Glen Island Tree Planted As Tribute To Parks' Role In Pandemic

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — There is perhaps no better way to honor the critical role of parks in serving the public during the pandemic than by planting a tree.

Westchester Parks Foundation is memorializing the critical role of parks in serving the public during the pandemic by planting a tree memorial at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle.

A special ceremony was held on July 2, to unveil a tree with an engraved plaque that honors Westchester County Parks and the recreation and conservation essential workers for their efforts to keep county parks open during coronavirus restrictions. After the ceremony, volunteers found another appropriate way to celebrate the occasion.

Once the speeches and photo ops ended, the small crowd took part in a beach cleanup to help remove litter and debris along the Long Island Sound shoreline.

“The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation worked tirelessly to keep parks open and safe to the public during the height of the pandemic,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer told the audience. “Commemorating their dedication to the community with this honor, specifically at Glen Island, which was utilized as a COVID-19 testing site, is a testament to what parks truly mean to people and the vital role they play in everyday life.”

The planting of the tree was made possible in part through a grant awarded by New York State Urban Forestry Council Tree City USA. The occasion also marked New Rochelle’s 29th year as a Tree City USA participant.

The events were organized by the Westchester Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports parks, trails and open spaces throughout the county.

“Westchester County parks served a critically important function during COVID-19,” Westchester Parks Foundation Director Joe Stout said. “They stayed open thanks to the dedicated women and men of Westchester County Parks, Recreation and Conservation who take care of our parks and serve the public every day. What better way to recognize their service to our country than by planting a tree in the epicenter of where it all began in New Rochelle.”