By Michael V. Cusenza
Dozens of novice green thumbs gathered in Howard Beach last weekend to help beautify a beloved park.
Bolstered by funding secured by City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and the Jamaica Bay/Rockaway Park Conservancy, volunteer crews on Saturday and Sunday prepped and installed thousands of plants from the sign at the main entrance of Frank M. Charles Memorial Park all the way to the flag pole.
Charles Park Conservation Society President Joe Campisi said he “couldn’t have imagined that so much could get done” in two days.
“What a difference! I can’t wait to see all the flowers come in and how the colors will develop over the seasons,” Campisi added. “I would like to give a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers that helped plant thousands of plants and bushes. We had perfect weather and a large turnout including local residents and many groups including the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the OLG Youth Group. A special thank you to Councilman Eric Ulrich and the Jamaica Bay Rockaway Park Conservancy for funding and putting the whole project together. Also, special thanks to Shanna Blanchard and Alex Zablocki for their massive tireless effort to bring this vision to reality.”
Photos Courtesy of Charles Park Conservation Society
