Springfield Park

The Daily Plant : Friday, August 31, 2001

ALLEY POND OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE

On Wednesday, August 15 , girls from Sorrentino Recreation Center and the Girls Sports Camp at Springfield Park embarked on an exciting experience when they participated in the Alley Pond Overnight Adventure, led by Queens Recreation and the Urban Park Rangers. The 32 girls, ages 8 to 14, began the afternoon with canoeing at the Bayside Marina and fishing in waters of Crocheron Park. The girls then learned about orienteering on a hike through Alley Pond Park. Finally, they settled in for a night under the stars near the nature center. Everyone was treated to a feast prepared by Ron Brown, Queens Recreation’s resident chef, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and more. The Rangers pitched tents for the girls and the whole group spent the rest of the night dancing and telling scary stories.

Thanks to Deputy Commissioner Robert (Iceman) Garafola and Director of the Urban Park Rangers Sara (Whisperer) Hobel who proposed the idea, and Deputy Director of the Urban Park Rangers Matt (Homer) Symons, Chief of Queens Recreation Laura (Devil Dog) Gili, and staff from both divisions who organized this new and exciting program. It was such a success that both divisions look forward to organizing more joint ventures this fall.

By Eileen (Xena) Gillen

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Friday, August 26, 1988)

SEEDLINGS

Tomorrow morning summer interns with the Neighborhood Open Space Coalition will be challenged by an Outward Bound program near the Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park in upper Manhattan. The activities will include rock climbing and ravine crossing.... The Central Park Conservancy at 10 Columbus Circle has a new FAX machine. Their FAX number is (212) 315-0869 and the machine will be on 24 hours a day.... CPW Katherine Cook installed and painted two tubs to provide drinking water for horses along the East Drive. Beginning last Friday the ASPCA has stationed an ambulance for lame horses at the 79th Street Yard.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Word is a shadow of deed.”

Democritus (c. 460 – c. 400 B.C.)