REJUVENATING SUTTON PARKS: CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Hello Sutton Place Parks Supporters,
 
     Big news! We've been hard at work revitalizing our beloved Sutton Place Parks, and we're thrilled to share the amazing progress with you. Check out these updates from the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC):
 
Blossoming Parterres:: Remember those gorgeous plantings in the four Parterres on the 57th Street Plaza that SPPC brought to life four years ago?  Well, we've just given them a fresh sprucing up to keep them thriving and looking their best.

Entrance Elegance: We've added a beautiful new planted enclosure at the 54th Street entrance to Clara Coffey Park. It's not just an entrance; it's a symbol of our commitment to enhancing every aspect of our parks.
 

Storm Resilience: Mother Nature may have taken down a tree on the 57th Street Plaza during a recent storm, but fear not! We've replaced it with a vibrant sapling, and it's flourishing like nobody's business.  Your donations funded the $4,000 replanting!
 
Daffodil Delight: Imagine hundreds of daffodils blooming in our parks each spring, bringing bursts of color and joy to our community. Thanks to your support and our dedicated volunteers, this vision has become a reality.  Come see for yourself!
 
 

Lush Lawn Love: We've given the "Mini Great Lawn" on the Promenade some extra care with strategic reseeding, ensuring it's ready for picnics and leisurely lounging.
 
 

      Let's celebrate our achievements and continue working together to keep Sutton Place Parks thriving!
 
     So, here's the scoop: If you're as thrilled as we are about our progress and want to keep the momentum going, please consider making a donation to the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy. Every dollar goes toward preserving and enhancing our treasured green spaces for generations to come.
 
      Your contributions make it possible for us to fund these projects and keep our parks vibrant and inviting year-round. (Huge shoutout to our donors: you're making a real difference!)     None of these accomplishments would be possible without the incredible generosity of donors like you.

With gratitude,
The Board of Directors
Sutton Place Parks Conservancy

EARTH DAYCELEBRATED IN HIGH SPIRITS IN SUTTON PLACE PARKS!

      The Sutton Place community came together on Saturday, April 20, 2024, to participate in the annual Earth Day Celebration organized by the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC). Despite threats of rain early in the day, the weather cooperated, allowing the completion of a full schedule of Earth Day related activities for kids and adults.

City Council Member Keith Powers toured the Earth Day event and met members of the Sutton Community. For the first time since assuming her new position as Manhattan Borough Commissioner for Parks, Tricia Shimamura took time from her busy schedule to join the SPPC Earth Day event.

     Earth Day Celebrants also had the opportunity to meet team members from Home Depot’s Third Avenue Store. The team brought with them an informative display of environmentally friendly house paints and a wide array of colorful houseplants given out to Earth Day attendees at the end of the afternoon.

Tricia Shimamura,, newly appointed Manhattan Borough Commissioner (center), with Maureen Leness, SPPC Board Member at her left, speaking with Raiko Shinn, Assistant Manager of the Third Avenue Store of Home Depot, about the store’s display.

     The beauty of our spring gardens was on full display for all to see. Volunteer gardeners Merrill Perlman and Maggie Wiencko led tours through the park, pointing out the colorful blooms and native plants that thrive in the Sutton Parks habitat.

Spring blooms and native plants were the subject of tours of the Sutton Parks conducted by our volunteer gardeners.

ABOUT THE SUTTON PLACE PARKS CONSERVANCY (SPPC)

      Sutton Place Parks Conservancy events are always free to the community. Funds raised by SPPC support Earth Day as well as other major events on our annual calendar.  Next up is our July party in the park celebrating Manhattanhenge.
 
      Special thanks to our Earth Day Partners -- Excelsior Stem, NYC Green Park Gardeners, and Home Depot -- as well as our SPPC team of committed volunteers.  We also thank the Friends School and United Nations International School for sending teams of students to help out with the event. 

CHANGES AT TWO SUTTON PARKS THIS WINTER!

     After many months and many park visitor complaints the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy can report that the high chain-link fence at the entrance to the park at East 57th street has been removed. The Parks Department has exchanged it for a standard fence and gate at the entrance to the park. While the height of the fence will not keep folks from climbing over, at least it allows for a better open view of the park and river.
 
