Volunteers
About the Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy
Our Beginning
The Grover Cleveland Park Conservancy was formed in 2001 by a group of community members who were concerned with the upkeep and maintenance of Grover Cleveland Park.
The Conservancy serves as the park’s advocate, keeping the Essex County Park System apprised of maintenance and safety needs. The Conservancy fundraises to augment the county’s budget so that needed improvements can be made in a timely fashion — fallen trees can be replaced and seasonal garden replanting and other projects can be performed.
The partnership between the Conservancy and Essex County Park System is supported and encouraged by Essex County Executive, Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Essex County Park System. The Conservancy and county work well together identifying and addressing safety, maintenance, and enhancement concerns.
The Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in NJ.
GCPC is funded by memberships and donations from residents, local companies, and organizations. The Conservancy participates in employer match programs, as well as national donor programs like Benevity, Idealist, and Amazon Smile for donations.
We depend upon our volunteers, members and donors to achieve our goals.
Conservancy Activities
- Sponsor and evolve new community events in the park throughout the year.
- Replace lost trees with native NJ species and in accordance with the original Olmsted Brother’s landscape architecture firm’s original design plan.
- Serve as the eyes and ears for Essex County with respect to the park. Communicate hazardous and routine maintenance items in need of remedy and propose new ideas for community enrichment events.
- Enhance park aesthetics at entrances and gardens with seasonal flower plantings.
- Maintain and plant shrubs and trees and remove invasive species throughout the park.
- Sponsor Corporate, Eagle Scout, Girl Scout, and other events to help maintain and beautify the park.
- Restore bridges, buildings, and other park infrastructure.
- Bring back children’s programs.
Memberships
The Conservancy Maintains Memberships
The Conservancy maintains memberships with like-minded non-profit organizations that align with our Mission.
National Association of Olmsted Parks
The National Association for Olmsted Parks (NAOP), established in 1980, is a coalition of design and preservation professionals, historic property and park managers, scholars, municipal officials, citizen activists, and representatives of numerous Olmsted organizations around the United States. Its concern is the legacy of landscape work left by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and the firm continued by his sons.
Center for Non-Profit Corporations
The Center for Non-Profits is the only umbrella organization for all New Jersey 501(c)(3)s. Since 1982, the Center has provided advocacy, resources, training and information to strengthen non-profits and help them thrive.
Native Plant Society of New Jersey
If you have an interest in native plants, are a gardening enthusiast, want to learn more, or simply care about the natural world of New Jersey, join today and start enjoying the many benefits of membership in the Native Plant Society of New Jersey.