WHITE PLAINS — Westchester Parks Foundation, formerly known as Friends of Westchester County Parks, announced on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, its Bicycle Sundays 2016 season during a press conference at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. Kicking off this Sunday and running through September, the program is supported by Con Edison and NewYork-Presbyterian, who each donated $20,000 for the initiative this year.
The organization also took the opportunity to announce its new name and unveiled its new logo as part of a rebranding campaign to better represent its mission.
From left: Tim Hughes, SVP of Business Development at NYP/Lawrence Hospital; Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino; Joanne Fernandez, Board Chairperson, Westchester Parks Foundation; Jane Solnick, Con Edison’s Director of Public Affairs, Westchester; Steve Kahn, Owner/President, Danny’s Cycles; and Kathy O’Connor, Commissioner, Westchester County Parks & Recreation.
“Bicycle Sundays is one of Westchester’s favorite traditions,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “It’s something the entire family can do together – for free – while also enjoying the outdoors and getting some great exercise.”
During Bicycle Sundays, bicyclists, skaters, joggers and walkers take over 6.5 miles of the Bronx River Parkway, from White Plains to Yonkers. To kick off the 42nd annual initiative, NewYork-Presbyterian will sponsor a celebration on Sunday, May 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the rest stop between Harney Road and Leewood Drive (Exits 10 and 9) on the northbound lane of the Bronx River Parkway.
During the party, there will be fun activities for everyone to enjoy, including free ice cream and water; bicycle safety reflector giveaways; and a raffle to win golf games and balls to use at county courses, tickets for Playland and premium seats to a Westchester Knicks basketball game. The party will be complete with live music on site by 100.7 WHUD radio with guest DJ Kacey Morabito Grean from Mike and Kacey in the Morning, as well as signage with fitness tips along the Bronx River Parkway.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Bicycle Sundays this year. It’s a great way to spend the outdoors with family, friends and other loved ones,” said Joanne Fernandez, Board Chairperson for Westchester Parks Foundation. “We thank Con Edison and NewYork-Presbyterian for their ongoing support as the program supporters of this well-loved initiative in Westchester County. We also want to thank Danny’s Cycles, our bike shop sponsor.”
This is Con Edison’s fifth year as a program supporter of Bicycle Sundays. “This program continues to be a wonderful recreational and educational opportunity for all who participate,” said Jane Solnick, Con Edison’s Director of Public Affairs, Westchester. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Westchester Parks Foundation for this great initiative – it continues to resonate as a valuable partnership that brings a diverse community to the parks system.”
NewYork-Presbyterian is returning for its second year as a program sponsor for the event. “The Bicycle Sundays program is consistent with our goal to help people adopt a healthy lifestyle through efforts like exercise,” said Michael J. Fosina, MPH, FACHE, President of NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital. “Whether it’s bicycling, skating or taking a stroll with your friends or family, the program offers something for everyone and is in close proximity to the NewYork-Presbyterian/Lawrence Hospital – located in the heart of Bronxville along the Bronx River Parkway. We couldn’t be more delighted to once again be partnering with the Westchester Parks Foundation for an event that is very unique to Westchester County and heralds the coming of summer for our neighbors.”
During the press conference today, the organization announced its new name, Westchester Parks Foundation, and unveiled its new logo. The move is part of a new image for the nearly 40-year old organization – one it hopes will clearly communicate the organization’s role as the premiere organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Westchester County’s 50 parks and 18,000 acres of parkland. With a new name and logo, the rebranding reflects the evolution of an organization that is proud of its heritage while embracing a vision for the future of county parks.
Bicycle Sundays runs through ten municipalities and five legislative districts that include: White Plains, Hartsdale, Greenburgh, Scarsdale, Eastchester, Tuckahoe and Yonkers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way. Parking is available at the County Center lot in White Plains for a fee of $5.
Residents and visitors can enjoy Bicycle Sundays this year on the following dates between
10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.:
May 1, 8, 15, 22
June 5, 12, 19, 26
Sept 11, 18, 25
For more information about the Westchester Parks Foundation, visit thewpf.org.
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