Earth Day is approaching, and the community non-profit organization Bay Ridge Cares is celebrating by tending to the nabe’s greenspaces with a clean-up event in partnership with the Bay Ridge Environmental Group.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on April 22, the organizations and local volunteers will work together to clean up John Paul Jones Park — also referred to as Cannonball Park — by picking up and properly disposing of litter, painting, mulching garden beds and planting new greenery, and doing some upkeep work on the park’s central gazebo. The environmentally-minded volunteers will be planting more than 120 flowering bushes and other plants.
When the work is done, the groups will provide host of activities for children and families.
“We are excited to join with BREG in this community-based effort to give our beloved John Paul Jones Park some tender loving care, while taking the opportunity to join together and enjoy this special space,” said Bay Ridge Cares Co-founder and current president, Karen Tadross in a statement April 10.
The afternoon will be full of free activities for kids and families, including music and giveaways and an interactive “Crazy Science” show at 1 p.m.
Loud said the Earth Day event will emphasize the importance of caring for the environment, especially in urban neighborhoods like Bay Ridge, as well as educating the public on how they can help protect the planet on the local level.
“Our group’s mission has always been to help our neighbors recognize that protecting and beautifying our planet can begin right here at home,” said BREG president Daniel Loud. “Our parks are so important to our community, and so, we’re incredibly excited to have gotten the chance to organize such a special beautification and celebration of Cannonball Park.”
To register to volunteer or participate in any of the events at the Bay Ridge Earth Day Park cleanup, visit the webpage here.
Correction April 12, 2023, 5:53pm: This story previously referred to Daniel Loud as Daniel Breg. We regret the error.
Correction April 13, 2023 10:09am: This story previously published a photo that mistakenly was identified as being affiliated with Bay Ridge Cares. We regret the error.