     There is also new fencing installed at the new corner garden above Clara Coffey Park at East 54th street, as well as four gates to the gardens so that the Conservancy Gardens team will now be able to get in to clean up and weed these park areas.  Daniel Padnos, SPPC Treasurer and liaison with the Parks Dept expects there will be locks for the gates and a place for a small shed to store park equipment.

New fence at 57th Street Park and Fencing at East 54th Street Park

GOOD NEWS FOR THE NEW YEAR!

January 10, 2024
 
Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

          Happy New Year from your friends at the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (“SPPC”). 2023 was a busy year for SPPC and we are happy to report some new progress as we continue our mission to enhance and beautify our neighborhood parks. 

          First, the chain-link fence at 57th Street in coming down! If you have been in the area since Monday of this week, you will see that work is underway to replace the entryway that has been an eyesore for the past several years. While we wish the Parks Department had incorporated some of the design elements put forth by our neighbors in 1 SPS, we can all agree that the removal of the chain-link is a welcome sight.

 Photo credits:   Maureen Berman

             Second, the East Midtown Greenway (“EMG”) opened on December 19th. Many of us were in attendance at the ribbon-cutting for Manhattan’s newest green space, right here in our own backyard! You can enter the EMG at 54th Street in the south or from the ramp at 60th Street at the north. Built by the City’s Economic Development Corporation, this newest addition to the Esplanade will be maintained by the Parks Department. Our neighbors to the north at the East Sixties Neighborhood Association advocated long and hard for this terrific new amenity.
 
          Finally, our organization continues to grow and flourish. In 2023 we hired our first full-time employee. Laura Heckman, our Executive Director, comes to us with a rich background in the non-profit world, having worked at both the Riverside Park and Central Park Conservancies. We also expanded our Board of Directors, restructured our Committees and elected new Officers. They are: Christopher Collins President, Letty Simon & Maureen Berman Vice-Presidents, Carol Barry Secretary and Daniel Padnos Treasurer. Other Directors are Karen Nielsen, Maureen Leness, Lucy Lamphere, David Meister, Sandy Roth, Betty Daniels, Nancy Brown, Faith Bondy and Matt Bondy.
 
          We extend our heartfelt thanks to our co-founder and outgoing President, Pat Scharlin, for her tireless efforts over many years to make SPPC a success. As a Board Member Emerita, we will count on her continued guidance. Thanks, Pat!
 
Sincerely,
Chris Collins         

A "SPOOKTACULAR" DAY IN PHOTOS!

 On a sunny Saturday in late October 2023, 800 revelers came out to celebrate Halloween as a community with neighbors and friends in Sutton Place Parks.

     For the first time, The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC) closed Sutton Place South between 55th and 57th Street, transforming it into a venue for games, sports activities, and visits from firefighters from Engine Company 8 and officers from the 17th Precinct. The event kicked off with the ever-popular Kids Costume Parade and closed with the bark-worthy Pooches and Pups Parade.
       
      SPPC worked closely with co-sponsors Republic Bank, NYC Parks Department Constance Baker Motley Rec Center, the New York Kids Club and A la Mode Ice Cream Shoppe to provide an afternoon’s worth of entertainment, games, and activities for kids to enjoy.
 

"SPOOKTACULAR" PHOTOS OF THE KIDS COSTUME PARADE

on left:  The Republic Bank Dog helped organize Marchers as they set off from the 57th Street Plaza across the Promenade  Photo credit: Pat Millman  
on right:  Happy families participated in the costume parade  Photo credit:  Brigitte Trieme

SUTTON PLACE SOUTH SERVED AS THE VENUE FOR MANY FUN ACTIVITIES

Photo credit:  Colleen Cavanaugh  
Police Officers from the 17th Precinct and (on the right) Firefighters from Engine Company 8 participated in the first Sutton Spooktacular Showdown, competing in lively games of Simon Says and Hula Hoops.  Photo credit:  Maureen Berman

THE PARADE GOES TO THE DOGS

Photo credit:  Colleen Cavanaugh

SPECIAL GUESTS CAME TO OUR SPOOKTACULAR EVENT

Borough President Mark Levine toured the Spooktacular Event with SPPC Board Member Karen Nielsen (to his right)and Laura Heckman SPPC Executive Director
New York City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers took time from his busy campaigning schedule to greet Sutton Place residents

Your Support of the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy Helps Us Maintain our Treasured Parks

     The Third Annual Spooktacular was free to all participants, as usual, thanks to funds raised from generous donors and friends of the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy. Please consider donating now, so we can maintain the beauty of our parks as a place for personal enjoyment and reflection, as well as for community enjoyment and involvement.

