Westchester Parks Foundation Forms “Graffiti Squad” to Tackle Vandalism

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Dozens of local volunteers gathered in White Plains recently for a common cause – to tackle vandalism at the Bronx River Reservation. Newly formed by the Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF), the “Graffiti Squad” is a group of volunteers with a mission to remove graffiti at various county parks.

The first project for the Graffiti Squad took place on Tuesday, August 30 at the Bronx River Reservation walkway bridge at Hamilton Avenue in White Plains, according to a county spokeswoman.

“Our county parks are a prized asset, not only for the 18,000 acres of greenspace, but also for the many beautiful stonework bridges and other structures which, sadly, are tempting to vandals,” Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino said in a prepared statement.

“I thank the WPF and the volunteers whose efforts will go a long way in helping our Parks Department reduce graffiti and restore the beauty of these attractive features,” he said.

“Many people in our community may be blind to the fact that there is a graffiti problem in Westchester County, but it is indeed a real issue that we are hoping to help fix,” said Joanne Fernandez, chairperson for the Westchester Parks Foundation, formerly known as Friends of Westchester County Parks.

“Thanks to a group of volunteers who believe in keeping our county parks beautiful, we are on a mission to remove vandalism where we can,” she said.

Men and women of all ages and from various parts of the county came together today to clean the graffiti along the Reservation. They also applied an eco-friendly coating to the surface that will allow any future graffiti to be wiped away.

“Many families use Westchester County parks,” said Dimitri Ververis, who lives in the Bronx and works in Yonkers. “I used to go to the parks when I was a little kid so I know it should be a beautiful place for families to enjoy. I wanted to help out today so that we can make this area more appealing and not scary for kids.”

Elizabeth Ramos of Yonkers added, “We volunteer with the Westchester Parks Foundation on a monthly basis and this is a great project because it allows us to beautify the area for walkers and bicyclists.”

As the largest and most active organization advocating for the county park system, it is the mission of the Westchester Parks Foundation to encourage continued investment in Westchester County’s 18,000 acres of parks, trails and open spaces. Since its inception in 1977, the nonprofit organization has held close to the notion that it is critical to provide ongoing support for maintenance, civic improvement and access to nature.

To find out how to become a member of the Graffiti Squad, to be a sponsor of the program or to participate in other volunteer opportunities, contact Sara Cavanaugh at 914-231-4548. For more information about the Westchester Parks Foundation, visit thewpf.org.

Photo credit: Westchester County.