2 Somers Parks Recognized for Excellence

SOMERS, NY — Westchester County parks have been singled out for excellence with state and national awards for 2015 for innovative programs.

County Executive Robert P. Astorino said the county’s 50 parks and recreational areas, covering more than 18,000 acres, serve at least 3 million visitors annually.

“Kudos to the Parks Department staff for developing creative and innovative recreational opportunities that help to make Westchester such a great place to live,” he said.

The awards are as follows:

• Jurassic World and Haunted Halloween Train Show at Lasdon Park received the Matt Dolan Innovative Program Award and Grant by the Westchester Recreation and Parks Society (WRAPS);
• “Lasdon Park Remembers Vietnam” Exhibit at the Westchester County Veterans Museum at Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial in Somers received the Historical/Cultural Award by the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO);
• The “Pride in Parks Blitz Crew” received the Employee Training award by the National Association of Counties (NACo).

In addition, Westchester Magazine designated three programs and facilities for Best of Westchester awards this year:

• Marshlands Conservancy as the “Best Place for Birdwatching”
• Muscoot Farm as the “Best Bargain Birthday Party”
• Winter Wonderland as the “Best Family-Friendly Event.”

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org by Daderot.