NEWS
Trillium wins prestigious award
Photo by Dan Hunter
SPPC extends congratulations to Trillium Landscape Design for receiving the Small Gardens Gold Award from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) for a rooftop garden project. The September issue of APLD Design Online features an article highlighting the design concept and illustrating how an overlooked area can become a lively oasis and a distinctive escape.
Fall planting at 58th street
Photo by Maureen Berman
On East 58th Street, Trillium Landscape Design used a thoughtful mix of native and non-native plant material to create a dynamic and sustainable landscape. The design emphasizes four-season interest, vibrant color, and textural variety, while playing with height and the natural movement of grasses and shrubs.
The inclusion of native plants supports local ecology and sustainability by attracting pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and birds. Seed heads from species like Rudbeckia provide food and habitat, while evergreens such as Polystichum polyblepharum (Tassel Fern) ensure structure and greenery throughout the year. If you look closely, you’ll also see Asclepias (Milkweed), which we’ve intentionally left in order to support monarch butterflies and other beneficial insects as part of the garden’s evolving ecosystem.
East 58th Street – Northern Bed
• Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
• Rudbeckia ‘Blackjack Gold’ (Native)
• Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’ (Native)
• Pachysandra terminalis
• Seasonal annuals
East 58th Street – Southern Bed
• Edgeworthia chrysantha
• Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
• Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ (Native)
• Helleborus ‘Pink Frost’
• Polystichum polyblepharum
• Heuchera americana ‘Green Spice’ (Native)
• Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’ (Native)
• Dicentra eximia (Native)
• Pachysandra terminalis
Also note that the annuals (pop of fall color) are a mixture of Chrysanthemum, Croton and Kale
CLARA COFFEY PARK - ORNAMENTAL FLOWER VASE - GIFT OF HUGH TRUMBULL ADAMS - (circa. Early 1980's)
The ORNAMENTAL FLOWER VASE in the obsolete sand box of Clara Coffey Park (named at a later date ?), donated by Hugh Trumbull Adams. The granite pedestal and installation were provided by A. Ottavino Corp.
I gave permission for the old sand box to be reused as a planter (City Parks was discontinuing sand boxes due to contamination), and the Sutton Area Community proceeded to install soil and plant material, and help maintain the small siting park.
I believe Mr. Adams acquired this Ornamental Flower Vase from Florentine Craftsman Inc., a company that was then located on 1st Avenue & 37th Street (?), and gifted it to NYC Parks in the Sutton Area Community. The firm was later acquired by the well known firm of Kenneth Lynch & Co., manufacturers of park and garden sculpture, fountains, ornaments and furniture, including the distinctive “Worlds Fair I Bench”.
The park was subsequently named for Clara Coffey, Landscape Architect, whose long career within the Parks Department and as a private consultant, had resulted in many civic improvements in New York City, including Street Tree Programs, Parks and Playground Design, Landscape restorations in Central Park and Prospect Park, and more. I was in a position to help honor Mrs. Coffey’s legacy with a commemorative event at the (temporary) BIRDHOUSE GALLERY at the Central Park Zoo (then under re-design and re-construction), attended by many Parks Officials, Design Division and Parks Staff, and a cross-section of her colleagues in Landscape Architecture and Architecture in New York City.
For your records and information………………………………………………Joseph Bresnan
Thank you to our Partners and Supporters
A la Mode Ice Cream Shoppe, Biscuits & Bath, Constance Baker Motley Rec Center, DJ Squizzle, Excelsior, URvet Care, Friends Seminary, High School of Art & Design, United Nations School (UNIS), FDNY Engine 8 Company, NYPD 17th Precinct, and a special thank you to our volunteers who contribute their time and enthusiasm to make our events so successful.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming events include “It’s My Park Day” on November 16 – a day for planting bulbs in all the Sutton Place Parks -- and our Sutton Seasonal Singalong on Saturday, December 14 which features a light show and such seasonal favorites as “Light of Mine,” “The Dreidel Song,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Deck the Halls.”
Your Support Helps Us Maintain our Treasured Parks
The Fourth Annual Spooktacular was free to all participants, thanks to funds raised from generous donors and friends of the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy.
ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE ON THE NEW EAST MIDTOWN GREENWAY!
