Humans of LIC - Dorrette Campbell

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is hosting a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a wonderful Parks Department supervisor, Dorrette Campbell. We are happy to share her experience and have her be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Dorette’s journey with us!

Full name

Dorrette Campbell.

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC

I am a level 1 Parks Supervisor.

How long have you been involved here?

I have been here at HPS since 2018. However, with the Parks Department since 2011.

What is your favorite place in the park?

I have a few favorite places  in the park. The Observation deck; it transports me to the Mediterranean,  it feels like I'm on the deck of a ship away from the rat race of the City - so close but yet so far. I am captivated by the Sky lights of Manhattan and the backdrop of the Greenery of Hunters Point South Park .

My second favorite is the Moon face. It takes me to the Caribbean. If it is your first time there, it is like you are walking into a little pocket of surprise, which is beautiful and tranquil with the sun-kissed water and boats sailing by. While planes and helicopters take off then come back to land.  I don't think anywhere else is as beautiful as our piece of paradise.

Third favorite is the beautiful flowers throughout the Park every season gives us hope and peace. Especially during the past year where we all went through and still face Covid-19.

Why is this park important to you? 

This Park is important to me on so many levels,  as a Gardener it warms my heart that a community can come together to educate both the young and old. Along with motivating and transforming the canvas that is our park, leaving everyone to be able to appreciate the masterpiece that we have.

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

Our park is an ecosystem that we want to secure and protect. When park visitors come to our park, we'd like for them to think about their actions and how it affects our ecosystem, so I often say take a picture. It will last a whole lot longer than picking out the beautiful flowers. So next time, come out and volunteer in our park. Each day is a new experience . God bless.”

Thank you, Dorrette, for your dedication to our parks! We are grateful to have you be apart of the HPPC community to encourage others to appreciate and respect our beautiful waterfront! You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to the environment and to us!

Meet Barre Instructor Lisa Pantaleo

THIS SUMMER, HPPC’S FREE BARRE CLASSES, LED BY LISA PANTALEO ARE RETURNING TO HUNTER’S POINT SOUTH PARK! FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE MONDAY NIGHTS - AUGUST 2ND, 9TH, AND 16TH - AT 6:30PM LISA WILL TEACH HER BEGINNER BARRE CLASS IN THE PARK. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED, PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO REGISTER.

FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER CLASSES LISA TEACHES WITH HER STUDIO, BARRE3, CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE HERE AND FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM @barre3lic.

READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LISA AND HER PASSION FOR BARRE!

First off, quick background info. Tell us your name, where you're from and what you do.

Lisa Pantaleo, Queens NY, owner of barre3 Long Island City

How'd you get into Barre? How long have you been a barre instructor?

I found barre3 on Instagram while looking for a new workout routine to do prior to heading to my 9-5 as a graphic designer. I fell in love with barre3's holistic approach to fitness and beautiful brand aesthetic. I knew I needed to bring a barre3 studio to my hometown of Queens and I've been teaching for over 4 years now!

What's your favorite thing about what you do?

I love connecting with clients and truly making the studio feel like their second home!

How is teaching in the park different from teaching in a studio?

Oh, it's way different! Teaching outside is a ton of fun...moving big in the sunshine and feeling the breeze on your skin during breath work is amazing. It of course comes with its challenges too when it comes to controlling music volumes, uneven surfaces, etc.

When you're not teaching, what is your favorite thing to do in the parks?

Take walks with my husband and son :)

Lastly, how do you motivate/energize yourself to be active when you're feeling lazy?

Put on some fun music and remind myself how amazing I'm going to feel after!

Humans of LIC - Kevin Selig

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a notable Park Director for Gantry Plaza State Park, Kevin Selig. We are happy to share his experience and have him be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Kevin’s journey with us!

“Full Name

Kevin Selig

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC:

Park Director for Gantry Plaza State Park

How long have you been involved here?

I started working here at Gantry Plaza just about 4 months ago.  Before that, I spent about 8 years working in Queens for NYC Parks.

What is your favorite place in the park?

