Westchester Insider: WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS RECEIVES TWO STATEWIDE AWARDS.

 Westchester County Parks Receives Two Statewide Awards.

 

(Ardsley, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation received two prestigious awards from the New York State Recreation and Park Society (NYSRPS) in a virtual ceremony held on April 20, 2021. The society presented Senior Wildlife Curator Dan Aitchison and George’s Island with the Award for Environmental Leadership and the Award for Exceptional Park Design, respectively.

 

County Executive George Latimer said: “Many projects were completed at George’s Island in 2020, which are sure to turn this lesser known park into a favorite. As for Dan, he is an outstanding County employee, who continually goes above and beyond. We are delighted both have been recognized by such an esteemed organization.

 

Aitchison has been with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation since 2005 and has positioned Westchester County as leader in wildlife management. Programs he has introduced have protected the County’s natural resources and prevented wildlife conflicts.

 

Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “We are so lucky to have Dan as a part of our team, he is knowledgeable and dedicated to educating the public, local municipalities and even other states about environmental issues and solutions. He is truly deserving of this award.”

 

George’s Island, located along the Hudson River, is one of Westchester County’s most northern parks. Multiple projects were completed in 2020 to address aging infrastructure and weather damage, including the stabilization of shorelines and instillation of a new dock made of steel dolphin piles and composite platforms.

 

Additionally, George’s Island now features two playgrounds with poured-in-place rubber safety services, a path connecting the two picnic pavilions, a picnic area with concrete flooring for small groups and an upgraded bathroom facility.

 

First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Peter Tartaglia said: “George’s Island is a gem, we are proud it has be recognized by the New York State Recreation and Park Society. We thank all who worked on transforming this park over the past year.”