Welcome to Sunnyside Gardens Park

Dear Members,

It’s that time of year when the board gets to work. We are rolling up our sleeves, doing our research, and working together to get the park ready for the warmer months. If we listen to “Staten Island Chuck” we will be seeing spring sooner and the board is ready. I’m very thankful for this team of dedicated members and the work they have already put in.

The moment we told a friend that Christine and I were “expecting”, I was instructed, “You must join Sunnyside Gardens Park - and don’t skip out on your volunteer hours!” I took this advice and went down the next day to sign up. Since that day, we have truly enjoyed the park, all it has to offer, and the community that is its core. Over the years I have volunteered at the Out of School BBQ, been a member of the Pool Committee, started and chaired the Chili Bowl and chaired the Camp Out. I have made great friends and feel lucky to have found this very special place. The community is what makes Sunnyside Gardens Park such a unique place. We are a small village inside one of the largest cities in the world.

I am looking forward to a great year building on the park’s history of community while improving the health and beauty of its grounds. I will work with my fellow Board Members to remain focused on the completion of projects that will be valuable to the park and its members.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially introduce our wonderful 2017 Board Members: 

Kate Mitchell, Vice President

Ali Kocabas, Treasurer

Alan Baglia, Secretary

Jamie Sweetman, Park Manager

I would also like to announce the following Zone Representatives who have dedicated themselves to three-year terms:

Zone 1: Thomas Farnham, Jeremy Kareken, Ryan Shannon

Zone 2: Andy Bichler, Kathleen Nesdale, John O’Sullivan

Zone 3: Soja Bobraw, Dorothy Cavallo, Maryann Joyce

Phipps Management Rep: Angie Anderson

Homeowners Rep: Stephen Cooper

I would also like to recognize the park staff for their continued hard work in keeping the park a safe and fun place for members to enjoy.

Lastly, I would like to thank the previous board for all of their great work and help transitioning knowledge from the previous year.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent the interests of Sunnyside Gardens Park. It has been a rough winter but spring will be here soon! That means a great new season with all of our park friends.

Sincerely,

James W. Ricciardella (A.K.A “Nina’s Dad”)

Wishing you all a Happy Holidays!

Our new 2017 board takes the reins on January 1.  You can find out who the new officers are  on our Directory page.  

In recent months, a few more committees were formed: Constitution Review, Park Rules Review, and Treasury Oversight.   On an approximately 5-year cycle the Constitution with its by-laws are reviewed. Any changes goes through a voting process.

Come on out to vote!  

Earn an hour of volunteer time by doing your park civic duty. 

One vote per membership account of 18 yrs of age & older.  If there are two adults in a membership, only one needs to attend to vote. 

Quorum of 20% of membership is needed to preform the elections. For more info: 

December: General Meeting & ELECTIONS @ Phipps Social Hall

My Grandma taught me to give when you can. If you can give, even a little, it would directly help a park family that's fighting cancer.  I just hope together we can help Szilvia Breckner & her family. Thank you.  https://www.gofundme.com/szilvia-breckner-treatment-support

Due to vacations, last day of the baseball clinic will be Wednesday August 24. 

Thank you to all of our digger today!  All of the 14 tons of clay is on the infield. We have some extra to smooth out the baselines and infill some future puddles.  

Take a look at our diggers working hard and having fun on members'

PHOTO ALBUMS

Lets play ball!

ON ORDER & SOON TO ARRIVE!!!!

Thank you to our very determined Temporary Sprinkler Committee! 

Update:  Some of our very handy members came up with another low cost temporary sprinkler. Its a spray nozzle covered by a cut off caution cone.  It's an experiment, but hopefully a successful cooling one. 

A work party by volunteer members is scheduled now for July 10th to attempt repairs on the main play sprinkler.  

Hot!  Don't worry. 

New portable sprinklers are on their way. Soon, we will have a refreshing new splash of water outlets in the park approved by the board. Many thanks goes to the Temporary Sprinkler Committee who researched and figured out some cooling down fun.  Thank you - Eleanor P, Amy H, Huilan J, Dietmar D, Michelle M, Nicole M, Ann B, Nancy K, & Tom F.

Who said its going to be a lazy summer?  

Check out our summer sports schedule with an exciting new baseball clinic on Wednesdays & Saturdays. Modern School of Soccer returns on Tuesdays. Our basketball clinic is still happening on Wednesdays.

Look soon for new postings on our Park Support page handy fixes to do around the park. 

If you wish to organize a new event or fundraiser, please submit your ideas with a preliminary budget by the General Membership Meeting.

Please reach out to let us know if you are interested in volunteering for these committees: Membership, Facilities Rental, Sprinkler Improvements, & Pool renovation.  We are also looking for leaders for our volunteer crews; Pool, Movies, Shed, Vending & Arts & Crafts crews. 

Enjoy the snow and sled fast! 

Debra