My favorite place in Gantry Plaza State Park would be the red Adirondack chairs between the Great Lawn and the East River. Sitting back in the chairs and watching the world go by is great way to relax, plus they remind me a little of my childhood home in Upstate, NY.

Why is this park important to you?

Living nearby, Gantry has been a great spot for me to hang out with friends and family. As the Director for the park, it's very rewarding every day to walk the park and see all the great work the NYS Parks staff does here in Gantry to make it such a great place for everyone to enjoy.

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

Gantry Plaza State Park is a wonderful space for rest and relaxation, but we need everyone’s help to keep it clean and safe for everyone to use. It's a huge help to us when park-goers carry out their trash and follow all park rules.”

Thank you Kevin for your dedication to protecting our parks! We are grateful to have you be apart of the HPPC community. You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to the waterfront and to us!

Humans of LIC - Stephen Allen

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a wonderful Gantry Plaza State Park complex complex manager, Stephen Allen. We are happy to share his experience and have him be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Stephen’s journey with us!

Full Name: Stephen Allen

Title: Complex Manager

 How long have you worked here?

I have 19 years with NYS Parks and 9 years have been at Gantry plaza

What is your favorite place in the park?

Hammock’s, it reminds me of being in the Caribbean beach taking an afternoon nap

Why is this park important to you?

Parks in general are an extension of our home/apartment. Because of that, we can enjoy nature- this is what give’s me satisfaction in keeping an ecosystem alive.

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

The community is the lifeline of parks. As much importance they give to the park, the more beautiful the park will be.  Do not treat our parks like a garbage can that we don’t change.  Come and enjoy the view of nature and skyline but leave it better than the way you found it.”

Thank you Stephen for your dedication to our parks! We are grateful to have you be apart of the HPPC community. You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to the environment and to us!

Humans of LIC - Katherine Poulos

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a wonderful Gantry Plaza State Park horticultural technician, Katherine Poulos. We are happy to share her experience and have her be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Katherine’s journey with us!

“Full Name 

Katherine Poulos

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC 

Horticultural Technician at Gantry Plaza State Park

How long have you been involved here? 

I’ve been working at Gantry Plaza State Park for 1 year and 5 months

What is your favorite place in the park?

My favorite place in the park is under the red maple trees on the Peninsula. These trees are interesting to look at all year, with beautiful red twigs in the winter, bright red flowers in the spring, and bright red leaves in the fall.  I love this location for bird watching, as cardinals and warblers are attracted to maple trees for food and shelter. The location is especially great in the summer when I’m looking for some much-needed shade.

Why is this park important to you? 

From working with volunteers and interacting with patrons, I have come to understand how much Gantry Plaza State Park means as a green space to the Long Island City community. It’s important for me to continue maintaining the plants in the park with HPPC so community members have beautiful trees that provide shade for family picnics, flowers that attract butterflies and birds so visitors can learn about wildlife in our education programs, magnificent ornamental grasses that protect the soil and serve as a great backdrop for photos for special events, and much more!

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

We have over 30 species of plants in Gantry Plaza State Park, including over 20 species of trees. I encourage visitors to take a moment in between looking at the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline to notice all the plants in the park, including coneflower, catmint, river birch and bayberry, that are providing services to both humans and wildlife like protecting the soil, cleaning the air, and providing shelter.”

Thank you Katherine for your dedication to our parks! It is greatly appreciated to have you be apart of the HPPC community. You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to the environment and to us!

Meet Yoga Instructor Joy Chen

This Summer, HPPC’s free yoga classes, led by Joy Chen are returning to Hunter’s Point South Park! For three consecutive Monday nights - July 12, 19, and 26 - at 6:30pm Joy will teaching her beginner yoga class in the park. Registration is required, please make sure to check our calendar of events for more details and to register.

For information on other classes Joy teaches with her studio, Cosmic Fit Club, check out their website here and follow them on Instagram @cosmicfitclub.

Read on to learn more about Joy and her passion for yoga!

Photo by Clifford Toy

First off, quick background info! Tell us your name, where you’re from, and what you do.

