The Long Island City community will come together on the waterfront Saturday afternoon to honor the life and work of a longtime park advocate and community leader who died earlier this year.
The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy announced Friday they will be having a ceremony to honor its former president, Bill Bylewski, on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in the garden at Gantry Plaza State Park.
Bylewski, who died in February at the age of 53 after battling with cancer, was one of the founding members of the community group Friends of Gantry Neighborhood Parks and dedicated countless hours as a volunteer gardener and leader to preserve Gantry Plaza State Park’s beauty.
After Hunters Point South Park was constructed and opened, Bylewski sought to see one “friends group” be formed dedicated to the needs of both parks. He then took the initiative to make sure the community came together to for the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy.
During Saturday’s ceremony, the group will unveil a plaque in memory of Bylewski. And local elected officals and leaders are expected to attend.
“Bill may no longer be with us but his commitment to our parks and the community will continue to live on and inspire us,” said Rob Basch, current president of the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy.
Attendees to the ceremony are asked to enter the park at 49th Avenue and Center Boulevard. There will be light refreshments after the unveiling.
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