Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, March 24, 2003

RECREATION CENTERS HOST NEW COMPUTER PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES

In the past six months, several Parks & Recreation computer resource enters have added new computer classes which are bringing even more people to recreation centers across the city. Twenty of the City’s thirty-five recreation centers now host computer resource centers, providing the public with both structured computer courses and free access to educational and internet resources. The computers are primarily used by elementary school children as part of their after-school programs and summer camps. The center’s newest programs cater to pre-schoolers, teenagers, and PACT/JAC workers—groups that in the past haven’t typically taken advantage of the centerss resources.

One of the newest computer programs began this month and is aimed towards pre-school aged children. Using funds from a federal grant, two of Brooklyn’s recreation centers, St. John’s in Crown Heights and Brownsville have purchased "young explorer" computer stations. These computers are specially designed for young children, with color-coded keyboards and a bright plastic exterior. Although the computer’s exterior is playful and childlike, the computer inside is sophisticated and fully loaded with the latest educational software. Dawn Cook, Assistant Director of the St. John’s "Edu-Tots" program, uses the computers as a reward for the children. "After they finish their class work, the kids get to play what they think of as "games" on the computer. They are actually really great exercises that help them learn their letters, numbers, and shapes." At Brownsville Recreation Center, Vivian Jett uses the computers with an even younger crowd: "Right now we’re learning to use the mouse. We just started using the computers and the kids love them—and they’re learning a lot."

Another innovative computer program that uses new, state-of-the-art computer equipment is a series of digital video and editing workshops aimed at teens. Both St. Mary’s Recreation Center in the Bronx and Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center in Manhattan have recently acquired modern digital video equipment including Apple computers, digital video cameras, and the editing program, Final Cut Pro. Using these resources, teenagers at these recreation centers have been creating a variety of short videos including documentaries, music videos, short narrative pieces, and commercials for recreation centers. While making these mini-movies, the teenagers learn to use a variety of sophisticated computer programs. Their work also records the life of their communities in a unique and fresh way. Corey Tatarczuk, who has been developing the program over the past year, is planning a film festival to showcase the work of the teenagers. She’s also hoping to put together a website which will also display short video clips, as well as photographs.

A third new program organized by the Parks & Recreation uses computers to aid Parks Opportunity Program trainees with their job searches. At five recreation centers—St. Mary’s, Brownsville, Al Smith, Jackie Robinson, and Cromwell, POP trainees can attend classes to learn job-searching skills including resume-writing, letter-writing and the basic internet research. Participants learn how to get on e-mail lists, how to submit their resumes on-line and how to execute effective internet job searches. In the process of learning these things, students also pick up important computer skills that will aid them in their future jobs, as well as their job searches. The program is still small, and in its first stages of development, but Shawna Gumaer, Deputy Director of PACT, said that PACT and JAC are hoping to continue to partner with the Computer Resource Center and to expand the program, making it more accessible to all POP trainees and to focus on a greater variety of computer skills.

Ariel Behr, Director of Computer Resource Center, was enthusiastic about the new programs, pointing out that they helped to carry out the mission of the Center: "The great strength of our computer centers is that we’re located in a low-stress, friendly area, between a basketball court and a weight room. We can reach a lot of people who would not normally be interested in computers simply because they are in a relaxed state of mind in our recreation centers."

The 242nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade was a tremendous success. The weather was the best it's been in 10 years and once the sun broke through the clouds it became even more magnificent. Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined the Parks & Recreation contingent of about 80 strong and was assisted by our Grand Marshal SPMO John FitzGerald from Queens. Greg Monaghan, President of the Agency's Emerald Society, and Chris Rumpf, Vice President, helped lead the group. Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh and Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro joined fellow Parkies, family and friends. As in the past, Urban Park Service provided the color guard, made up of Citywide Security Coordinator Glenn Rowan, Manhattan Ranger Gary Rozman, and Queens Ranger John McCoy.

Following the march, a reception was held at the Dana Discovery Center. Marty Maher, Chief of Staff to the Brooklyn Borough Commissioner, and Boy Scouts from Troop 237 provided a cornucopia of food and beverages. It was at this reception that Commissioner Benepe was presented with the Emerald Society's President's Award. The Commissioner's remarks were uplifting and they inspire us to continue the good work that we do. Commissioner Benepe, looking toward the future, hopes that our brigade will grow even larger in coming years. The Society would like to thank Central Park Conservancy for their hospitality.

"There is only one success - to spend your life in your own way."

Christopher Morley

(1890-1957)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center