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Herndon, VA - As a member of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), James Martin Associates, Vernon Hills, Ill., was the first ALCA member to make a $10,000 contribution to be used for a new park that will be built near the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan. Second to contribute is Ariens Co., Brillion, Wis., which will also contribute $10,000.
“We are honored to make this contribution to the citizens of Lower Manhattan in recognition of their significant loss and sacrifice as a result of the attack on 9/11/2001,” states Jim Martin, CLP, president of James Martin Associates.
ALCA initially offered to help with the park design and installation at Ground Zero and spoke with some of the architects who donated their design expertise for the site. With the timing and design still in question at Ground Zero, the City of New York Parks and Recreation and the Lower Manhattan Development Group suggested another site that had significance during the recovery and cleanup activities after 9/11.They offered ALCA the one-half acre site, just blocks from the World Trade Center, where firefighters, police, and the Red Cross workers staged their activities during the cleanup efforts.
Final design details for the park are being worked out, and ALCA members are being solicited for in-kind and cash contributions. The park is scheduled for completion by September 11, 2004.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for ALCA members to all work together”, says Dan Ariens, president of Ariens Co. “This is an industry that has the unusual capability of putting competition aside and working together. We also have a sincere passion for this project.”
"Like many people around the country, 9/11 had a very personal significance to me and my family," adds Martin. "Just eight days before, I had moved my daughter to Manhattan to start her career in the fashion industry. This park project offers a wonderful opportunity for ALCA members with their own connection to 9/11 to work together to create a beautiful legacy honoring the loss and sacrifice of this tragic event. The cooperative effort to design and build this park is a wonderful example of the members of our association putting competition aside in order to make a difference. ALCA’s members have a sincere passion for this project.“
Following September 11th, New York City has struggled with extreme budget cuts due to the enormous rebuilding costs and the loss of tourism and other revenue in Lower Manhattan. “The people of Lower Manhattan have also suffered during all of this,” notes Debra Holder, ALCA CEO. “This significant patch of green space is very important to them and their quality of life. We are honored to be able to help.” The park will be donated in honor of the heroes of September 11th.
ALCA represents approximately 2,800 members nationwide. To make a contribution, contact ALCA at 800/395-2522.
The author is managing editor of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at nwisniewski@gie.net.