Do you want to make a difference in your community and support or care for a park near you? At Partnerships for Parks, we help people, organizations, and government work together to support NYC parks, gardens, trees, and other green spaces.

At this introductory workshop, learn how you and your neighbors can come together to support and improve your community green spaces!

Topics will include:
• Why volunteers are so important for vibrant, thriving parks
• Who you need to know in NYC Parks
• How neighbors, coworkers, or community groups can spruce up a park with an “It’s My Park” project
• Ways to join together with neighbors who also care about your park
• Which resources are available to help you

Featured speakers: 

Larry Scoones, Bronx Chief of Operations, NYC Parks

Larry Scoones joined NYC Parks in 1985 as an Urban Park Ranger and has taken on many different management and operational roles across the city since. He currently serves as the Chief of Operations for the Bronx overseeing the maintenance and operations of parks in the borough. Throughout his tenure, Larry has lead the charge to target conditions in problematic areas, better utilize staff and resources, and ensure that operations stay in step to maintain new and existing park properties.

Hannah Gall, Volunteer Program Director, Partnerships for Parks

Hannah Gall is the Volunteer Program Director at Partnerships for Parks. She oversees It’s My Park, PfP’s signature service program which supports an average of 1,000 volunteer projects each year in New York City parks. Prior to her role as Director, Hannah directly managed corporate service opportunities within the Volunteer Program.

Shah Tariq, Queens Outreach Coordinator, Partnerships for Parks

As an Outreach Coordinator in Queens, Shah Tariq acts as the first point of contact for park groups & volunteers in his districts; helping them find the appropriate people and resources to transform their green spaces. He first got involved working in Parks as a Challenge Course Facilitator at the Alley Pond Adventure Course, teaching people how to rock climb and overcome their fear of heights.

Brett Dakin, Volunteer, Jacob H. Schiff Playground Neighborhood Association

Brett Dakin is a volunteer with the Jacob H. Schiff Playground Neighborhood Association which supports a 4-acre park in the heart of Hamilton Heights. Working with NYC Parks, Manhattan’s Community Board 9, City College of New York, and local public schools the group works to bring sorely needed resources to the Playground and to enhance the quality of life in the surrounding neighborhood.

Meet staff members that can help you get started, network with other interested community members, and hear from experienced volunteers who are already doing amazing work in their parks.

For more information or questions, please email relzinga@cityparksfoundation.org.