      Upcoming annual events include our Seasonal Singalong on December 16 which will feature a light show and songs reflecting the traditions of Christmas and Chanukkah.

OCTOBER NEWS!

Progress Report on All the Sutton Place Parks Gardens

      In early September we lost a large Honey Locust tree during a storm of strong winds and lightning. A new Honey Locust tree will be planted in November to join the recently pruned six original sisters around the parterres of 57th Street. 
       Lavender Chrysanthemums will fill the oval between the parterres to welcome Fall in Park 57,
      During October new plantings will be added to the parks at 58th Street and the entrance to 55th Street park. Large plantings of daffodils along the Promenade will greet springtime.  Work in Clara Coffey Park at 54th Street continues and we anxiously await the departure of Park Department fences and equipment to fully restore that park.

   Fall Events to Entertain the Community

    The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy presented two concert performances of the classic Broadway show “My Fair Lady on the River.” The al fresco performances took place on September 12, 2023, at 2:00 and 5:00 PM in the 56th Sutton Park. 
       The musical, produced in conjunction with JWM: A Theatrical Company, featured 13 ensemble vocalists and a 28–piece orchestra under the direction of Jarrett Winters Morely – the creative force behind the production.
      The “Broadway on the River” concept was initiated last year by the Conservancy with “South Pacific on the River” as an opportunity for seniors and those with ambulatory issues to enjoy the essence of Broadway musicals close to their homes.
       Two assisted-living facilities -- Sunrise East and the Apsley brought residents to enjoy the musicals. They were joined in the audience by seniors from the Sutton area and Conservancy members.
      Special thanks to the main sponsors for the event:  Basil Walter Architects, Brown Harris Stevens, the Frederick Loewe Foundation, and the Sunrise Manhattan communities.
 

 Upcoming Conservancy Events

 Third Annual Halloween Spooktacular, October 28
(rain date October 29)

      Join the Conservancy and co-organizer Constance Baker Motley Rec Center for a fun-filled celebration of Halloween from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.
     The Spooktacular kicks off with the always-popular Kids’ Costume Parade at 2:00 and the Pooches and Pups Costume Parade at 4:00. Both parades start off at the 57th Street cul-de-sac in front of the Sutton Place Park and march across the Promenade to the 56th Street Park.  Kids ages 2 to 10 will also enjoy arts and crafts activities organized by the NY Kids Club and sports and games.
      Plan to join us at 3:00 for a special surprise! (Hint: our friends from the NYPD and FDNY will be there). Republic Bank is the primary sponsor for the event.

Third Annual Sutton Seasonal Singalong, Saturday, December 16

       For the third year in a row, 57th Street Park will be aglow with lights and special decorations to welcome guests to a holiday singalong. 
      Join neighbors and friends at 5:00 PM in singing renditions of favorite seasonal songs led by the Musical Director and Keyboardist James Hopkins and a choral ensemble.  And plan to partake in a cup of hot chocolate (with the Conservancy’s infamously very large dollop of whipped cream).

ANNUAL SUTTON SUNSET CELEBRATION!

The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy celebration took place on July 12.  Attended by over 400 neighbors along with several city elected representatives (the office of Brad Lander, NYC Comptroller; Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President; Alex Bores NYS Assembly Member - District 73; and several members of Community Board 6), the event offered a tranquil evening filled with music, relaxation, and community spirit.
 
The Sutton Sunset Celebration celebrates Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns with the east to west street grid of midtown Manhattan. Leveraging the park's prime location, with one of its entrances conveniently situated at East 57th Street, visitors enjoyed a pleasant evening in anticipation of the awe-inspiring sunset. The Sutton Sunset Celebration marked another exciting milestone since the Conservancy initiated its series of free community events in the park.

