On July 28, 2024, volunteers from the Church of God partnered with the Manhasset Bay Protection Committee to clean the Bay Walk Park’s marine ecosystem. The event marked the 8,170th cleanup led by the Church, whose global mission focuses on conserving wildlife and enhancing the well-being of all humanity.
Bay Walk Park, established in 2015, has grown over the years with the addition of art installations by local artists. Once an oil transfer station, Bay Walk Park now stands as a sustainable space for families and visitors in Port Washington. Mayor Weitzner shared plans for further improvements, including expanded recreational areas for families and children. However, he emphasized that volunteers are essential to maintaining the park’s beauty, exclaiming to the Church of God volunteers, “You are doing God’s work!”
Leaders Join Volunteers at Bay Walk Park
The day’s efforts were joined by Senator Jack Martins, who remarked, “This place will be better because you spent time here on a Sunday morning. Good work is contagious.” Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti echoed this statement, saying, “You didn’t have to be here on a Sunday morning, but you wanted to because you care about making the world a better place.
Together, the volunteers collected 54 pounds of trash, including cigarette butts, plastic debris, leftover fishing nets, and other harmful waste. Despite the summer heat, the group worked cheerfully, motivated by their goal of protecting the environment.
This cleanup also supported 3 of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing the Church of God’s commitment to global change. Mayor Weitzner expressed his gratitude in a letter, writing, “I hope we can make this an annual event, as discussed. Please keep us in mind for cleanup 9,000.”
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