the clean-up, and made a few new friends. Thanks to the Parkies and volunteers who mulched, raked, and cleaned up the parks in time for spring. Their work furthered our ongoing efforts to foster strong relationships between Parkies and park users.

CUNNINGHAM PARK GETS CLEAN

In the cold and the damp of April Fool's Day, 200 Greeks from St. John's University in Queens arrived at Cunningham Park prepared to do battle with dead leaves and trash. Over the course of their two hours, a burst of volunteerism during Greek Week, they raked leaves, removed dead logs, and packed out pounds of garbage. The students worked alongside Jim (Hurricane) Cafaro; Park Manager; Thomas (Tomcat) Panzone, Partnerships Outreach Coordinator, and several Parks supervisors. The Parkies report that the students' help made an important dent in the work they have ahead of them. Equally important, Sunday's clean-up was a chance for the students who enjoy Cunningham Park as their school's own backyard, to take action on behalf of the park's future. They conducted the volunteer version of a 5x5, and learned that Cunningham Park is available to them not only as a place to play and relax, but a place for public service.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, April 18, 1988)

GREAT HORNED OWL IS RESCUED AND REUNITED WITH ITS FAMILY AFTER FALL AT VAN CORTLANDT

A newborn Great Horned owl, rescued earlier this month after it fell from its nest in Van Cortlandt Park's 600-acre forest, has been reunited with its family in its natural habitat.

A Bronx Zoo employee spotted the owl on the ground while walking through the park woods, and placed the young bird in a nearby tree. The next day the rescuer found the owl back on the ground so she took it to the Bronx Zoo hospital for observation. Deemed healthy, the young creature was taken to wildlife rehabilitators in Greenwich, Connecticut to be reared and eventually released back into the wild.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

Each day I live in a glass room
Unless I break it with the thrusting
Of my senses and pass through
The splintered walls to the great landscape."

Mervyn Peake (1911-1968)]]> 2009-11-21T11:04:59-05:00 dailyplant8786 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=8786 Attention Parkies in the field: if you notice small plastic canisters inserted into trees from April to June this year, it's part of a protective measure against the Asian Longhorned Beetle, the insect responsible for destruction of New York City's trees. If gone unchecked, the beetle will threaten our entire North Eastern Forest, including New York City's 5 million trees. Until now, the only way to fight the beetle has been to remove, chip, and incinerate all infested trees.

Parks' partners in the effort to combat the beetle are the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service and New York State's Department of Agriculture & Markets. As of April 1, we will initiate the use of a treatment specially developed to control the damage of the Asian Longhorned Beetle. Imidacloprid (commercial name: Imicide), which has already been used in Chicago, is injected into the tree base through small plastic canisters, and is dispersed through the tree's circulatory system. The treatment is naturally absorbed into the tree, moving upward into stems, twigs, and foliage. From April to June this year when trees become active and begin to bud, we will inject 12,800 trees with Imidacloprid: 8,800 in New York City and 4,000 in Long Island. In New York City the injections will occur in parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. The application of the treatment will kill adult beetles, saving scores of trees from destruction. The procedure will be funded by $1.5 million in Federal funds.

With the help of Mayor Rudolph W. (Eagle) Giuliani and Vic (Beetlejuice) Mastro, Center Director of the OTIS Plant Protection Center at United States Department of Agriculture's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern and Fiona (Treetop) Watt, Chief of Central Forestry announced our use of the treatment at a press conference in the Arsenal Gallery on Thursday, March 8, 2001. Mr. Mastro demonstrated the injection.

To date, $14 million has been spent in Federal, State, and City funding on the tree survey program and the removal of infested trees. Over the past five years City, State, and Federal inspectors have surveyed more than 250,000 trees in New York for evidence of the beetle. The City and State have removed 2,989 trees on public and private property in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Approximately 1,390 have been removed by Parks and 1,600 by New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets. Tree survey and removal constitute our primary efforts to control the Asian Longhorned Beetle, and they will continue to do so. State and federal inspectors will continue to expand their intensive survey efforts, and infested trees will be removed as soon as they are identified.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle was first discovered in this country in August 1996 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The beetle feeds on, tunnels into, weakens, and eventually kills every tree it encounters. It is restrained by no natural predators. Since its discovery Parks has worked with State and Federal agencies to identify and eradicate the beetle. Discoveries in Queens and Manhattan prompted the removal of infested trees in Bayside Queens, Flushing, Queens, Ruppert Playground on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, and Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the establishment of quarantine zones in areas of concern. Since 1996, 5,000 infested trees in the City and on Long Island have been removed.

Additional information about the beetle, the tree surveys, and the new treatment can be found on our website at www.nyc.gov/parks or the USDA site at www.aphis.usda.gov.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, March 21, 1988)

HIGHBRIDGE PARK REVISITED
LAUNCHES SECOND YEAR OF 5x5s

Brandishing a ceremonial saber, Commissioner Stern led the Susan E. Wagner High School Marching Band, and more than 100 Parks workers across High Bridge in northern Manhattan Friday morning. The "charge" into Highbridge Park, site of the city's first "5x5" one year ago, officially launched the second year of citywide spruce-ups and symbolized the agency's renewed battle against debris in city parks.

The self-funded "5x5" program, which targets five major park sites in each of the five boroughs is the largest in-house parks maintenance campaign in decades.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come."

