New Rochelle Seeking Volunteers to Help Clean 11 Parks in 2 Days

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Volunteer New York! and the City of New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Department are joining forces for a massive citywide clean-up and beautification project at eleven neighborhood and waterfront parks over two days in April. The two days of community service are planned as a follow-up to Earth Week celebrations on April 24 and 25.

“Our parks and natural resources are utilized all year long, and have been especially valuable during the dark months of the pandemic,” Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann said in a statement announcing plans for the huge annual undertaking. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Volunteer New York! and the public at an expanded Earth Day cleanup event- now at eleven sites throughout the City as we prepare for the warmer and better months ahead.”

The park clean-up Weekend is open to all New Rochelle community members. Depending on the site, volunteers will help with beach clean-up, care for woodlands, perform trail maintenance, weed playgrounds, paint benches or picnic tables. Some volunteers will be tasked with restoring the popular bocce ball court at Neptune Park.

Community volunteers will work their magic at Feeney Park, Davenport Park, Neptune Park, Hudson Park, Five Islands Park and Lincoln Park on Saturday, April 24 from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. The next day, the springtime restoration efforts will move to Glenwood Lake, Pinebrook Park, Ward Acres Park, Huguenot Park and Maplewood Park from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m on Sunday, April 25.

Advance registration is required for all volunteers. Reservations for either or both days of service can be made online at volunteernewyork.org/newrochelle or by calling 914-227-9317. Volunteers under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations can also be made for groups or civic organizations. Volunteers will be required to wear face masks at all times while volunteering. Additional health and safety precautions, including social distancing protocols will be in place as well.

“Local parks have provided respite for communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Volunteer New York! Executive Director, Jeanette Gisbert said. “I’m proud of the partnership Volunteer New York! has with the City New Rochelle to harness people power, volunteers, to keep these spaces green, clean, and accessible for all to continue to enjoy."