Floral Park officials touted ongoing efforts to improve village environs for residents at Tuesday night’s Board of Trustees meeting.
Deputy Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said the newly formed Floral Park tree committee had an initial meeting last month.
“It was agreed by the committee that trees are an integral part of Floral Park and we must endeavor to aid and expand our existing inventory,” he said.
Designated a “Tree City” since 1993, Floral Park maintains more than 6,000 trees that are recognized as valuable assets.
In addition to sprucing up village streets, parks and private property, the trees also purify the air and provide shade in the summer and protection during winter storms.
The new tree committee will oversee the planting and maintenance of trees and create strategic plans over the next two years so future generations can enjoy the trees in the village, Fitzgerald said.
In addition, the committee will create ways “to further educate our residents about the benefit of the trees along with why certain trees will be planted in certain spots,” Fitzgerald said.
Trustee Lynn Pombonyo said the Floral Park Conservation Society and the village Public Works Department are continuing efforts to beautify the village.
She said new flowers and bushes have been planted in the village, which is known for its streets named after flowers.
This coincides with the hosting by the Conservation Society of a “Weed Out” at Centennial Gardens on Saturday, which had a nice turnout of people who showed up to clean up the garden, Pombonyo said.
Speaking about another outdoor area, Mayor Dominick Longobardi reminded residents to check out the new addition to the Floral Park Recreation Center — a water fountain shaped like a lion, donated by the Lions Club of Floral Park, “who do so many good things for us in the community all year round… (and) worked hard to get us this,” Longobardi said.
Longobardi remarked on how much of an attraction the lion has become.
“I hear the kids were all over it the night that we opened it up,” he said, referring to the fountain’s unveiling on Aug. 8.
The dedication of the custom-designed fountain marks the 100th anniversary of the Lions Club association and honors its legacy of service to Floral Park.
“I think it will be a great addition and [I] just want to take this opportunity to thank the Lion’s Club,” Longobardi said.
The next village Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Sept. 5, after the Labor Day weekend.
