at Hunters Point
Mission Statement
WHO WE ARE
Friends was started in 1998 by a few concerned neighbors who wanted to assure that our community’s parks, trees and natural areas are well cared for. In 2002, Friends incorporated as a 501(c)3 non profit organization -- a direct-action environmental group that employs volunteering in hands-on projects as a means of enhancing our neighborhood, and as an educational approach to promote a safer, friendlier and more environmentally sustainable quality of life. Friends is community–based, and all volunteer – there are no paid positions. Our Community Program Committees are:
* Gantry Plaza State Park Committee
* Neighborhood Pets & Wildlife Committee
Our purpose is to enhance the quality of life in Long Island City by promoting awareness of, concern for, and participation in the publicly accessible green and open spaces on the waterfront and in the neighborhood.
OUR ACTION
* Through agreement with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation, our Gantry Plaza State Park Committee works on plans for re-planting and maintenance of Gantry Plaza gardens; coordinates the various agencies involved in purchasing plant material and performing planting; and carries out the gardening maintenance tasks (weeding, pruning, clean-up).
* The NYC Plants & Trees Committee assists with maintenance of our neighborhood City Parks and Street Trees. We have volunteers who are certified street tree pruners, each assigned to maintaining street trees in specific areas of our neighborhood. * The Grasses Committee and the Street Trees Committee provide annual pruning, with watering and fertilization as needed throughout the year.
* The Environmental Education Committee works with our community, and our local elementary school to establish events which enable the children to experience gardening first hand, and to come to a greater appreciation of the greenery surrounding them.
* Our Pets & Wildlife Committee advocates for the inclusion of a new dog run to be included in the northern stage of the Queens West development, and works to educate the community in appropriate pet etiquette to the benefit of our flora and fauna, and to assure that our pets will continue to be allowed in the State Park. The Pet Committee also helps to maintain the temporary Vernon & 48th Dog Run.
* Our general meetings are open to the community at large. We try to invite various community leaders and officials to our meetings so that they can better understand the needs of our community as relating to its greenery and security, and so that we can become more aware of plans and activity that may impact on our areas of concern.
* In addition, we have a variety of ancillary committees which provide support to the overall organization. These include Treasurer, Membership, Publicity, Events, and Archives. Volunteers are always welcome to join us, and those with particular environmental interests are encouraged to work through our group to help the neighborhood.
OUR GOALS
* Assist the Gantry Park’s staff and management in the maintenance of the natural and man-made features of the landscape.
* Preserve the tranquil beauty of this retreat along the river.
* Contribute community input to the design of future phases of the waterfront park’s development.
* Participate in, and help to plan, special events and activities that celebrate the community and Gantry Park.
* Enhance play and recreational opportunities in the area.
* Monitor potential problems; inform authorities and track the solutions; utilizing the information to help justify adequate levels of park personnel and police.
* Promote an understanding of the unique environmental concerns of the waterfront.
* Encourage the improvement and expansion of publicly accessible green and open space in the Gantry Plaza neighborhood.
This may depend on YOU. As you can see, we are involved in many aspects of our community’s parks’ lives – even more than we have had space to list for you. We need people to become involved who would like to garden, plan events, write grants, and help with publicity, pet and educational programs. If this is you, please feel free to come to one of our meetings and let any of the members know of your interests. Or, you may write to us with questions, interests or information at GantryParkFriend@aol.com. We look forward to seeing you!
PARTICIPATING
Association with Friends can be as simple as providing monetary support, or it can mean becoming more involved -- pulling weeds, teaching classes, planning events, and so on -- from a narrow to a broad range of participation. It’s up to you. All levels of association are welcomed and appreciated, adding to the strength of our numbers as we press to maintain our community’s natural resources. A donation of $10 or more entitles the contributor to attend Friends committee meetings and vote on motions during the calendar year of the donation. As a 501(c)3, non profit organization, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by IRS code.
You can obtain a copy of our sponsorship form at the following link:
OUR MEETINGS
Our meetings are open to everyone who would like to learn more about the group, or who share in our goals.
STAYING IN TOUCH
You can be notified of each of our meetings and events by subscribing to our confidential e-mail list. Send an e-mail to GantryParkFriend@aol.com with “subscribe” in the subject line. You can also write to us for a reply at that same address.