Figure 1: Sunset enthusiasts gather at East 57th Sutton Parks entrance for best sunset photo of the year. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)

This year's Sutton Sunset Celebration featured an array of engaging activities that delighted participants. In collaboration with PhotoUno, a popular midtown-based photography school, the Conservancy provided expert photo tips to aspiring photographers, enabling them to capture breathtaking images of the sunset in all its glory.

Figure 2 Borough President Mark Levine learns best sunset photo settings on his phone from PhotoUno owner, Patricia Burmicky.   Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)

Attendees had the opportunity to partake in complimentary yoga sessions and sun salutation poses offered by Complete Body. The serene atmosphere of Sutton Place Parks provided the perfect backdrop for finding inner peace and tranquility.

Figure 3: Complete Body Midtown East leads yoga and sun salutations in Sutton Parks at East 56th St. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)

The Midtown String Ensemble, featuring a cello and violin, enhanced the tranquil ambiance of the evening with an assortment of music, including a repertoire of sun-themed songs.  The evening culminated with a heartfelt rendition of the beloved Beatles classic, "Here Comes the Sun," just before the anticipated 8:28PM sunset.

Figure 4: Midtown Strings Ensemble Cellist Allison Seidner entertains attendees enjoying the Sunset Celebration, some with a picnic. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)

Adding to the festive spirit, the iconic boar statue, known as the Porcellino, delighted visitors of all ages as it donned a sun god’s attire. Attendees who correctly guessed the sun god's name received a free treat with multiple acceptable answers for sun god welcomed.

Figure 5: The boar of Sutton Place Parks at East 57th Street takes center stage in sun god regalia. Photo Credit: Mariana Otalora ( IG @marianaotalora_photography) and PhotoUno Photography School (IG @photouno)

Several special treats for both mind and body were also on hand.  For the body, Relax with Diane provided free chair massages, offering attendees a moment of relaxation and relief amidst the event's energy.  A la mode’s popular ice cream truck was a main attraction and a most welcome addition to the Sunset Celebration given the evening’s high temperatures.  And Midtown East’s Republic Bank welcomed visitors with its popular free doggie treats and characteristic red lollipops.
 
The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy extends its gratitude to all the attendees, volunteers, and partners who contributed to making this event a grand success.  For more information and updates on future events, please visit www.suttonplacepark.org

JUNE-JULY NEWS!

Bike Lanes to Change Along Sutton Place

The Conservancy recently learned that the Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to change the bike lanes along Sutton Place South between 54th and 55th streets. In a meeting with DOT staff, SPPC learned they want to improve the safety of the bike lanes. This is due to an anticipated increase in bikes when the Greenway opens at the end of this year. Changes should be completed by then.

SPPC members raised their concerns about speeding bikes, especially e-bikes, as well as enforcement of traffic rules for pedestrian safety. They also offered feasible solutions to mitigate speeding bikes heading downhill. Among the suggestions were constructing speed bumps or other means to slow down the cyclists. DOT said they would look into inserting what they call “rumble strips.” These are wide, thick strips with bumps laid in the crosswalks to force cyclists to slow down. The Policy Department will be responsible for enforcement and the Conservancy will continue to monitor the situation.
 

First Conservancy Executive Director

 
In other news, the Conservancy has recently hired a full-time Executive Director, Laura Heckman, who is taking the organization to a new level. The Conservancy is thankful for some special gifts that have made this possible. While we have been successful with improvements and refurbishments to plantings, trash and graffiti removal, and holding public entertainment events throughout the year, it has been done solely by dedicated and hardworking volunteers. We realized we couldn’t grow without professional management. Some recent generous gifts have ensured an excellent start toward sustainable growth, but we will need ongoing support, as well, from the community.
 
Laura studied botany in college and has a strong background in park management. Her strengths are in community building and fundraising and she expects to work closely with Conservancy leaders to build important financial support from many residents and buildings on Sutton Place. Laura’s   expertise in park management will help build a strong foundation for the Conservancy.  In acceptong this position, Laura affirmed, “Serving the celebration and stewardship of urban parks has been my greatest professional pleasure.” If there are issues that interest you in our six parks along the East feel free to contact the new Executive Director at <info@suttonplaceparks.org 

CHILDREN’S STORYTELLING WEEK KICKS OFF SPECIAL PROGRAMS FOR SUTTON AREA KIDS!

