Narrative:

PRC has ongoing liaison roles with complementary parks and recreation organizations, local governments, and public and social service agencies to enhance and expand its reach. PRC also liaisons with other County departments including Public Works and Transportation, Planning, and Social Services.

Parks and Recreation Agencies

PRC is an active member and partner of the Westchester Recreation and Park Society (WRAPS) which brings together over 40 local municipal agencies throughout the County. Monthly meetings provide an opportunity for effective communication, cooperation, development, shared services, and to not duplicate services. Several current and former PRC staff have served on their Executive Board and on committees. In addition, the New York State Recreation and Park Society holds an Annual Downstate Conference in cooperation with PRC hosted at the Westchester County Center. It features a day of speakers and workshops to help foster an understanding of agency roles and support professional development. 

Local government agencies 

PRC is the liaison with many state and local park and recreation agencies and their governments. Municipal agencies work with PRC through Inter-Municipal Agreements (IMA) for the management of county parkland or assets. 

Public and social service agencies

Westchester County has many civic and community organizations that offer diverse resources and services and often PRC assists in implementing their mission. PRC has a program with the Department of Social Services to provide on-the-job training for customers in the “Pride in Parks Blitz Crew,” and provides a sleepaway summer camp (Camp Morty) experience at Mountain Lakes Park for children in the Social Services system through an Interdepartmental Agreement.

Park Liaisons

PRC staff liaison with other County agencies and local governments for a variety of projects and initiatives. The County Executive or designee is liaison to state and federal agencies. The Commissioners of Public Works and Transportation and Planning join the PRC Commissioner as ex-officio members of the Parks Board. In addition, the Commissioner is a voting member of the County’s Planning Board and Capital Projects Committee. Several PRC staff members serve on the County Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Public Organizations

The Adopt-a-Park and Volunteer Programs are administered through PRC’s not-for-profit Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) and are available to groups, organizations, businesses and individuals to help beautify and improve county parkland. Participants work in a park of their choice providing labor for a wide range of improvement projects needed and determined by PRC. They are recognized with signage and social media posts through WPF.