Park Rangers Continue to Serve Boston

In response to specific cuts in the City of Boston budget for the Parks and Recreation department Park Ranger program, supporters of that historic program have rallied to raise nearly $200,000 in donations and pledges to save both the horses and to reinstate some seasonal ranger positions. Many organizations and individuals have made contributions and pledges (list follows) to save the Park Rangers program ranging from gifts of $20 to $25,000.

On behalf of the donors, I signed a Memo of Understanding with Commissioner Pollak on June 24 to provide $140,000 in funding for FY 2010 which began July 1. We are especially grateful to Janet Atkins and Julia Owens for organizing donors and to Jake Wirth’s for donating their establishment for the fundraiser that brought out nearly 100 people and raised over $15,000 for the cause. Fund raising continues to secure the Park Ranger program for the next two years.

Donors for the Park Rangers

$25,000+

• The Baupost Group, LLC
• Friends of Post Office Square
• Friends of Public Garden

$15,000-$24,999

• Norman Leventhal
• Justine Mee Liff Fund
• Jane Roy

$10,000-$14,999

• Sarah Freeman and Sam Sherwood
• Friends of Jamaica Pond
• Alan Leventhal

$5,000-$9,999

• Arnold Arboretum
• Ron Druker
• Mr. and Mrs. Robert Owens

$1,000-$4,999

$500-$999

$250-$499

$1-$249