My name is Joy Chen. I was born in Manhattan's Chinatown on the Lower East Side, attended college in Ithaca New York and now live in Queens. I opened a yoga and movement studio in Long Island City in 2017 and currently teach in-person classes and fitness events outdoors and live streaming classes at https://video.cosmicfitclub.com

How’d you get into yoga? How long have you been a yoga instructor?

I first got exposed to yoga during college when I took a few classes as a way to deal with stress. After college I pursued yoga more seriously because I loved the feeling of flexibility and strength it gave me. I completed my 500 hour teaching training at Yogaworks in 2011 and have been teaching yoga professionally ever since!

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

My favorite thing about teaching yoga is serving students of all ages and abilities and helping them restore greater mobility and health in their bodies. The flow of different yoga poses can cultivate physical well-being as well as help students focus better and tap into their mental energy. It's a beautiful thing. Yoga brings together movement and breath and can also be so much fun! My students inspire and challenge me. I regularly teach runners, office workers, rock climbers, teachers, elderly retirees, even mommy and baby yoga and acroyoga.

How is teaching in the park different than teaching in a yoga studio?

Teaching in the park is definitely more challenging than teaching in a yoga studio because there are a lot more external noise and environmental conditions that need to be actively managed. For instance, I've had to project my voice to be heard over the sound of dogs barking or helicopters flying. In addition, there are usually much larger crowds in the park compared to the studio. I can have upwards of 70 people taking class together in the park! But it's also really lovely to practice yoga outdoors in the grass and fresh air and watch the sunset. Best of all the park offers free yoga which makes it much more accessible to the general public.

When you’re not teaching, what is your favorite thing to do in the parks?

When I'm not teaching my favorite thing to do at Hunters Point South park is find a shady spot to practice acroyoga with my boyfriend and eat birria tacos from one of the the taco trucks on the waterfront and watch the sunset.

Lastly, how do you motivate/energize yourself to be active when you’re feeling lazy?

I listen to my body but when I'm feeling too lazy to travel to a class or go to the gym I motivate myself by doing some simple seated stretches like sitting in a cross legged position and raising my arms overhead and arching my back in a chair. If you have more space you can also try standing stretches which takes a little more muscular effort but you can do warrior 2 pose or a high lunge anywhere-- even on the subway! Running outside on your own-- preferably in a forest where there are a lot of trees and meandering pathways at a slow pace can also be super energizing. Sometimes you also just need a healthy snack. For the summer I like to eat a lot of watermelon and drink ice cold pineapple juice mixed with coconut flavored seltzer water! Try it and then pack up your yoga mat and join me for some free Monday night yoga classes on the waterfront July 12, 19 and 26 at 6:30pm!

Humans of LIC - Carey Ngai

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a persistent and reliable HPPC volunteer, Carey Ngai. We are happy to share his experience and have him be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Carey’s journey with us!

“Full Name            

Carey Ngai

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC   

Volunteer 

How long have you been involved here?

5 Years 

Why do you volunteer?

It is important to me that the park is kept clean and beautiful for all to come and enjoy the park.

What is your favorite place in the park?

The wooded peninsula area adjacent to the new library.

Why is this park important to you?

I live in the area and frequently walk along the water in both parks and the new addition

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

The sunset views are spectacular

Additional comments/experiences you’d like to share (optional)

Movie nights  are a lot of fun and the various live music venues are entertaining”

Thank you Carey for your years of service to our parks! It is greatly appreciated to have you be apart of the HPPC community. You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to the environment and to us!

Humans of LIC - Stephen Murphy

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are continuing our series with a feature on a frequent, and loyal HPPC volunteer, Stephen Murphy. We are happy to share his experience and have him be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Stephen’s journey with us!

“Full Name

STEPHEN MURPHY

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC

Volunteer

How long have you been involved here?

I started volunteering about a year ago.

Why do you volunteer?

I like being helpful.  I've been volunteering in one form or another for many years.  It gives me a sense of usefulness and accomplishment.

What is your favorite place in the park?

