Fuji Photo Film U.S.A., Inc., became the first organization to adopt a Westchester County Park – Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla – on Wednesday, October 2, 2002. Click here for the full story and photos.
What
is Adopt-a-Park?
Westchester County’s Adopt-a-Park program promotes public
involvement in the maintenance, improvement and support of the nearly
18,000-acre Westchester County Park system.
Who
can adopt?
Any civic-minded group or organization can adopt a
Westchester County Park. Corporations, garden clubs, Scout groups,
student organizations, business and professional associations and
neighborhood groups are just a few examples. Participants must be at
least 12 years old.
How much work
will it be?
It’s up to you! Some groups come in for the minimum
four work sessions a year to plant trees and flower beds, prune shrubs,
spread wood chips, rake, clear trails and stream banks or even paint,
stain or erect structures. Others may opt to visit their park more
often. The program is extremely flexible and will be tailored to your
group’s needs and interest.
Our group
members don’t have any experience…
Don’t worry. Park staff members will be on hand to provide
the necessary tools and assistance.
What are the
responsibilities of an adopting organization?
By adopting a park, an organization commits to enhancing and
maintaining the parkland through tree plantings, pruning, trail
clearing, painting, flower bed preparation and planting and any other
approved projects that will enhance the beauty of the park, for a
one-year period. A minimum of four work sessions must be performed over
the course of the year.
There are five easy steps for your organization to follow:
§ Complete and sign the Adopt-a-Park agreement.
§ Coordinate your project (s) with the Adopt-a-Park coordinator assigned park staff member.
§ Recruit and schedule volunteers from your organization to implement project.
§ Complete a “Beautification Activity Report” and submit to Park Superintendent upon completion of your project.
What are
the benefits of the program?
Volunteer groups and organizations derive great satisfaction
by becoming stewards of the County Park system and enjoy the knowledge
that by being part of this program they are truly making a difference.
In addition, the County Parks Department will erect a sign at the
adopted park that acknowledges the group’s contribution and commitment
to the program.
What Westchester
County Parks are “eligible” for adoption?
Click here to see a list of parks you can adopt.
How do we get
started?
Just call our Adopt-a-Parks coordinator at (914) 864-7054 or
download and print the application contained within the Adopt-a-Park
brochure.