'The Path Where Earth And Science Meet,' HOPE At Ward Acres Park

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — It's easy to look at the growing New Rochelle skyline and think of the advantages of a bustling city, but New Rochelle residents also live among some of the most enviable natural treasures in the Hudson Valley and civic leaders are making sure a new generation gets the chance to intimately appreciate those resources.

HOPE's STEAM Summer Program at Parkside Place was able to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of learning activities at Ward Acres Park this summer. The trip to the field was coordinated by Deputy Mayor/District 5 Council Member Sara Kaye, HOPE Community Services, the New Rochelle Department of Parks and Recreation and the Ward Acres Conservancy. Nearly two dozen children in grades 3-8 took part in the outing as part of HOPE's new enrichment curriculum.

"By providing a creative and engaging STEAM curriculum, the program will help achieve educational equity and address the learning losses that were caused by the pandemic," Kaye explained. "The nature field trip to Ward Acres Park was a wonderful opportunity to spark curiosity and make learning more tangible and fun. It is so important that we work to connect children to the natural spaces that are freely available in our community so that they can experience the joy and wonder of nature and gain exposure to outdoor activities, like hiking and gardening, that provide mental and physical health benefits."

The Ward Acres Conservancy began the day by leading participants on a hike along former carriage trails that served the horse farm that once operated on the grounds before it was turned into a park. The leisurely hike introduced the students to the history of the buildings and the impact of invasive and non-native plant species.

Next on the agenda was a Watershed Stewardship Program sponsored by New York Sea Grant and Long Island Sound Study. The group made a mural of the Long Island Sound as well as a model of a watershed to better understand exactly how Ward Acres, and the surrounding communities, are connected to the Sound and can impact the water quality.

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"Finding a passion is so important for our youth," Hope Community Services Director Walter Ritz said. "Igniting the spark that could inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration is an incredible possibility. This field trip to Ward Acres Park was a great way to expose these kids to the path where earth and science meet. If a few of these kids walk away with a curiosity about the way our planet works, then we have made an impact.”

The day ended with a visit to the Ward Acres Community Garden, where participants learned about the benefits of organic gardening and witnessed a composting demo. The children planted seeds in growing pots and were able to take them home to watch their seedlings develop into fully grown vegetables or flowers.

"We were thrilled to host HOPE’s STEAM Summer Program at Ward Acres Park this summer," Parks and Recreation Commissioner Vin Parise said. "With 62 beautiful acres that include the Ward Acres Community Garden and Paws Place Dog Park, this park offers residents and youngsters endless possibilities when it comes to experiencing nature, gardening, trails, wildlife and so much more."

HOPE Community Services is a local not-for-profit organization providing emergency food services, housing, children’s supportive programming and social services. The STEAM Summer Program at Parkside Place was made possible through the City of New Rochelle’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The field trip was done in partnership with the Ward Acres Conservancy, Long Island Sound Study, New York Sea Grant and Friends of New Rochelle Parks.