By Josefa Paganuzzi

Apr. 7, 2021: Westchester Parks Foundation is expanding its largest volunteer initiative Pitch in for Parks this year while following COVID-19 guidelines.  The annual event, held in partnership with the Westchester County Parks Department, will take place throughout Westchester from Monday, April 19 through Saturday, April 24, rain or shine.  Pre-registration and masks will be required. 

Joe Stout, Executive Director of Westchester Parks Foundation stated: "During the pandemic we have seen record numbers of people coming out to not only enjoy our parks in Westchester, but to help give back to the parks they love.  As a result, we decided to expand our largest clean-up event to a weeklong initiative to help keep people safe and adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.  We encourage people to sign up to help us improve the quality of life in our community by pitching in to help clean up parks across the County." 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer stated: "Our parks system has proven to be an important part of our health both physically and mentally and participating in Pitch in for Parks is another great way to get out and feel good, all while making a positive impact on our community." 

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O'Connor stated: "Parks have become a naturally essential part of everyday life and keeping our facilities clean is important not only for all who come out to enjoy our parks but also for the environment. Thank you to Westchester Parks Foundation for continuing this annual event safely." 

Volunteers, working as individuals, families, corporations, local businesses, or groups, are needed for trash clean up, clearing trails and shorelines, restoring wildlife habitats, removing invasive vines from trees, painting, raking, and preparing and planting flower beds. Projects will take place at the following locations throughout Westchester County Parks: 

• Monday, April 19 – Pitch in For Parks Kick Off, Lenoir Preserve, Yonkers 
• Tuesday, April 20 – Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Rye 
• Wednesday, April 21 – Willson's Woods Park, Mt. Vernon 
• Thursday, April 22 – Earth Day Celebration with local businesses 
• Friday, April 23 – Cranberry Lake Preserve, North White Plains 
• Saturday, April 24 –Blue Mountain Reservation, Peekskill; Kensico Dam, Valhalla; Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers; and Bronx River Reservation at the Westchester County Center 

Volunteers will be separated in shifts, required to wear their own masks and practice safe social distancing as per state guidelines on outdoor gatherings.  All tools will be sanitized, and hand sanitizing stations will be available for volunteers. Pre-registration is required in order to participate.

Click here for more information on how to volunteer for Pitch in for Parks.

Click here to pre-register.

Photos courtesy Westchester Parks Foundation

Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.