The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy launched its new children’s initiative with a special week of Storytelling on the Promenade four days the week of August 22, 2022. Each day, 35 plus children delighted in hearing favorite read-aloud stories and singing along to fun tunes.  

Alecia Porterfield-Brock (at right), Senior Children’s Librarian at the East 58th Street branch, led the kids in stories, song, and dance two of the four days. For the delight of the kids, she brought along a stash of take-home free books. And, to begin young ones on a life-long love of reading, she gave out library card applications, so kids can access books and activities at the NYPL 58th Street branch.

Two SPPC volunteers took a turn leading Storytelling hour. Karen Nielsen, Co-Chair of the Events Committee (at left), read from picture books and had the kids do a craft activity. Adding to the fun, Karen’s two sons, Matthew and Wesley, acted out scenes from “Where the Wild Things Are.”

SPPC Volunteer Susan Holman (at right) closed out the week with a selection of read-aloud books and engaging songs that got the kids up and dancing.

Storytelling on the Promenade continues four Tuesdays in September 2022 at 11:00 am when librarians from the NYPL’s Children’s Center lead a program targeted to toddlers that features songs, rhymes, and favorite read-aloud books.

 Storytelling events are free to all participants.  Funds raised by the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy support special events held in the park throughout the year, including the second annual Sutton Halloween Spooktacular scheduled to take place October 29, 2022.

 Photo-credit: Maureen Berman

Celebrating Together and Looking Ahead!

After a two-year lapse because of the pandemic, the Conservancy celebrated its fifth
Garden Party on May 17, in the spacious indoor-outdoor Morso Restaurant on East 59th Street. Party goers enjoyed music by the Jovitra band as they gathered for delicious canapes passed around by Morso’s servers, and then enjoyed a delightful mixture of Italian specialties as they mingled with neighbors and local community leaders.

The dinner raised funds toward the upkeep of the six Sutton Place Parks, which the Conservancy maintains and improves. All your financial contributions help us plant flowers and bushes and keep them healthy all year long. During the two years of Covid-19, the parks served as places of refuge and play and they continue to be an important amenity for all the families and workers in the east Midtown area where there is very little open space.

Besides support for the beauty of our parks and gardens, your contributions have funded a series of free public events that have brought many to the parks for the first time.

Events This Year and Planned for Next Year

• The Sutton Sunset Celebration, on the evening of Manhattanhenge in July, included photographic tips, and was the first time during the pandemic that so many of us were able to gather together safely.

• Halloween, the Sutton Spooktacular Celebration attracted more than 200 children in their holiday garb, plus many dogs, also in costume. There were various activities for the youngsters, and trick-or-treat goodies in their “loot bags."

• A “Pop-up” one-hour version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with three actors entertained park visitors in September, and another play will be performed again this year

• In December, Carols and Candlelight was a new seasonal-sing-along, illuminated by strings of holiday lights, as visitors entered the park and enjoyed hot chocolate and candy canes.

• During Earth Day week in April, the Conservancy’s celebration taught children how to create art from recycled materials; introduced them to composting; and showed them how to build a terrarium.

These events--and more--are again in the works for the coming months.
Keeping our six parks along the East River clean and safe and holding the Conservancy entertainments are solely because of your continuing generosity. Your contributions enrich these community treasures while they add value to your property as well as enhance your personal well-being.
Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you, your family, and friends, in our six parks along the East River.

The Volunteers of Sutton Place Parks Conservancy

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL MERCHANTS
WHO CONTRIBUTED TO OUR RAFFLE

A la Mode Ice Cream Shoppe
Biscuits & Bath
Complete Body Gym
Crumbly Cakes and Bakery
Ideal Cheese
Jeff Martin Fitness
Louie's Chicken
Maserati of Manhattan
Midtown Catch Fish Store
Purple PR
Realistic Design
59East59 Theater
ZeZe Flowers