For 2024, on Saturday, I Love My Park Day brought a hardy gang of volunteers and supporters to FDR Four Freedoms State Park. The landmark sanctuary for peace and contemplation gets better every year.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The Dynamics of I Love My Park Day
A chill in the air, the unrelenting overcast that’s turning New York into an East Coast Seattle made little difference. The annual tradition of building Adirondack chairs for the summer’s pleasure continued with a fresh round of volunteers.
FDR Four Freedoms State Park devotes itself to the ideals of its namesake. Freedom, this year, means a firm stand against banned books.
On May 16th, the Park hosts LUSH Cosmetics in exploring the Freedom of Speech and Expression at a Banned Book Panel.
It will be moderated by renowned journalist and editor Katrina vanden Heuvel. “This panel,” an announcement says, “will explore the complex issue of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom.”
More on this in a future article.
Making It Happen
Since his arrival, CEO Howard Axel has increased the vibrancy in the Park. I Love My Park Day, part of a statewide celebration, is just one example.
In recent years, the park brought live theatre readings as well as serious discussions concerning the impact of public art.
Those dynamics complement the peaceful vibes and designed beauty of the FDR Four Freedoms State Park in all seasons. And there is more to come in 2024.
The Five Amendments That Sold Out Roosevelt Island
Roosevelt Island did not lose control of its southern waterfront in a single deal. It happened in five quiet steps. Five amendments. Five missed chances to renegotiate.
