The winter weather’s finally been broken, and springtime seems here to stay. What better way to celebrate the warm weather than by spending time outdoors? And where better to spend that time than at your local park?
Individuals interested in venturing outside and reacquainting themselves with nature after this long, cold winter have the perfect opportunity to do so this weekend, when Chelsea Waterside Park (CWP) participates in I Love My Park Day. Observed this Saturday, I Love My Park Day is part of a statewide initiative for people to show their appreciation for New York’s parks, increase their visibility, and help improve them in a personal, hands-on way.
After registering, volunteers of all ages will get the chance to get their hands dirty beautifying CWP — with tools and water provided by the park (but don’t forget to bring your own green thumb). Activities on the agenda include cutting grass, clearing out overgrown areas, planting, weeding and spreading new mulch. Particularly adventurous gardeners can help plant some of the 14 new crabapple trees the park has acquired to create much needed shady areas. And if you find yourself in need of a breather, there’s nothing like finding the simple pleasures in taking in the beauty of the great outdoors — made especially more beautiful by CWP’s thousand plus daffodils currently in bloom, planted this past fall.
When all is said and done, participants can take pride in a productive day’s work that helps improve their community — and also comfort in the savory snacks that will be provided by Shake Shack in honor of the day. So shake off any residual winter blues this weekend, and head on out to CWP to show just how much you “Love Your Park!”
Sat., May 2, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Chelsea Waterside Park (W. 23rd St. & 11th Ave.). To participate (registration required), visit ptny.org, choose “Parks” from the home page menu, then choose “It’s My Park Day.”
—SEAN EGAN
