Event showed how community can come together

The West River Water Festival was a huge success on July 8. Thanks to the many participants who made this an educational, and family fun event. Included were the Quinnipiac Watershed Association and River Associates of Connecticut for the canoe rides, the West River Watershed Coalition for water testing and coloring activities, New Haven Fire Department with the educational fire exhibit, Rain Barrel for demo and sample kits provided by Frank Panzarella and the New Haven Bird Club for the bird watching telescope viewing with Mary Molinski.

Also, fishing identification and activities with WRWC, water testing activity with Stephanie Fitzgerald of the Friends of Edgewood Park, the Cooperative High School, the New Haven Land Trust with Schooner Camp, Cyril the Sorcerer, Fort Nathan Hale, New Haven Fire Department for the kids splash pad, and rock painting and kite flying by Elm City Parks Conservancy.

Let’s not forget our corporate sponsors, Neighborhood Housing Service, United Illuminating Co., Yale University, and Woman’s Seamen’s Friend Society for their generous support. Thanks to Kathy Fay and Yale intern Phyllis Thompson from the Neighborhood Housing Service for their contributions and hard work. Final thanks to Doreen Abubakar, coordinator, and her entire family for cooking the food and managing this event for the 6th year. This event gets bigger each year, and it shows how a community can come together, bring their families and enjoy one of New Haven’s beautiful city parks.

Thank you, everyone. — Marge Ottenbreit President, Elm City Parks Conservancy New Haven