Spotless Verona Park

Last week Verona Park Conservancy members set out for their Summer clean up to keep the 54-acre park spotless.

The Verona Park Conservancy is a public, non-profit organization that is dedicated to working with the Essex County Parks Department and the public to maintain, beautify and improve Verona Park's appearance and facilities for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The conservancy holds one clean up event per season. This time they got help from young environmentalists during four days of conservation work provided by the Newark Chapter of the Student Conservation Association (SCA).The SCA is America’s conservation corps, their members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states. Bill Wojtowicz, President of the Verona Park Conservancy, publicly thanked the SCA and added:

The SCA project was not only a way to conserve Verona Park’s numerous historical assets – but a means for Conservancy members to share their wisdom and experience with the young adults I hope someday will carry on our important work.

The conservancy’s clean-up chairman, Dick Heaslip, mentioned that the main goal now is to remove all the man-made debris, which tends to get washed into the lake from the streets and houses. VPC Vice President Deborah Jacobsen guided the teams of high school students from Newark participating in this hands-on project.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. visited Verona Park to compliment the SCA and Conservancy members on their outstanding work. Neil Moylan led volunteers in maintaining the Children’s Garden, where pesticides are not used to avoid hazardous substances flowing into the lake.

The Verona Park Conservancy meets the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the park’s boathouse. Everyone is welcome.