Queens Resident To Become New Borough Parks Commissioner

After a quarter of a century caring for parks in Brooklyn and the Bronx, Dorothy Lewandowski is coming home to Queens.
The current Bronx borough commissioner for the New York City Parks Department, Lewandowski will become the new Queens commissioner in two weeks, taking over the management of her own weekend hangout, Juniper Valley Park.
The Middle Village resident began her career in the Parks Department working summers as a ranger in Park Slope in 1979. After being hired as a year-round employee, she became one of the first mounted rangers in Brooklyn, moving quickly up the ranks to become the director of Urban Parks Rangers citywide.
Her service to the city was recognized in 1999 when she won the Outstanding New York City Women’s Advisor Award. In 2002, Lewandowski took over the commissioners position in the Bronx, and this month was offered the commissioner position in Queens which she is expected to accept. While Lewandowski was not yet prepared to comment on her upcoming move to Queens, others in the Parks Department were effusive in their praise.
Outgoing Queens Commissioner Richard Murphy, who recently accepted a new job as Assistant Deputy Commissioner in Nassau County, has high hopes for his replacement.
"Shell bring a different management style," Murphy said. "Shes up through the ranks also, and knows parks and what it takes to run them," he added, referring to their shared experience as career employees in the Parks Department.
Queens Assistant Parks Commissioner Estelle Cooper is also enthusiastic about Lewandowskis impending arrival to Queens. "Im so happy with Dottys appointment," said Cooper. "Shes a true parks professional, and Im sure well work well together."
Adding to Lewandowskis recommendations, Assistant Parks Commissioner for Community Relations Edward Lewis commented, "Shell function as she always hassuperbly."
E-mail this reporter at sarah@queenscourier.com.