Volunteer New York! and the City of New Rochelle Parks and Recreation department will team up on Saturday, October 24 for a day of service to beautify four waterfront parks along the Long Island Sound. This year’s cleanup is also part of the American Littoral Society’s International Coastal Cleanup effort.

Parks Cleanup Day is open to all New Rochelle community members. Volunteers will have the opportunity to clean the shoreline and trails for a waterfront park of their choice; Hudson, Davenport and Five Islands from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Neptune Park’s historic pavilion is also a site for that day from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Must be 18+, responsibilities for the pavilion include scraping, sanding and prepping for paint, as well as staining 4 benches. Pre-registration is required for all sites volunteernewyork.org/newrochelle . Volunteers ages 5-14 must be accompanied by an adult. Group and team registration is also available.

This outdoor cleanup will have the following health and safety guidelines in place: masks must be worn at all times; social distance guidelines recommended by the CDC will be encouraged, safe distance will be enforced at the check-in areas for volunteers and staff. In addition, a temperature check will be administered prior to entry and hand sanitizer and brand-new gloves will be provided.

“During COVID, our parks and waterfront have provided recreation and respite for our community,” noted Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann. “We appreciate this opportunity to partner with Volunteer New York! and the public to keep them looking their best after the busy summer season and as we prepare for the colder months.”  

"October 24 is a time for New Rochelleans to join together - safely - to clean up parks along its beautiful shoreline. As a community working together we can make the impossible, possible. That’s what volunteerism is all about,” said Jeanette Gisbert, Executive Director of Volunteer New York!.

The 2020 New Rochelle Parks Cleanup Day is an annual opportunity that brings together neighbors, businesses and community leaders in a solidified effort to beautify New Rochelle’s parks. It is one of a number of volunteer opportunities showcased, through Volunteer New Rochelle, a program partnership with Volunteer New York! that offers residents year-round opportunities to help and take action locally.  Details can be found on the New Rochelle page of the Volunteer New York! website www.volunteernewyork.com/newrochelle . Everyone is invited to search local volunteer opportunities or to call a volunteer placement specialist at 914-948-4452.

Let us join forces and spread the message about marine debris for a cleaner, more beautiful shoreline using #NYSBeachCleanup and #NewRoParks.