Residents Seek Donations To Restore Sandy-Damaged Park

Residents are coming together to repair a Greenport park after Hurricane Sandy.

In a letter to residents, members of the Friends of the Fifth Street Park are asking for donations to help restore the community park, which was "damaged significantly," during Hurricane Sandy.

The park is known for its bay views.

While organizers of the fund-raising drive say it is a bit early to determine the full extent of the storm damage, it is expected that extensive pruning and soil preparation could salvage many, but not all, of the plants at the park.

The plan is to begin restoration over the coming weeks and replace plants that are most likely not to survive or thrive in the park due to severe weather.

"We remain grateful that most Greenporters were spared the hardships that so many are still struggling with still today from the hurricane," wrote Friends of Fifth Street Park volunteers Helen Weinstein and Maritza Winkler. "Thank you for supporting your community park, cared for in large part by your donations."

The park, they wrote, is enjoyed by many, including Greenport summer camp children, Greenport fire and rescue crews, Greenport High School reunion groups and others. Donations may be sent to: Friends of the Fifth Street Park, c/o The Village of Greenport, they said.