Youth Bureau boosts programs and parks
Glen Cove’s parks and youth bureau programs had exciting developments this year. According to Spiro Tsirkas, executive director of Glen Cove’s Youth Services and Recreation, the city’s parks and recreational facilities are in “incredible condition.” Many improvements are happening to parks and fields like Pascucci Field.
“We’ve added a new multi-purpose playground, revamped the bathrooms, and are installing a scoreboard,” said Tsirkas. He added that fencing around the park has created a more welcoming atmosphere. “It’s now more aesthetically pleasing, making it a nicer space for people to walk through.” A major project set to begin in December will replace all the field lighting with energy-efficient LED lights, further modernizing the facility.
To keep parks safe, surveillance cameras have been installed at Morgan’s Park, Pascucci Field, Pryibil Beach, and Stanco Park. These measures provide accountability in the event of vandalism, often linked to social media challenges.
“The cameras have made a huge difference,” Tsirkas said. “We’ve been able to catch vandals and keep an eye on what’s happening in our parks. Tsirkas also noted that the new Community Pass registration system has made signing up for programs easier for residents. “We’re entering the 21st century,” he said. “Residents can now register for basketball, tennis, beach passes, kayak rentals, and even field rentals all online.”
In addition to physical upgrades, the Youth Bureau is also expanding its recreational programs. One exciting new development is the bureau’s collaboration with Lauren Cooper, a former professional women’s basketball player who played in Denmark and now lives in Glen Cove.
The Youth Bureau’s summer programs also saw great success. Over 20 local youth worked on community projects like mural painting, maintaining flower beds, and cleaning up public spaces.
“For many of these kids, it’s their first job,” Tsirkas said. “They did an amazing job with the murals and the cleanups, and people in the community really noticed and appreciated their efforts.”
The bureau’s after-school program has over 100 youth enrolled. The drop-in center run by Sandra Potter serves over 25 children, offering homework help, video games, and recreational activities.
The bureau is gearing up for its annual Friends of the Glen Cove Youth Board wine gala, a fundraiser that will include wine tasting and a casino night on Oct. 24 at the Glen Cove Mansion.
With continued support from the community and Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck, Tsirkas is optimistic about the future. “There’s so much positivity going on,” he said. “We’ve made tremendous improvements, and we’re excited to keep building on that momentum.”
