The Verona Environmental Commission, Junior Woman’s Club of Verona and Verona Historical Society are joining forces to create a new pocket park on land once owned by one of Verona’s founding families, and they are looking for the community’s help in a kick-off cleanup.
On Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to noon they will be at 42 Grove Avenue, just opposite East Reid Place, to begin work on what will become Grove Park. In the early 1800s, the land was owned by the Personett family and was a favorite gathering place for community picnics. After the Civil War, Dr. Henry B. Whitehorne built his home there. His service to the Verona community was later marked by the naming of Verona’s high school–now the middle school–in his honor. Whitehorne’s home was destroyed by fire in the early 20th century and the land was eventually deeded to the town. The woods at 42 Grove are now home to many kinds of wildlife, including a family of foxes and wild turkeys.
If you can help with the cleanup, the groups are recommending that you show up in work boots and gloves, and bring a reusable water bottle and a snack. Children aged 9 and older are welcome, but adult supervision required.
For more information please see the Environmental Commission’s Web site, Facebook page or Twitter feed, @GreenVeronaNJ.
Photos copyright Beverly LaRiccia. Used by permission.
