Pelham Bay Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, July 8, 2003

PARK WARDEN INVESTITURE

Hundreds of Park Wardens braved the pouring rain and muddy grounds to attend the annual Warden Investiture on Wednesday, June 4, 2003. They were all excited to attend the event, typically held on the roof of the Arsenal but held for the first time this year at Gracie Mansion. Park Wardens enjoyed a lovely evening on the lawn (under a tent, of course) at Gracie Mansion, hosted by Mayor Bloomberg and Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

Each spring, Partnerships for Parks holds a Warden Investiture to "reinvest" the approximately 400 Park Wardens. Wardens are our most active volunteers, each affiliated with a specific park. Park Wardens are selected based on outstanding dedication to their park, and continued involvement in their parks in a wide variety of activities, including organizing clean ups and events, fund-raising, gardening and parks security.

"Your willingness to work with Parks & Recreation to protect, preserve and support our parks has not only made our parks more beautiful, it has also made your communities stronger," Commissioner Benepe told the Wardens.

The Mayor conveyed his gratitude for the Park Wardens’ investment in our parks and led the Warden oath. Proving how much these volunteers love to clean up their parks, the loudest applause occurred when Commissioner Benepe announced that each Park Warden would receive a "grabber" to assist them in picking up litter in their local park. The highlight of the evening for most was having their photo taken with the Mayor, along with Commissioner Benepe, in the world’s most efficient photo-line.

If you are wondering if you know any Park Wardens, chances are you do as there are Wardens for over 400 parks throughout the five boroughs. You can ask any Partnerships for Parks Outreach Coordinator for a list of Park Wardens. And, if you work with a particularly dedicated volunteer, don't hesitate to nominate them to be sworn in at next year's Warden Investiture.

State Senator Guy Velella and "Bronx Salutes America, Inc." put on quite the show at Orchard Beach on Tuesday, July 1. A crowd of thousands, got a full evening of patriotism and fun. The pre-holiday event was hosted by Senator Velella and emceed by 103.5-WKTU radio personality Goumba Johnny. After the presentation of the colors, The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Gary Scholkoff, a resident of Throgs Neck, who is also the U.S. Postal Service’s official singer of the National Anthem. The festive evening really got jumping with the music of the band Alive-N-Kickin’. This versatile band played an eclectic mix of music, ranging from Motown to disco to Salsa. A number of presentations during the evening included the U.S. Marine Corps’ a certificate of appreciation given to the families of Service personnel serving our nation overseas. Parks & Recreation’s Bronx Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski was given a "Spirit of America" award by Senator Velella in appreciation for her efforts in contributing to the successful event. The Marines and the U.S. Army also had interactive exhibits setup.

FDNY proudly displayed streams of water from their fireboats in the waters off Orchard Beach. Bronxites were treated to something vastly unusual for New York City – a huge, square-shaped hot-air ballon – "the US Flag Ballon," which is draped in the nation’s stars and stripes. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr. led the crowd in the singing of God Bless America, a spontaneous demonstration in a moving patriotic evening.

Just to keep beachcombers safe and aware, the American Cancer Society and other healthcare providers distributed literature on how to protect yourself from the sun. The evening came to an exciting conclusion with a fireworks display from two barges moored of the shore in Long Island Sound. The fireworks were synchronized to patriotic, classical and popular music, concluding with The 1812 Overture. It was a wonderful family-oriented event enjoyed by all.

"Justice delayed is justice denied."

(1809-1898)

Know Before You Go

Pelham Bay Nature Center

Pelham Bay Park