The New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation is updating the Master Plan for Ward Acres, our largest park, and we welcome public input at a community forum at City Hall on Tuesday, March 15th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Ward Acres has a number of distinctive features. Lining the trails and framing the meadows are 7,500 feet of historic stone walls that define its spaces. While some of these walls date back as far as the 1600’s, others can be traced to the early 1900’s and are associated with the Horse Barn built in 1906 along Quaker Ridge Road. The historic railway line running to the north of the park was utilized by the Dickerman and Ward families as part of their horse breeding operations. Traces of the old railway are still visible today as visitors traverse the park’s hiking trails. In addition, Ward Acres contains the well-used Paws Place Dog Park and the Community Gardens.
The purpose of the Ward Acres Master Plan update is to develop a hierarchy of capital improvements that the City can use as a planning tool to preserve and cultivate the park based on its ecological, social, and infrastructural needs and potential. Developed through a feedback loop with community members, the Ward Acres Park Conservancy, and the New Rochelle Parks Department, this effort will provide an updated physical park layout and an implementation phasing strategy, as well as an annual maintenance plan.
The Public Meeting on March 15th will begin with a short introductory presentation of the project history and a brief overview of the park. This will be followed by a breakout session with graphic exhibits posted at tables attended by project team members, allowing the public a chance to discuss and provide feedback regarding the park.
For further information please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (914) 654-2087.