I've got two favorite spots. My first is the Red Adirondack Chairs and the lawn behind them in Gantry State Park. My other is the seating area all the way down in Hunters Point Park South, the grassy hill area next to 57th Ave. There is an unobstructed view of the East River with the city as a backdrop.

Why is this park important to you?

Oh, It's so important to me because it is nature right outside my door.  I grew up in Ireland with nature all around me and I miss that. I like being close to water, plants of all kinds, and birds. I love birds.

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

Yes --Stay Away!!  (Just kidding)

Come enjoy the park, and everything it has to offer.  But, PLEASE leave it in the same or better shape than you found it.

Additional comments/experiences you’d like to share (optional)

The Park staff and the HPPC are brilliant, and I've appreciated the chance to meet fellow volunteers while digging in the dirt.”

Thank you Stephen for your unwavering support and dedication to volunteering at our park! You are one of the many “Humans of LIC” that deserve to be recognized for your commitment to your community and to us!

Leave No Trace Coloring Pages

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy has partnered with The Blue Bus Project on a ‘Leave No Trace’ campaign around LIC. The goal is to convince park patrons to respect our parks and natural environment and to dispose of waste properly. In the near future, our co-created flyers will begin popping up around the neighborhood, but in the meantime we would like to introduce our children’s Leave No Trace coloring pages!

One facet of the campaign is the design and distribution of coloring pages for children, since it is important for children to learn to be good park stewards at a young age! There are two coloring page options - Click here to download page 1 and click here to download page 2.

If you stop by The Blue Bus at Culture Lab LIC, you can also pick up physical copies there.

Humans of LIC - Betsy Mills

Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy is beginning a new series called “Humans of LIC” to highlight our volunteers, park-goers, and park workers. We want to show why they make our Park so great. It is because of them, that we are all able to enjoy the beautiful park each and every day.

Today, we are kicking off our series with a feature on a long-time HPPC volunteer, Betsy Mills. We are happy to share her experience and have her be a part of the “Humans of LIC” campaign. Keep reading to find out more about Betsy’s journey with us!

Full Name: 

Elizabeth (Betsy) Mills 

Title/Involvement with the parks/HPPC

Volunteer

How long have you been involved here?

I participated in my first Bulbfest in 2018, shortly after moving to NYC, and have participated in it every year since. I became more involved in 2020 participating in the weekly group volunteer events, as well as working with Heather (the NYC Parks gardener) on Sunday mornings. 

 Why do you volunteer?

I really enjoy spending time immersed in green spaces, and am very grateful to have the opportunity to participate in volunteer events at HPPC. As anyone who has worked with me at an event can attest, I really love weeding! I find it to be immensely satisfying, as it provides me a way to utilize my excess energy in a productive manner which benefits the ecological health of the park. Though, I must admit that I have come to admire the tenacity of the weeds. 

What is your favorite place in the park?

On warm evenings I can often be found dancing along the waterfront across from the athletic field. It provides opportunities to bask in the beautiful sunset and watch the waves crash as the ferries go by, while providing a delightful breeze. 

Why is this park important to you?

To me, HPP represents NYC at its best. It provides opportunities for recreation and social activities, but also can serve as a much needed respite from the hectic pace of NYC-life. I like that it is easily accessible by bike, and I know that no matter what kind of day I am having, I will always feel better after spending time at the park. 

Is there anything you want park visitors to know?

When I'm not volunteering, I spend my time focusing on brain health and dementia prevention. The park fosters activities that are known to promote brain health, including spending time in green spaces, engaging in social activities, and exercising. For more (free) information from neuroscientists like myself on how to keep your brain healthy, check out CognitiveVitality.org. (https://www.alzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality) I'd also remind visitors to thank park staff for the amazing work they do.”

Thank you so much Betsy for your continuous involvement and support with Hunter’s Point Parks Conservancy!

Learn About LIC & Hunter's Point History!

In the Spring of 2021, HPPC took viewers on a 5-part journey through the history of Hunter's Point and Long Island City. The adventure emphasized a special focus on maps and historical images of our area and was led by Andrew Kapochunas, local resident, amateur historian, and member of the New York Map Society.

