Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse is a sustainable and vibrant greenhouse with an activities program and event schedule for the New Rochelle children and community in Hudson Park. We opened our doors in November 2023 after working for 10 years to develop this project.
Year-round programming includes: • Horticulture classes for all ages • Hosting School groups • Activities for Children with special needs • Intergenerational activities • Indoor and outdoor events: Pumpkin Patch, Mother’s Day Tea Party • Holiday plant shows, such as winter train show and spring plant exhibit • The Facility is available for rentals for small events such as children’s birthday parties, senior citizen events, adult celebrations.
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Greenhouse History
Hudson Park used to have historic greenhouses, which our group intended to restore to their former glory. Originally built between 1911 and 1929, these greenhouses played a crucial role in supporting the City’s parks and beautification programs for decades. At least one of these greenhouses was constructed by the notable firm Lord & Burnham. They were most used by senior citizens, school students of all ages, and children with developmental disabilities for growing plants. However, due to structural deterioration, economic challenges, utility cost concerns, broken glass, and a failing concrete slab floor, the greenhouses were closed in 2009. We formed our group to restore them. We raised monies but when we attempted to renovate the old greenhouse, we discovered major contamination issues, leading to the decision to tear it down. In its place, we have built a brand new, modern children's greenhouse nearby, continuing our commitment to providing educational and engaging experiences for the community.
Committee
In 2015, a group of concerned residents formed the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization known as the Hudson Park Children’s Greenhouse (HPCG), and we have been actively working together ever since. Our group consists of fifty plus engaged constituents united in the purpose of creating a valuable community asset and establishing a sustainable operating resource for the public. Over the past decade, our members—a diverse group including educators, lawyers, professionals, business owners, and community leaders—have worked tirelessly to build this greenhouse. Under the continued leadership of HPCG President Millie Radonjic-Ilich, the Founder of Amy’s Greenhouse at Barnard Early Childhood Center in the City School District of New Rochelle, we have successfully completed the construction of the new greenhouses. As of November 2023, we are fully operational and have been serving the community ever since.
Programming
The HPCG programming subcommittee runs horticultural programming in our greenhouse. We host a variety of gardening classes for the community (including children classes, adult classes and family classes) and have conducted several series with visiting Cornell Cooperative/4-H educators. Additionally, we host school groups and senior citizen groups for various educational horticultural programs. Our garden educators, who are retired teachers, have taught series on seeds, vegetable gardening, and propagation, and have installed raised garden beds at Trinity Elementary from first grade through fifth grade.
Latest News
Cornell Cooperative FREE NUTRITION CLASSES
DATE CHANGE
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County
is offering FREE NUTRITION CLAS... read more
Bee's Knees
4H / Cornell Cooperative Class Series – Sundays -- March 2025
Students learn about the fascinating world of honeybees and their most popular byproduct, beeswax. Students will learn how honeybee... read more
The Fisherman’s Art of Gyotaku
4H / Cornell Cooperative Class Series – Sundays -- March 2025
Students learn Japanese fishermen’s technique of recording the size of their catches using ink and paper. Originating in 19th... read more
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Testimonials
Noam Bramson
Mayor of New Rochelle
Millie and her volunteer army are working to restore a unique piece of New Rochelle’s history and make it once again a shining gem for our community.
Joyce Kent
Retired Teacher
The work that I do at HPCG has added so much satisfaction to my retirement. For me this is a volunteer activity and the reward is watching the children learn and enjoy the world around them.
Charles B. Strome III
City Manager of City of New Rochelle
Both the City Administration and the City Council have demonstrated support for this project
Kim Martelli
Registered Architect
Concerned citizens want to preserve the history of Hudson Park, and educate the community on sustainable living.