8 Years of Nyack: Recreation Department

Jen Laird White will retire from public office at the end of this month, after serving eight years on the Nyack Village Board. A lot has changed in her six years as mayor and two years as trustee. Over the next few days, we’ll recap some of the accomplishments during her time in office. When you see her around the village (and you will !) make sure to give her a smile and a thank you! — Nyack Mayor Don Hammond

The Nyack Recreation Department

by Melody Partrick
We’ve always had parks, kids, ball fields and an historic riverfront. But until five years ago, Nyack never had a Recreation Department that was a match for the diverse, interesting and eclectic people who live, play and exercise here.

In a few short years, the Recreation Department has become a vital part of our community. It provides pre-school and after school programs. The Rec Dept organizes the Halloween 5K, the Pine Car Derby Day and Earth Day Nyack. Last September The Great Nyack Get-Together, a community day to highlight non-profits that serve Nyack and our surrounding communities, was added to the list of annual activities. Our Hometown Heroes were recognized on September 11 and our sidewalks were painted in rainbow colors for Pride Month. This month the 3rd annual Holiday Window Project brightens storefront windows across the village. And everyone, young and old, looks forward to the annual Back To School old fashioned drive-in movie downtown.
Knowing that Nyack is a eclectic place full of eclectic people that love to do eclectic things, Mayor Jen Laird White envisaged a new Recreation Department (yes there was one many years ago!) that should include something for everyone: public art, live music, cultural activities, and varied recreational activities. We have had skateboard, baton twirling, beginner piano, and comedy improv lessons. This summer we partnered with local experts and an adjacent village to offer a Pickleball Demo day. We’ve also taken over an existing vibrant Wrestling Club and helped put a giant 1000 ft water slide down the middle of Main Street. There’s no doubt that the future holds more fun and diverse activities for our community.
Creating fun and exciting activities for our village was one of the primary goals of creating the Rec Department. The organization Mayor Jen Laird White leaves behind is ready to grow, evolve and, as always, bring fun to the village.
Photo: Great Nyack Get Together on 9/16/2017. Credit: Dave Zornow