At Watsessing Park yesterday, community volunteers donned gloves and boots as they cleared litter and debris from Bloomfield’s Second River. The Bloomfield Open Space Trust Fund Committee (OSTFC) and the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) hosted the event.
Pat Gilleran, Bloomfield OSTFC committee person reports that approximately 100 people came out for the cleanup including many Bloomfield High School and elementary school students, the BHS Football Team, Bloomfield College students and faculty, and of course friends and neighbors of the park. Councilman Nick Joanow and Councilman Robert Ruane were both on hand to lend their efforts.
“We collected over 100 bags of trash and recyclables. A lawnmower and the usual shopping carts have been cataloged for removal,” says Gilleran.
Watsessing Park is located on 69 acres in the Townships of Bloomfield and East Orange. The meandering Second River, joined here by Toney’s Brook, flows through the long open park that was designed in 1899 by the Olmsted Brothers firm.
“With Bloomfield’s recent celebration of Earth Day, it is fitting that PVSC partner with environmental and community oriented organizations to fulfill our mission of keeping the areas in and around the Second River in Watsessing Park clean,” says PVSC Executive Director Wayne Forrest.
According to Forrest, PVSC’s award winning River Restoration Program provides assistance to local groups in removing debris from rivers and streams to both help improve water conveyance and provide a healthier ecosystem for plants and wildlife.
“PVSC relies on dedicated volunteers, like the many Bloomfield residents here today and from previous cleanups, to assist us with keeping our waterways clean,” says Forrest.
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Thanks to all whom Helped with the clean up
What a terrific, wonderful thing to do.
I second walleroo’s sentiment. I’ll add the descriptor fantastic, too.
Oh Dear, SJ, you missed that the event was also sponsored by the Watsessing Park Conservancy (WPC) and Watsessing Park Neighborhood Association (WHNA). Both organizations have taken care of the park for years.
Watsessing Heights Neighborhood Association (WHNA)
We are a group of concerned neighbors who have decided to join together and make a difference in our community. We value our safety, our children’s well-being and education, the care and upkeep of our streets and our property values. We are committed to the Watsessing Heights section of Bloomfield, and the preservation of the character of our neighborhood. Maintaining the health and vitality of Watsessing Park – an oasis in our neighborhood – has been, and continues to be, of paramount importance to the WHNA.
Watsessing Park Conservancy (WPC)
Has received several Green Acres Grants in partnership with Essex County, which are being used to implement a myriad of improvements in Watsessing Park. If you are not able to donate your time, but would still like to support the park, please be advised that the WPC is a 501c3 [non-profit] organization. All donations are tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to WPC, PO Box 1783, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. Watsessing Heights Neighborhood Association, Inc. 973-680-WHNA (9462)
The WHNA and WPC have jointly hosted park cleanups each year since 1998 in partnership with the County and the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.