Hello Friends of Washington Park,
Today, the City of Albany and Albany Police Athletic League (PAL) announced that 2021, the 25th season of Holiday Lights in the Park, will be the final year that the event will be held in Washington Park.. Please see details in the press release HERE.
Today’s announcement brings an aspect of closure of years of advocacy from the Washington Park Conservancy regarding the Holiday Lights. What began as a small event 25 years ago grew annually to a size that created tremendous negative impacts to park’s landscape and neighboring environs. For many, this was a polarizing issue; however, the Conservancy remained diligent to bringing attention to the issue, working with stakeholders, membership, and the city to carry out our mission to preserve, protect, and promote Washington Park. During this final season, we ask that visitors adhere to the new rules for the event and make efforts to attend on the designated walkable evenings.
We want to thank Mayor Sheehan for committing to the resiliency of the city, Dave Bauer, chair of the Police Athletic League, for his thoughtful diplomacy, the neighborhood associations for their steadfast partnership in this advocacy, and our elected leaders in and around the 6th ward, who stood by their constituents.
The work of the Conservancy is made possible by the support of our membership. In addition to our advocacy work we offer dynamic programming, fund restoration projects, and are currently undertaking our most ambitious project to date: the construction of new playground worthy of the crown jewel of the Albany park system. Please consider joining us as a member or making a contribution to support our continued work on behalf of historic Washington Park.
Sincerely,
Daniel McEneny, President
Washington Park Conservancy