If you haven’t noticed the change, Copley Park is under renovation. The park, a treasured sanctuary for ducks and geese during most of the year and skaters during the cold weather, has deteriorated over the years with the pathway crumbling and fallen and gnarled limbs of trees breaking the pond and pavement.
The trees surrounding the park have been removed making it look barren; however, $80,000 in grants has been secured for the work. The village has worked with Nassau County Legislator Rich Nicolello to secure a $30,000 county grant the village was awarded in 2009 for work at the pond. The village has to spend the money for the revitalization, then will be reimbursed by the county. The other $50,000 comes from a grant secured by State Senator Jack Martins.
The Munsey Park Women’s Club Philanthropic, Inc. is working to rebuild the path. Erin Cunningham is spearheading this venture. The project has already begun with an aerator purchased for the pond with funds sourced through Munsey Park’s fundraising with Light the Night. Now the club would like to raise funds to build a better pathway around the pond and in the park with a Buy-A-Brick campaign.
Sponsors can purchase a eight by four inch brick for $150 or a stone bench with your family name engraved on it for $2,500. Donations can be made payable to Munsey Park Women’s Club Philanthropic, Inc. and sent to P.O. Box 1254 Manhasset, N.Y. 11030. Deadline is April 10.
For more information contact Erin Cunningham at mpwcparkfund@gmail.com or go to www.munseyparkwomensclub.org.
This story appeared in the Manhasset Press Issue 03.14.14.