The video lectures are sure to surprise and delight viewers with many remarkable maps and photos that show the area’s transformation over time and touch on its great historical importance. There are also countless fun facts and stories that many viewers would not have know before! For example, did you know that there were only two homes on the LIC shoreline in the late 1700s? Or that all Queens addresses were changed in the 1920s? Or that Hunter’s Point South Park was originally planned to be the site of the Olympic Village if NYC won its bid for the 2012 Olympic Games?

Learn more by watching each chapter! All five videos can be found on our YouTube channel and the links are below:

• Chapter 1: Pre-History to Henry Hudson’s arrival, 1609

• Chapter 2: 17th and 18th Centuries; the American Revolution

• Chapter 3: 19th Century and the Industrial Revolution

• Chapter 4: 20th Century development and decline

• Chapter 5: 21st Century and the future of Hunters Point Parks

Enter the 2021 LIC Henge Photo Contest

Celebrate LIC Henge with HPPC this year by entering our photo contest! LIC Henge is a yearly phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west street grid of Manhattan. This year, on May 29 park visitors should be able to see half sun on the grid and on May 30 should be able to see full sun on the grid.

How to enter: Participants can enter by posting their picture(s) on Instagram, tagging HPPC, and including the Hashtag #LICHenge. If they do not have Instagram, pictures can be submitted to info@hunterspointparks.org.

Photos must be taken from Gantry Plaza State Park and/or Hunter’s Point South Park, not within Manhattan or from any other vantage point and must be taken in 2021.

Participants who submit photos to the contest provide HPPC non-commercial license to use the images in perpetuity in future publications and promotions for relevant Conservancy purposes.

The contest will open on the first day of the spring Henge, May 29th and will be open until June 1st. Winners will be decided on by a panel of HPPC board members and announced by June 10th.

Hunters Point Parks Conservancy reserves the right to delay this contest until the summer ‘Henge’ (July 12 & 13) should there be poor weather and/or not enough photo submissions.

Prizes:

1st place: $50 gift card to LIC Landing & HPPC t-shirt

2nd place: $25 gift card to LIC Landing & HPPC t-shirt

3rd place: HPPC t-shirt

All 3 winning photos will also be featured in the newsletter and on social media.

HPPC Plants Four Yoshino Cherry Trees in Hunter’s Point South Park in Honor of Earth Day 2021

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) celebrated Earth Day this year by planting 4 new yoshino cherry trees in Hunter's Point South Park. These trees were purchased by HPPC via the New York Tree Trust, to replace others that have died since their initial planting back in 2013. The theme of Earth Day 2021 was “Restore Our Earth,” and HPPC took that theme to heart this year, restoring the earth in our front yard by planting these beautiful and vibrant trees.

Yoshino cherry trees currently ring the oval in Hunter’s Point South Park and make for some of the most iconic images of the park when they bloom in the spring, usually early April. The tree is known for its vibrant display of white-pink blossoms and faint almond fragrance in the springtime. Throughout the summer they also delight park-goers with their unique branching pattern, glossy bark, and dark-green leaves. The trees also provide an important source of food for many small birds and mammals.

Across New York City there are three different varietals of cherry trees that are commonly seen and provide spectacular blooms in the spring, but they all bloom at different times. The first up are okame cherry trees, which bloomed this year at the end of March. Next are the yoshino cherry trees, which bloomed in early April this year and are what you will find in Hunter’s Point South Park. And last are kwazan cherry trees which are currently in bloom. The yoshino cherry tree, along with its cousin the kwanzan cherry, is responsible for the spectacular pink blossoming show each spring in Washington, D.C.

The trees planted in the park have already lived interesting lives, having started out as seedlings in Oregon, before being shipped to the North Fork of Long Island (where the NYC Parks nursery is) at 1-2 years old. They then grew up there until they were big enough to find a permanent home in Hunter's Point South Park after HPPC’s purchase this year. The trees are already between 7-10 years old and will take a few more years to fully fill out. The are still partially in bloom now because it's slightly colder on the North Fork where they came from and therefore their bloom was slightly later.

