America’s First County Park System

2022 marked the 100^th anniversary of the Westchester Parks Commission, the first county park system in America.  Beginning with the creation of the Bronx River Parkway in 1922, the Commission pioneered the establishment of an extensive network of open space, nature preserves, roadways through scenic areas, and abundant opportunities for recreation.  Westchester County Historical Society Co-Director Barbara Davis will trace the early story of Westchester’s extraordinary park system, how it grew into thousands of acres of protected property, and the visionaries who made it possible.  Her presentation will include the stories behind the routing of the Saw Mill River Parkway through the Village of Irvington, the development of Woodlands Park (later named V.E. Macy Park), and today’s Irvington Woods.