Harding Park

The Daily Plant : Friday, October 11, 2002

BRONX RIVER GOLDEN BALL A SUCCESS

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney

Bright skies and beautiful weather marked the beginning of the 4^th annual Bronx River Golden Ball event.  On Saturday, September 28, approximately 500 community residents came out to celebrate the Bronx River and the work that's been going on along the river year-round.  Celebratory activities were held at both Shoelace Park and the Soundview Park Lagoons. Connecting the two events, approximately 75 walkers with the Neighborhood Open Space Coalition walked 7 miles of the Bronx River Greenway.

Boy Scouts and kids from Bronx River Restoration and Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation helped launch the Golden Ball at the canoe put-in at 219th Street in Shoelace Park by cheering on the procession of community participants in canoes that accompanied the famed golden ball as it began its journey down river.  The kids also made and raced sailboats on the river, as well as participated in an environmental scavenger hunt.  The Urban Park Rangers, Phipps CDC, USDA-NCRS, DEP, the Natural Resources Group and other organizations provided community residents with information about the river and the environment in general. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz joined the paddlers, and Borough President Adolfo Carrion strolled on land.

At the Soundview Park Lagoons, Congressman Jose E. Serrano, Councilman Jose Serrano, Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr., Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Bronx Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and Bronx River Alliance Executive Director/Bronx River Administrator Linda Cox greeted the ball as it entered the Soundview Park Lagoons and spoke to the importance of continuing the restoration efforts along the Bronx River.  Residents also enjoyed performances by the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, a puppet show by the South Bronx Clean Air Coalition, boat rides by Rocking the Boat and games such as kite flying contests and sack races by the Harding Park Homeowners Association.  Other Alliance partners, including DEP, Sustainable South Bronx, Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, the Natural Resources Group, Rocking the Boat, Bronx River Art Center & Gallery, and New York City Soil and Water Conservation District provided the community with handouts and information about their programs.

Many thanks to all who helped make this day a success!

Written by Elyse Leon

SIMPLY THE BEST

It is Wednesday, October 16th at 11:30 a.m. look around you.  Do you smell hotdogs, popcorn and salty sea air?  Do you hear the roar of the ocean and the roar of the crowd?  Do you find yourself standing at home plate in KeySpan Park, accepting thanks for a job well done?  If you do, congratulations!  You are among the "Best of Parks!"

This coming Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., Parks will recognize some of its biggest contributors in the first "Best of Parks" Awards.  Commissioners, Chiefs, Directors, and more will gather to enjoy hotdogs and other traditional ballfield fare while giving thanks to some of agency's most dedicated, innovative and motivated teams and individuals. 

Awards will be given to the best performing units in many areas including districts, recreation centers, capital teams, and public programs.  We will also recognize Parkies with perfect attendance for over 5 years, a Parkie who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and our safest drivers.  Stay tuned to the Daily Plant for more information about this year's winners and ceremony.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Experience is a dim lamp, which only lights the one who bears it.”

Louis-Ferdinand Celine
(1894-1961)