Announcing the 2021 'Bulbfest' Photo Contest! (& Official Rules)

Over the last several years, the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy has planted over 30,000 bulbs on the LIC waterfront through our ‘LIC Bulbfest’ planting events each Fall. Thanks to the hard work of our many volunteers, Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park are abloom each Spring with thousands of daffodils, tulips, alliums, and more.

To celebrate this Spring, HPPC is launching a ‘Bulbfest’ photo contest! Participants will have the opportunity to submit an entry to the contest during the duration of the spring bloom for a chance to win prizes!

How to enter: Participants can enter by posting their picture(s) on Instagram, tagging HPPC, and including the Hashtag #LICBulbfest. If they do not have Instagram, pictures can be submitted to info@hunterspointparks.org.

Photos must contain bloomed bulbs (tulips, daffodils, alliums, crocuses) in Gantry Plaza State Park and/or Hunter’s Point South Park and photos must have been taken from the parks in 2021.

Participants who submit photos to the contest provide HPPC non-commercial license to use the images in perpetuity in future publications and promotions for relevant Conservancy purposes.

The contest opens on March 31st and will run until April 20th. HPPC reserves the right to extend the contest later into spring, pending a delayed or extended spring bloom. Winners will be decided on by a panel of HPPC board members and announced on May 6th.

Prizes:

1st place: $50 gift card to LIC Landing & HPPC t-shirt

2nd place: $25 gift card to LIC Landing & HPPC t-shirt

3rd place: HPPC t-shirt

All 3 winning photos will also be featured in the newsletter and on social media.

We're Hiring! Come Work for HPPC as a Summer Programming and Communications Intern

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to casey@hunterspointparks.org no later than Friday, April 23rd.

Job Description: Summer Programming and Communications Intern 

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City, Queens, and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community.

The Conservancy works in Gantry Plaza State Park and Hunter’s Point South, providing volunteers for park upkeep, funding occasional park maintenance projects, and hosting over 100 free events in the parks each year. Free events include movie nights, concerts, fitness classes, art classes, and a 6 week-long program of free children’s activities called Summer Kids at the Landing.

In 2020, and the start of 2021, the Conservancy has been offering virtual versions of many of its programs, including fitness classes, kids activities, and art classes.

Position Overview

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy is looking to hire a seasonal intern to help manage virtual events and communications, as well as assist the board and staff on some other big-picture projects. The intern will be working in a remote capacity and the tasks/schedule will vary on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, the ideal candidate will be adaptable, a quick learner, and a self-starter, who is well versed in technology, including social media, video conferencing, and graphic design platforms.

This position may also be tasked with helping to plan and implement in-person events in the summer and early fall of 2021, pending the state of public health in New York City and current City & State regulations.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage HPPC virtual events, including fitness classes, kids programs, and more TBD

  • Manage registration list and send links to participants

  • Be online during classes to answer questions and provide technical assistance as needed

  • Work on promotion of events, including creating graphics, posting on event listing sites, and posting on social media

  • Collect and analyze event feedback – implement changes when possible

• Help manage social media

  • Create schedules for social media posts

  • Create and share content

  • Build HPPC’s social media strategy

• Aid in Conservancy communications and outreach efforts, including, but not limited to:

  • Design of digital advertisements and graphics

  • Creation of pitch decks and/or other outreach materials

  • Crafting of press releases and/or blog posts

• (As needed) Help lead HPPC volunteer gardening days in the park

• (TBD) Help implement and manage in-person events

  • Stay up to date on best practices and government regulations to ensure compliance

  • As needed, be ‘on the ground’ managing events to ensure safety standards

  • Lead promotion of events

• Other possible tasks may include:

  • Helping Conservancy staff and board create plans for the buildout and operation of a new space within the park

  • Working with the Conservancy staff & board and NYC Parks on a proposal for interpretive signage within the park & digital supplementary material

  • Working with staff and board to create a process for planning and evaluating events

Location & Schedule

This is a mostly remote, part-time position. Intern will be required to provide their own computer and access to internet. As needed, intern may be asked to attend in person meetings or events in the park and/or help lead volunteer days.

