JERSEY CITY – Throughout the city on Saturday, resident volunteers and workers from Parks and Forestry will plant 17,000 daffodils and tulips in 80 locations throughout the city as part of what’s being called the Big Dig. If successful, dozens of city parks, select open spaces, schools, libraries, historic cemeteries, and gateways to the city will be blooming in yellows, oranges, and reds next spring.
Jersey City’s Big Dig is part of the national ‘Making A Difference Day.’
Members of the Jersey City Parks Coalition and other volunteers spent Friday preparing the tulip and daffodil bulbs for planting.
“For the past few years, my office has been involved in recognizing ‘Make A Difference Day’ with events in Jersey City,” said Mayor Jerramiah Healy.
“However, this year is different, as this is the first time we have had one overarching event for the entire city. We thank the Jersey City Parks Coalition for this concept.”
Launched in 1990 as a national day dedicated to helping others, ‘Make A Difference Day’ is an annual event sponsored by USA Weekend Magazine on the fourth Saturday of every October. Volunteers can join a group initiative or come up with their own project, like spending the day at a soup kitchen or helping an elderly neighbor around the house. Those who can’t participate on Saturday for religious reasons can do their community service on Sunday.
The Big Dig, which is being cosponsored by the Jersey City Parks Coalition, is the organization’s first citywide event. Since 2004, the coalition has planted fall bulbs in Pershing Field, Van Vorst Park, Riverview- isk Park, Sgt. Anthony Park, Ercel Webb Park, Washington Park, and Lincoln Park.
The effort is also being cosponsored by the Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs.
For more information, visit the Jersey City Parks Coalition web site at www.jcparks.org. – E. Assata Wright
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