Pelham Bay Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, February 2, 2005

NEW LEADER TAKES THE HELM OF PELHAM BAY PARK

On Monday, February 1, Margot Perron, a long-time devotee of New York City’s green spaces, took the reins of Pelham Bay Park. For the first time in Parks & Recreation history, Van Cortlandt and Pelham Bay Parks have individual administrators.

Margot originally came to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer. But soon another dream took precedence—that of becoming an Urban Park Ranger. In 1983, Margot joined the Urban Park Rangers and "got hooked on environmental education." During her two years as a Ranger, she developed innovative programs for the Central Park Conservancy at Belvedere Castle. She went on to run programs at the castle and New York Botanical Garden, and got a second Masters Degree in Museum Education Leadership. Using natural areas as outdoor teaching collections, she became a professor of museum education at Bank Street College and of science education at Brooklyn College. Most recently she was Director of Education and Public Programs for twelve years at Wave Hill, the public garden and cultural center in the Bronx.

"I see my career as providing outdoor experiences for City people in gorgeous natural settings," said Margot. "Pelham Bay Park is a gorgeous setting on a grand scale."

And the Bronx is happy to have her.

"We are so pleased that Margot has decided to come ‘home,’" said Bronx Borough Commissioner Hector Aponte. "Her expertise refined at Wave Hill, Bank Street and the New York Botanical Gardens will be put to good use as we develop new and exciting programs at Pelham Bay Park."

Thus far, the new position seems to suit Margot well. When asked about her first day on the job, Margot responded with enthusiasm. "I have so much energy and so many ideas for the park, and I can’t wait to implement them. This week’s homecoming rekindles old friendships and sparks new ones. It’s great to be on the agency team again."

More than three times the size of Manhattan’s Central Park, Pelham Bay Park is the City’s largest park property. Visitors to the park enjoy miles of bridle paths and hiking trails, Orchard Beach, the Bartow-Pell Mansion, two golf courses, and a breathtaking 13-mile saltwater shoreline that hugs the Long Island Sound.

"The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why
should love stop at the border."

Pablo Casals
(1876-1973)

Know Before You Go

Pelham Bay Nature Center

Pelham Bay Park