by Deborah Patton, ParkTender Volunteer at the 95th St Entrance Gardens
There are two things you can depend on in Riverside Park: dogs and volunteers.
When the Hagamen family adopted a Border Terrier in 1999 and began spending more time in the park, it inspired Susan Hagamen to become a Riverside Park Conservancy volunteer.
Having retired from a successful career as a clinical research nurse, Susan launched a second career of sorts as the ParkTender on the Fireman’s Island in gardens on either side of the stairs at the 99th Street entrance between the little Riverside Drive service road and Riverside Drive. The woodland area is notable for being bordered with Adirondack-styled branch fencing which was created by her husband, Ken, who volunteered with her for many years.
She says that after a quarter century of being a volunteer, she has seen many changes. “When we started, it was much more freeform than it is today. We were basically creating our own personal gardens reflecting our personalities and filling them with the plants we loved. It was a do-it-yourself, trial-and-error sort of approach.”
Susan is not a professionally trained gardener or horticulturist and adds that being able to work in a garden in New York City is a gift. She adds, “I can make a difference in our park. I am so lucky to live nearby. It’s my neighborhood’s backyard, and working there I get to see it utilized in wonderful ways by people and animals.”
Her 25-year volunteer experience has been rewarding: “Even without gardening expertise, I can do small things to make the area look cared for. Planting, weeding, watering, picking up garbage, raking. I enjoy working outside. I get to know the animals and plants in my area. My volunteer time is flexible. I can work alone or with others when I am available. It’s also a great stress reducer.”
Susan appreciates the Conservancy volunteers who are part of a community of shared interests with individuals from many backgrounds. She adds, “Everyone brings their own talents and energy. I enjoy getting to meet other ParkTenders and working with our dedicated Conservancy staff. I learn from others and perfect the practice on my own.”
Susan is quick to note that she takes being a volunteer seriously. “Having a garden is a responsibility. What makes our community work is being dedicated.” She adds that being a volunteer is acting as a steward for the garden, maintaining and sustaining it for the future. Tending a garden is a work in progress that requires vigilance and a high level of caring, she says.
Gardening has tangible outcomes. She says, “I see the results of my work over the seasons and my neighbors and strangers thank me for the work I’m doing.” She says the volunteers represent positive role models for good park behavior as reminders to others to care for the park and not to litter along roadsides and paths.
She is enthusiastic about the volunteer program saying gardeners can contribute in whatever ways they can depending on the amount of time they have to volunteer.
Susan’s advice for the people she meets is, “If you do not have time but you want to contribute, just pick up a piece of trash left on a path.”
Her final thought is that the joy of volunteering is the dedication to make the park look better, cared for and enjoyable for others to experience. After 25 years, Susan is a poster child for the values that make volunteer gardening a public service.
About Riverside Park Conservancy
From 59th Street to 181st Street, from riverfront to city-side, Riverside Park Conservancy cares for and enhances six miles of parkland for present and future generations. Working together with NYC Parks, we make improvements as diverse as the park itself and the city it serves.