On Saturday, May 7th, I Love My Park Day invigorates state parks all across New York. Locally, for Roosevelt Island, that means FDR Four Freedoms State Park but also Gantry Plaza State Park, historic and laid back, just five minutes by ferry across the East River.

by David Stone

The Roosevelt Island Daily News

I Love My Park Day at Four Freedoms

FOUR FREEDOMS PARK CONSERVANCY HOSTS
“I LOVE MY PARK DAY”
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARKS & TRAILS NEW YORK
AND THE WOOLRICH OUTDOOR FOUNDATION AT THE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT FOUR FREEDOMS STATE PARK ON MAY 7

At FDR Four Freedoms State Park, 50 volunteers will assemble colorful Adirondack chairs on the Great Lawn. “Residents and visitors alike get to enjoy the outdoors and find respite in our iconic urban oasis,” the park conservancy says. 

Greet volunteers, connect with State Park leaders and share your support for our parks and public lands with invited media guests.

Come to the park, rain or shine, and welcome….

• New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Erik Kulleseid,
• New York State Senator José M. Serrano, District 76 Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, District 5 New York City Councilperson Julie Menin and
• Four Freedoms Park Conservancy Honorary Chair, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. Honorary Chair Welcome 50 Volunteers Who Will Assemble 50 Colorful Chairs

At Four Freedoms, the tentative schedule looks like this…

• 10:00-10:30a, volunteers arrive
• 11:00a, introductions and remarks
• 11:30a-1:00p, photo opportunities and chair assembly

What is I Love My Park Day in New York State?

I Love My Park Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating and improving parks across the State of New York. Each year, this event brings together volunteers from all over for projects that maintain and improve local parks.

Whether you are volunteering by planting trees or participating in a cleanup effort, I Love My Park Day is an excellent opportunity to show your appreciation for our wonderful parks system and make a meaningful contribution to your community.

See a list of all the places you can volunteer here.

So if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend a day outside, get involved with I Love My Park Day! After all, we all love our parks, right?

And don’t forget Gantry Plaza State Park

Looking to volunteer? Gantry Plaza State Park is another urban gem, charged with history.

Gantry Plaza State Park is a beautiful and multi-faceted outdoor space located along the East River in New York City. With spectacular views of the city skyline and beautifully maintained green spaces, it’s the perfect place to go for a stroll or a relaxing picnic.

Gantry Plaza State Park is also home to several recreational facilities, sports courts, playgrounds and some of the best dog runs in the city.

Conclusion

May 7th continues an annual celebration of New York State Parks and volunteers. This year, it looks like one to remember with fair weather and countless opportunities for appreciation

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Three Newspapers and a Broken Water Fountain

One paper stopped arriving. Another outgrew the list that started it, then learned how to say goodbye.

Eleanor Rivers Sep 4, 2026

In 2018, Roosevelt Island had three local newspapers and no working drinking fountains. Seven years later, one paper had disappeared, one founder was leaving the country and the word “your” was about to receive a much clearer ending.

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