Hours will be flexible and variable. Evening work will be required and some weekend work may be necessary. Intern will be required to be online during all HPPC virtual events, but otherwise may choose their own hours, provided weekly or daily goals are accomplished. 15-20 hours per week will be expected.

Term: May - September 2021

Education and Other Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• Previous experience in event management or virtual learning encouraged

• Familiarity with social media and video conferencing platforms

• Graphic design skills and familiarity with design programs (Adobe suite)

• Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously

• Comfortability speaking in front of groups of people, both in-person and over video call

To Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter as one PDF document to info@hunterspointparks.org with the subject line “Summer Intern” no later than Friday, April 23rd.

Note: Job description is not all inclusive. Hunters Point Parks Conservancy reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Hunters Point Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Announcing HPPC's Winter Virtual Program Series Sponsored by Weill Cornell Medicine Primary Care Long Island City

Hunters Point Parks Conservancy's virtual events are returning for a new 10-week winter series! Beginning February 1, HPPC and our local event partners will be hosting FREE events twice a week that are open to anyone who would like to join us.

Advanced registration is required for each activity. All dates and details can be found on our calendar of events. Learn more about each program by checking out the calendar and then register for whichever ones you want to join! Once you register once for a program, you will be able to access all events in that series.

Please reach out to info@hunterspointparks.org with any questions regarding events.

This program would not be possible without the support of Weill Cornell Medicine Primary Care Long Island City.

Weill Cornell Medicine is an academic medical community that is passionate about improving the health of communities both globally and locally through our innovative, collaborative approach to care. For over a hundred years, Weill Cornell Medicine has been providing care to New York families. With patient care at the forefront of their mission, Weill Cornell Medicine has over 40 locations around the city including Primary Care services and over 1600 specialists caring for families in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. Recent expansions into Queens has increased access to world-class care for the entire family: Our Long Island City Primary Care practice offers family medicine for adults and children. Other specialty services will be coming soon to the area. In light of recent events, Weill Cornell Medicine has also increased their use of Video Visits and continue to be at the forefront of modernizing remote access to care through their digital health services to ensure that all patients remain connected with their healthcare providers. Visit Weill Cornell Medicine Long Island City to learn more.

HPPC Board Statement on Waterfront Parks Security

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy’s (HPPC) mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City, Queens, and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community. 

HPPC is a volunteer-led, community non-profit that supports the New York City and New York State Parks Departments through volunteer gardening, free community events, and small supplemental park maintenance projects. While we have a positive working relationship with the departments, neither HPPC as an organization, nor any of its individual members, have decision-making authority on matters of safety, security, rule enforcement, or park operations. 

HPPC appreciates all concerns that our community raises regarding issues of safety and security in our waterfront parks, and always passes them on to the proper authorities. However, if you would like to address your comments directly to the proper decision-making authority, we hope the following information will be helpful:

• Always call 311 or log an incident via the 311 online portal (portal.311.nyc.gov). Every incident reported through 311 is logged and this data helps city agencies make decisions - the more data points, the more likely it is that something will be done.

• If you are experiencing or witnessing an emergency, dial 911.

• Please note that our waterfront park land in Hunters Point is actually 2 different parks and many neighborhood safety and security issues are handled by many different agencies:

  • The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS Parks) manages Gantry Plaza State Park which is located between 50th Ave. and Anable Basin.

    • Park safety and enforcement issues are handled by New York State Parks Police.

  • The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) manages Hunter’s Point South Park which runs from 50th Ave. South to Newtown Creek.

    • Park safety and enforcement issues are handled by Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP).

  • The local 108 Precinct of the New York City Police Department handles general security and criminal incidents in the neighborhood as well as any overnight security or criminal activity in the parks.