We are pleased to share this information from Council Member Keith Powers…”
Last week, I met with local residents, the 17th Precinct, and 19th Precinct to discuss ongoing safety concerns on the new East Midtown Greenway (EMG) along the East River from 61st Street to 53rd Street. We were joined by the Commanding Officer of the 17th Precinct, Captain Maggie Clamp, as well as the Commanding Officer of the 19th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Neil Zuber. The Greenway opened late last year, and has been a beautiful addition to the area, but there have been some instances of folks not treating the space as we would want. We are in discussions with the NYPD and the Parks Department’s Parks Enforcement Patrol about sending officers out to monitor the greenway on a more consistent basis, which will help foster a safer environment for all to enjoy.
In addition, I have taken a few steps to try and tackle the issues we have been hearing about. Recently, in conjunction with Borough President Levine and my colleague Council Member Menin, our offices worked to secure funding for security cameras to be added to the EMG. Adding these security cameras will assist law enforcement in addressing crimes that may take place, and will allow for real-time monitoring of the greenway.
We are very thankful for the amazing work by our colleagues at the NYPD, and thank them immensely for taking the time to meet with concerned members of the community.
Council Member Powers with the NYPD 19th & 17th Precincts to discuss safety on the East Midtown Greenway
EAST 55TH STREET PARK TO BE REFURBISHED!
The Conservancy is thrilled to announce that, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Council member Keith Powers, the Parks Department will be able to start the upgrade of the small park at the end of east 55th street. An amount of $1.5million was included in the recently adopted City capital budget –- approximately half of the cost to refurbish the small park between buildings 25 and 45 Sutton Place South. The scope of work for this first phase will include an accessibility ramp, better lighting and better security fencing.
The firm of Matthews/Nielsen Architects redesigned the park along with the five other Sutton Place parks, excluding the new Promenade area. More changes are to come as we continue to raise funds for beautifying our special parks along the East River.
This is the initial proposal from Matthews/Nielsen Architects
OUR MISSION: BEAUTIFICATION AND CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF OUR TREASURED SUTTON PARKS
Dear Friends and Neighbors:
Since our founding 10 years ago, the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC) has worked tirelessly to make Sutton Parks places of beauty and engagement for the entire community.
It is your continued generosity to SPPC that contributes to the beautification and maintenance of our parks, ensuring they stay vibrant and welcoming to all. The NYC Parks Department only covers a fraction of these costs.
We hope you will consider making a mid-year donation, so we can continue this important work in all our parks.
We rely on the support of neighbors and park lovers like you to strengthen our efforts in making our parks welcoming spaces for socializing, relaxation, and respite from the stresses of daily life.
We have been busy the first half of the year making improvements to the park infrastructure and gardens. With the completion of the East Midtown Greenway, more people are visiting our neighborhood. We take immense pride in the positive impression our parks are creating for both residents and newcomers to the Sutton area and surrounding community.
Clara Coffey Park (53rd to 54th Street)
Now one of the gateways to the East Midtown Greenway, Clara Coffey Park is alive with colorful blooms planted by our volunteer gardeners. Plants in the new enclosure at the entrance to the park, and funded by SPPC, are happily flourishing.
Park 55
With generous aid from Home Depot, SPPC launched its initiative on June 8th to improve the condition of 55th Street Park with a day of painting, planting, and clean-up. The newly planted colorful blooms are already attracting bee pollinators!
57th Street Plaza
SPPC replaced a Honey Locust tree felled by a storm with a young sapling, at the cost of $4,000.00. We are happy to report the new tree (pictured here) is thriving in its new home.
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS
Your financial support also enables us to put on exciting, always free events. This summer we will celebrate:
· Sunset Celebration of Manhattanhenge
July 12th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm in the 56th and 57th Street Parks.
· Children’s Reading Month
Every Tuesday in August at 2:00 pm, the 58th Street Librarian will enthrall kids with storytelling and songs on the 56th Street Plaza.
SCHOOL STUDENTS HELPED SPRING CLEANUP OF OUR PARKS!
On Monday, June 4th, students from Friends Seminary High School arrived bright and early to voluntarily clean up our Sutton Place Parks. There were 21 students, 4 teachers, along with 4 Conservancy volunteers who led the group.
The students divided into two teams: 4 took on trimming the wisteria at park 58 and pruned the climbing roses at Park 57. Another group worked in Park 57, the promenade area and Park 56 to get rid of the wild morning glory vines that were choking out a planting area.
Afterward the group enjoyed a picnic lunch in the park followed by a short, silent meeting in the Quaker Friends tradition.
The Conservancy welcomes other groups who want to help maintain our parks. Please contact Laura Heckman, Executive Director.(laura@suttonplaceparks.org).
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