The Queens-based nonprofit Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation coordinated with nine other Nepali-American organizations in New York City to clean Elmhurst Park on Saturday, June 22.
During the cleanup, 54 volunteers filled 30 bags with trash and debris. The organizers sought to help maintain the park and enhance its beauty, safety and environmental health.
Planning for this event was two months in the making, with Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation President Nabaraj KC and NYC Parks Community Engagement Coordinator Alejandra Vanegas organizing the park cleaning. Vanegas was able to help provide the volunteers with the necessary tools and trash bags for the cleaning.
The Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation emphasized that these cleanings also help protect the park’s facilities and structures from vandalism. They also encourage community members to come take part in future park cleanings, as plans are already being made for the next beautification.
“[Our] mission was successful and we cannot wait for the next [community cleaning], so that we can keep the park clean and better the environment,” the Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation said in a statement.
Joining the Dil Kumari KC Memorial Foundation in beautifying Elmhurst Park were representatives from Gorkha Samaj USA Inc., Hami Nepali Global, Gorkha Samaj New York, the Rotary Club of New York Queens, the BT Foundation, the Tara Kishan Foundation, the Himalaya Cultural Academy, the PAR Foundation and Kathmandu Samaj Inc. Additionally, Sookranie Dhanpat was in attendance for the event on behalf of the Mayor’s Office.
Found at 57th Avenue and Grand Avenue, Elmhurst Park covers 6.22 acres. Its features include lush lawns, jogging paths, seating, sculpture, modern comfort stations, safety lighting and more than 620 trees.
