Summer fun in Astoria Park

Aviation Development Council (ADC) is partnering with Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr. to endorse City Parks Foundation’s (CPF) 2011 CityParks Tennis and Track & Field Program for Astoria Park.
ADC, which is a bridge organization between the area’s aviation industry and the communities it assists, donated $5,000 to CPF at a check presentation event held on August 2 at Astoria Park. The council’s board includes representatives from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, as well as airlines such as American, United-Continental and Delta.
“Aviation Development Council has formulated a community outreach program which is focused on youth wellness, youth leadership development, and youth education,” said Bill Huisman, the executive director of ADC. “This will be our third year in support of this worthwhile youth initiative in the Astoria Park neighborhood. The Port Authority, City Councilmember Vallone’s office, City Parks Foundation, and ADC are extremely pleased with the success of this wonderful youth program and the outpouring of gratitude from the parents and young people in the community.”
CPF is the only independent, non-profit organization which arranges park programs throughout New York City. The foundation is involved in over 700 parks across the five boroughs, and its initiatives reach more than 600,000 New Yorkers each year.
“Our youth tennis programs and our other youth athletics programs have proven to be very successful over the years and we are very excited about providing them in Astoria Park again this year,” said Mike Silverman, the director of sports programming for CPF. “Our goal is to spark an interest in tennis, golf and other organized sports among city kids at an early age, not only to promote fitness and well-being, but to help inspire a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.”
The athletic program is comprised of two track and field or tennis lessons per week. It includes warm-up stretches, track and tennis drills and life skills activities. Among the life lessons learned are self-confidence, respect, team work and sportsmanship. At the conclusion of each session, games and contests will test the players on the skills and techniques they have learned.
“Keeping active in the summer is so important for our kids,” said Councilmember Vallone. “Tennis and track and field lessons could cost a fortune, we’re so fortunate to be able to provide them for free.”