There was music, dance, refreshments, games, treats for the kids and general merriment aplenty as community groups and neighbors from near and far gathered together by the gazebo in Amersfort Park, on Avenue I and East 38th Street, on Saturday to celebrate Earth Day and join in on the Spring Festival activities.
“This park is such a beautiful asset to the community,” Irizarry said of having the Earth Day event in a park setting. “Nature is one of the most healing things, so for me to be living near here is a real treat and pleasure.”
The children were having a great time as well at the District 45 Spring Festival event sponsored by Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and Councilwoman Farah Louis. They lined up by the snow cone and popcorn machines, and there were plenty of colorful gift bags for all from the sponsors and the Flatlands Flatbush Civic Group. Stilt walkers added to the excitement as they towered above and mingled with the crowd.
The kids also enjoyed painting and competed for prizes in a lively and competitive game of musical chairs as their parents visited the many community organization tables giving out information and other freebies.
In addition to Assemblywoman Weinstein and Councilwoman Louis, there were many community leaders present such as Community Board 18 District Manager Sue Ann Partnow, 41st Assembly District Leader Jennifer Faucher, Flatlands Flatbush Civic Group President Sallie Bennett, Friends of Amersfort Park founder Desiree Rucker, The Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project founder Mark Meyer Appel, NYPD 63rd Precinct Community Affairs Officer Thomas Podd, as well as representatives from the many co-sponsors including, but not limited to, Elite Learners, Ede Youth Foundation, NYC Parks, Girl Scouts and the many volunteers who helped make the event a huge success.
