Entergy Gives Grant to Croton Point Park

Friends of Westchester County Parks wants to add solar power capabilities to the Croton Point Park office, install two rain gardens at the park and educate the community about solar power and storm water management.

Their plans will be partially underwritten by Entergy, the owner of Indian Point, which has given the group a $57,500 grant.

“With increased development and impervious surface throughout Westchester County, storm water management has become a concern of every municipality and sewer district,” said Joe Stout, Executive Director of Friends of Westchester County Parks, in a prepared statement. “Many municipalities have increased requirements of site plans for storm water storage on site. The relatively new practice of creating rain gardens can fulfill this need while providing environmental benefits and aesthetically pleasing landscaping. So, we are so thankful that Entergy is helping us with this initiative.”

Croton Point Park is one of Westchester County's largest and most frequented parks, located on the banks of the Hudson River. A substantial portion of the land on which the park is situated today was the site of a landfill, which was operated by the Westchester County government from 1927 to 1986. The landfill has since been capped off and restored to green space.

The park has several public attractions including: a miniature aircraft airport, boat launch, tent and RV camping, cabin rental, cross-country skiing, fishing, group picnicking, hiking and walking trails, a museum, nature study, pavilions, a playground, a snack bar, swimming, and a beach. On an annual basis, 110,000 county residents visit Croton Point Park.

“This is a very important project and Entergy is pleased to help with this initiative at a park that is so well-enjoyed by our community,” said Joanne Fernandez, Government Affairs Manager at Entergy and Chairperson of Friends of Westchester County Parks.

Stout added: “In addition to storing water, rain gardens also offer other benefits. The plants in the garden absorb water for use, and filter water in order to obtain nutrients and minerals from effluent. Use of a successful storm water control technique will benefit from increased education at public sites.”

To learn more about Friends of Westchester County Parks, visit www.friendsofwestchesterparks.com. Follow Friends on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FriendsofWestchesterParks or on Twitter @Friends of Parks.