Saturday, October 10, 2020

A community effort to clean up Tompkins Square Park today


A group of local volunteers — estimated to be as many as 50 people at one time — met in Tompkins Square Park this morning to pick up trash and weed and rake parts of the gardens.

Given the city's budget cuts, Johnny Young, the head gardener in Tompkins Square Park, has often been assigned to work in other areas... "leaving Tompkins vulnerable to trash and weeds," as he put it in the invite. 

Young and longtime EV resident Penny Rand organized today's event. They were joined by Sam Biederman, an assistant Parks commissioner, and Alan Good, who donated the ping-pong tables in the Park several years ago.
 
EVG contributor Steven, who was among the volunteers, shared these photos...
Deborah Hulse, better known as Debi the Gardener, came out of retirement to help... And Sheena won the battle against the large weed... ... and a shout-out to Tompkins Square Bagels for donating bagels...

13 comments:

Mal said...

Its easy to always complain about what has been going on in the City lately. So how could I not say how wonderful this was with a big thank you to ALL who helped and donated ( Tompkins Square Bagels) their time and services. Peace, from a 30yr resident.

Sarah said...

Thanks, everyone!

Anonymous said...

Good turnout!

Rob D said...

True neighborhood heroes, everyone in this photo (and our beloved Grieve). Thank you to you all!

La vie est belle said...

Thank you so much for volunteering everyone!! Your work is truly appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I hope this becomes a regular thing that residents can help out with!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful job; if we can only get rid of the smell of dog poop in the park...

Marty said...

Thanks to everyone who did this! I was out of town this week. I promise to help next time!

Anonymous said...

Having been a participant in many park cleanups over the years I can attest to the fact that nothing gives you greater pride than to clean up the park, take a shower and then take a walk back through the park. You become part of the park. More, it becomes your home. Great job everyone.

Kim E said...

I was there and Johnny mentioned wanting to make the cleanup a monthly thing! I’m grateful to Grieve for reporting about it here so I could turn out. Can’t wait to bring a few friends with me next time, pulling weeds is the most cathartic and it was a lovely way to spend part of a Saturday. Love to see my park looking good!

Lola Sáenz said...

Great job Everyone, the park looks real Good, Thanks so much! Thanks EV Grieve for keeping up with all the things going on :):)

Anonymous said...

Love this park and Johnny is one of the friendliest gardeners in the parks, my kids love him and I’m so glad to see the community come together!

Eden B said...

What a great idea and what a great turnout! If I woke up before noon I would have gone haha. I did help out in a small way though. Park looks a lot better now!