Celebrating the official opening of the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse, Millie Radonjic at the podium
New Rochelle suffered a terrible loss several years ago when the much-beloved Wildcliff mansion was destroyed by fire. Now, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new and spectacular public space has taken shape. The mansion itself has been repurposed for open air events, with its original walls preserved, and across a landscaped lawn is a beautiful new greenhouse. Both overlook a breathtaking vista of Long Island Sound. I have little doubt that, in the years ahead, this will become one of New Rochelle’s signature locations.
Achieving this dramatic transformation involved true collaboration between government, community leaders, and volunteers, including generous support from our State legislators. But the chief credit goes to Millie Radonjic, the dynamo behind the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse and a true force of nature. Congratulations to all involved in this special achievement.
UPDATE: Here’s a great article, with much more detail about the project.
53-year-old man in a tie playing on a jungle gym is not the best look . . . but I just couldn’t help myself at this week’s re-opening of Seacord Park. Located in one of New Rochelle’s most densely-populated areas, filled with young families, the park now boasts all-new play equipment, which is already getting a great workout from neighborhood kids. Part of New Rochelle’s ongoing and historic investment in recreation and other vital public assets — and also an enduring tribute to William Seacord, a former DPW employee, in whose memory the park is named. More in this press release.
Great to join youngsters, teachers, environmental leaders, and members of our City team, as we planted two saplings by the twin lakes at New Rochelle High School in honor of Arbor Day. Trees provide wide-ranging benefits: beauty, cooling shade, flood mitigation, and carbon absorption, among others. Lots of important reasons to care for our urban forestry.
Celebrate Earth Day Month in New Rochelle with a series of events over the next two weekends, including an Earth Day Celebration at the new Anderson Plaza, our annual Parks Clean-up, Kite Day at Davenport Park, and our first-ever Community Tag Sale. More at newrochelleny.com/greenr.
Please sign up for New Rochelle’s annual volunteer Parks Clean-up. Thirteen different park projects across our community are planned for Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23, with activities including trail maintenance, trash removal, playground and beach cleanup, and more. You can register at volunteernewyork.org/newrochelle or call 914-948-4452 for additional information. Group and team registrations are also available. More information in this press release.
Last night, I had the privilege of delivering my final State of the City Address to a full house at New Rochelle City Hall. Please read or view the speech to see why I believe this is New Rochelle’s “golden hour, in which all things seem possible.” Special thanks to our communications team for putting together this wonderful video, with images connected to the speech’s words and themes.
