At a recent Rye City Council meeting, I received a proclamation acknowledging my decades-long contributions to the stability and resiliency of Rye Town Park. I was truly honored that the mayor and council took time from their busy agenda to bestow this recognition. I was particularly flattered that it highlighted less my seven years as the paid park director, and more the 20 years I spent working with dedicated volunteers.
When my family arrived in 1991, the park was overrun by cars and saddled with exorbitant annual operating losses. By 2010, a handful of concerned citizens began to organize alongside established support groups, like The Friends of Rye Town Park, to insist on greater accountability and transparency.
The list of committed community members and elected officials willing to devote their energies is long and distinguished. Notable among them are Kristina Bicher, Chris Cohan, Vicki Farrington, Jamie Jensen, Steve Otis, Diana Page, Ann Moller, Caroline Walker, and Linda Wells, who along with scores of others pushed the governing commission to a higher standard.
The improvements to Rye Town Park’s appearance and sustainability over the past 15 years are the result of hard-fought battles by a caring community. It has been an honor working with such amazing people. I gladly share this recognition with all those who came before me and all who will follow to ensure Rye Town Park is always the best it can be.
Letter: People Make Parks
To the Editor:
At a recent Rye City Council meeting, I received a proclamation acknowledging my decades-long contributions to the stability and resiliency of Rye Town Park. I was truly honored that the mayor and council took time from their busy agenda to bestow this recognition. I was particularly flattered that it highlighted less my seven years as the paid park director, and more the 20 years I spent working with dedicated volunteers.
When my family arrived in 1991, the park was overrun by cars and saddled with exorbitant annual operating losses. By 2010, a handful of concerned citizens began to organize alongside established support groups, like The Friends of Rye Town Park, to insist on greater accountability and transparency.
The list of committed community members and elected officials willing to devote their energies is long and distinguished. Notable among them are Kristina Bicher, Chris Cohan, Vicki Farrington, Jamie Jensen, Steve Otis, Diana Page, Ann Moller, Caroline Walker, and Linda Wells, who along with scores of others pushed the governing commission to a higher standard.
The improvements to Rye Town Park’s appearance and sustainability over the past 15 years are the result of hard-fought battles by a caring community. It has been an honor working with such amazing people. I gladly share this recognition with all those who came before me and all who will follow to ensure Rye Town Park is always the best it can be.
—Russ Gold
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