What We Do

Since 1992, we have been committed to keeping Pelham Bay Park beautiful, accessible, and equitable.

 

Our Mission

a.      To promote the preservation of Pelham Bay Park in cooperation with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure that it is used for recreation, education and conservation by present and future generations;

b.      To disseminate knowledge concerning the park;

c.      To hold, encourage and sponsor community events, youth programs, restoration projections and educational forums;

d.      To encourage organization members to participate in park events; and,

e.      To encourage and support activities and legislation that promote the welfare of the park.

 

Our Values

  • Accessibility

  • Equity

  • Sustainability

  • Education

  • Community

  • Advocacy

 

What We’ve Achieved

  • Beach Wheelchairs: so everyone can experience have their day at the beach. In 2011, we raised enough money to purchase two for Orchard Beach.

  • Pond Walk: let all children (safely) experience nature at the water’s edge. In 2012 we raised funds for a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and landscaping around the vernal pond in the Playground for All Children. This project was completed in 2018.

  • Exercise Equipment: free, outdoor exercise equipment helps our neighbors stay healthy. In 2013, we raised money for three outdoor pieces. In 2017, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and New York City Councilmember Jimmy Vacca replaced our adult pieces next to the track and added child exercise equipment in the Playground for All Children

  • Sensory Garden: beautiful garden beds, including some at wheelchair height, renovated in 2020. The Friends support educational programming for children in local elementary and middle school special education programs in the garden.

  • Play Fair Coalition with New Yorkers for Parks: alongside 300+ groups and organizations, we advocate for NYC Parks to get an equitable share of the city budget. Underfunding parks leads to understaffing and a lack of maintenance. Pelham Bay Park’s own Rice Stadium was a casualty of the neglect caused by the budget shortfalls of the 1970s.

  • EarthFest: Since 1993, we’ve teamed up with NYC Parks to celebrate Earth Day. Recent events have included visits from rescued wildlife (hawks and owls), old-fashioned street games, and performances by Okra Dance Company

  • Family Fun Day: We’ve also teamed up with the Westchester Square-Zerega Improvement Organization and NYC Parks to present a day of family-friendly performances, games, and art & crafts each July, since 1996.

  • The Bronx Native American Festival: Since 2003, with NYC Parks and storyteller Bobby Gonzalez, Pelham Bay Park has hosted indigenous performers, artists, and storytellers for an afternoon of cultural celebration, open to everyone, completely free of charge.

  • Beach Days | Riviera Nights: In 2018, we, with the support of the Pelham Bay Park Administrator’s Office, debuted a new series of events at Orchard Beach, including the beach’s first-ever drive-in movie. We know the beach is a cool place to be: we want everyone to know.

  • Photo Contests: In 2015, we launched the Picture the Park! Photo Contest to highlight the beauty of Pelham Bay Park. It was so successful we launched a sequel contest in 2018: Picture the Beach! focusing solely on Orchard Beach, in tandem with our Beach Days | Riviera Nights event series. Due to popular demand, we launched The Great Outdoors Photo Contest in 2020 to highlight the natural charms of the park.