Chinese Proverb ]]> 2009-11-21T11:04:59-05:00 dailyplant8404 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=8404 State of the Parks succeeded again. A crowd of over 300 attended and enjoyed a substantive program, Friday January 19, 2001.

The results of the Emerald Awards remained suspenseful to the last, and winners were present to receive their awards. Parks' website won Best Use of Technology. Pool openings in each borough were named Best Recreation and Special Event. Foley Square was deemed the Best Capital Project. The release of the Gray Tree Frog earned the Urban Park Rangers an Emerald Award, during the receipt of which they exhibited a flying squirrel in captivity. The award for Best Emergency Clean Up went to Manhattan crews for their work in Highbridge Park.

The star-studded list of VIPs present at the event was as follows: Michael Abel, City Council Member; Robert (Young Moon) Balachandran, President of the Hudson River Park Trust; Monica (Sheltie) Blum, Executive Director of the Lincoln Square BID; Tracy Boyland, City Council Member; Elaine (Rockaway) Castas, Assistant to the Queens Borough President; Elizabeth (Kingston) Cooke, Executive Director of the Parks Council; Stephen Fiala, City Council Member; C. Virginia (Sparrow) Fields, Manhattan Borough President; Alan (Muck-a-Muck) Friedberg of the MTA; Executive Director of the 14th street Union Square BID, David (Vermilyea) Gmach; Stanley (Falcon) Michaels, City Council Member; Lynden (Wildflower) Miller of Public Garden Designs; Ira (Silver Fox) Millstein of Weil, Gotschal & Manges; Harald (Chamois) Miltner, Consul General of Austria; Regina (Bethesda) Peruggi, President Elect of the Central Park Conservancy; Bruce (Forest) Ratner Chair of the City Parks Foundation; Betsy (Founder) Barlow Rogers, President of Cityscape Institute; John Sabini, Council Member; Jean (Troubador) Troubh, President of the City Parks Foundation; and Olle (Bulletin) Wastberg , Consul General of Sweden.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, January 26, 1988)

PARKS SPONSORS SWIMMING MEET AT CCNY

Parks Aquatics Division held its first swimming meet of 1988 for city youngsters 18 and younger at the City College Pool at 137 Street and Convent Avenue in Manhattan on Sunday, January 24. Over 100 swimmers participated in the highly competitive United States swimming-sanctioned event.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, and to copy oneself is more dangerous than to copy others. It leads to sterility."

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) ]]> 2009-11-21T11:04:59-05:00 dailyplant8394 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=8394 The third Annual Emerald Awards for outstanding Parks projects will be announced at Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern's State of the Parks Address this Friday, January 19, 2001 at 12:00 P.M. in the Arsenal Gallery. And the nominees are...

For Best Species Reintroduction: The American Chestnut, The Monarch Butterfly, Gray Treefrogs, and Bat Boxes

For Best Clean Up: Highbridge Park, Ewen Park, Bronx River, Graham Beach, and Cunningham Park

For Best Natural Resource Restoration: Alley Pond Park, Marine Park Salt Marsh, Pelham Bay Lagoon, Twin Ballfields, and Northern Manhattan Parks

For Best Park Design and Construction: Golf Courses, Foley Square Park, Flushing Bay Promenade, Playground for all Children, and the North Meadow

For Best Recreation/Special Event: Flag Football Program, Halloween, Rock n' Rollerblade, Pool Opening, and The Handball Tournament

For Best Use of Technology: Computer Resource Centers, Parks' Website, GIS, and Sea Snake

A FIELD TRIP FOR RECREATION CENTER KIDS

On Saturday, January 6th, 2001, The Von King Cultural Arts Center's After-school program ended the Christmas holiday season with a trip to Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular featuring the World Famous Rockettes.

Twenty-one children from dance, drama and music workshops were accompanied by eight staff members and Ms. Ruby Ford, Chairwoman of Community Board #3's Cultural Arts Committee. Ms. Ford, the primary sponsor of the trip, wanted to give the children this special treat as her way of saying "Merry Christmas".

After enjoying a phenomenal show, the group traveled to Brooklyn's famous Junior's Restaurant for a delicious lunch. Smiles, laughter and animated conversation filled the ride back to Von King center.

The children presented Ms. Ford and Mrs. Winslow, a fellow sponsor, with "Thank You" cards to show their appreciation.

By Lemuel Mial, Center Manager, Von King Cultural Arts Center

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Thursday, January 21, 1988)

A NEW VOICE IN CENTRAL PARK

Richard Harris has been appointed the Director Communications for Central Park, Administrator Elizabeth Barlow Rogers announced.

Harris, a native New Yorker, holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University in English. According to Harris, as Communications Director for one of the world's best known public parks, he will be wearing three hats. Harris will serve as a liaison between the Parks managers and the community, help write draft proposals and grant applications for the Central Park Conservancy, and working with Chief of public Information Gary Zarr, alert the media and the public about the scores of activities and events available at New York's 843-acre centerpiece.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Nothing fortuitous happens in a child's world. There are no accidents. Everything is connected with everything else and everything can be explained by everything else. ... For a young child everything that happens is a necessity."

John Berger (b. 1926) ]]> 2009-11-21T11:04:59-05:00