  • All overhead lighting and light poles as well and city streets and crosswalks are managed by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)

  • Food trucks are overseen by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH)

• If you would like to contact any of these agencies directly, you can use the following numbers:

  • NYS Parks (Gantry Plaza State Park) - (718) 786-6385

    • NYS Parks Police New York City Zone Headquarters - (212) 694-3620

  • NYC Parks (Hunter’s Point South Park) - (718) 626-8621

    • PEP - no separate phone number, have to contact through 311

  • 108 Precinct general line - (718) 784-5411

    • You can also directly contact the 108 Precinct’s Neighborhood Coordination Officer for sector A David Cortes at david.cortes2@nypd.org or (718) 784-5411

    • more contact numbers available here

  • DOT - (212) 839-2510

    • For information on active DOT cases (including speed hump and traffic signal studies) or to submit new cases, click here.

  • DOH - 311

Hunters Point Parks Conservancy Statement on Neighborhood & Waterfront Development

The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy’s mission is to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City, Queens, and to ensure the parks remain an indispensable asset to the community.

We believe that public, open, accessible green spaces are the single most important factor in the health and happiness of our community. To that end, we encourage the creation and/or preservation of any such space within the Long Island City neighborhood. 

We believe that any major development project taking place within the neighborhood must work to actively create new public open space, to the fullest extent possible. Should new open space not be possible, new developments must instead support existing spaces to a significant degree.

We further believe that any (new or existing) public open space in our community should:

• Be a true public commons with no barriers to entry

• Be a place where any individual feels welcome and comfortable, no matter their age, color, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical abilities

• Be accessible and seamlessly integrated into neighborhood amenities and transportation networks

• Be designed with the local environment in mind, using current best practices and features that integrate the natural and built environment, reduce or prevent pollution and stormwater runoff, and benefit native flora and fauna

In addition, any new developments being built on or near the waterfront must integrate resilient waterfront design concepts to help protect the neighborhood from future sea level rise and storm surge. New waterfront developments in LIC must go above and beyond the current New York City recommendations and industry best practices. 

Any waterfront development must:

• Actively remediate any contaminated soil and/or sources of pollution

• Work to capture stormwater by installing green roofs and other green infrastructure

• Restore natural habitat by incorporating waterfront edge designs that provide habitat for native plants and animals

• Provide recreation opportunities through water access points and/or public amenities

• Design with resilience in mind - incorporating soft edges, wetlands, berms, and/or other flood protection measures

We look forward to continuing to work with all community stakeholders in order to enhance and advocate for the green spaces and waterfront of Long Island City for many years to come.

A Heartfelt Thank You From Hunters Point Parks Conservancy

In a challenging and tumultuous year, Hunters Point Parks Conservancy was able to accomplish more than we ever thought possible. How? Because of our amazing donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community supporters.

Find out more about our 2020 accomplishments in this video.

The importance of parks and community park groups has never been higher and will be vital to our city's reemergence. None of work is possible without the support of our friends and neighbors. Please consider contributing to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy by clicking this link.

We believe in the power of green space to clear our minds, bring us joy, sustain our communities, and help us recover from anything. If you share our belief in the power of parks, please consider a Holiday donation to the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy this year.

HPPC Wraps Up Record-Setting Volunteer Season

On Saturday, November 7th the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy wrapped up our 2020 volunteer season with our 50th volunteer project of the year (a new record)! In total, despite working through a challenging year, we held 35 volunteer days with New York State Parks in Gantry Plaza State Park, 13 with New York City Parks in Hunter's Point South Park, and an additional few events with the Newtown Creek Alliance working to create a pollinator meadow on 48th Ave, between Center Blvd. & 5th St.

Thank you to the 487 volunteers who helped us remove 856 bags of weeds and plant over 1,200 plants and 13,000 bulbs in our waterfront parks. A special shout-out is needed as well for the wonderful NYS & NYC Parks gardeners and maintenance staff who work so hard to maintaining our beautiful parks. 856 bags of weeds and 13,000 bulbs are new record numbers for one season and we also hit an all-time single volunteer day high of 43 bags of weeds removed on October 15th.

We'll get right back to it in early spring 2021!

Check out our gallery of pictures from this year’s volunteer season!