On August 30, the Friends of Devoe Park hosted their annual Healthy Eating Workshop and Back-to-School Giveaway in the Fordham section of the Bronx. What began years ago as a simple community gathering has grown into one of the neighborhood’s most anticipated traditions, blending resources, education, and celebration into a single day.
Leadership and Mission
The event was led by Chair I Rachel Bradshaw and Chair II Myrna Calderon, and with long-standing members Juan Carlos Melgarejo working alongside them. Together, this team of grassroots leaders has steadily transformed Devoe Park from a neglected public space into a symbol of neighborhood pride.
Founded in 2017, the Friends of Devoe Park—affectionately known as the “Devoetees”—answered a call to restore a park once marked by litter, graffiti, and broken facilities. Over the past half-decade, their efforts in cleanup, beautification, safety, and programming have dramatically improved the park’s standing.
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has consistently given Devoe Park inspection scores above 80%, while the New York State Senate honored the group with the Empire Award for leadership and community service.
A Celebration for Students and Families
This year’s celebration drew over 200 participants. Families filled the park’s open field, where students received book bags packed with school supplies, fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks. The day also included live music, ice cream, reading corners, and games.
In true Bradshaw fashion, the raffles went beyond luck—students had to answer trivia questions about local government and world geography to win prizes. One of the highlights was a new laptop, donated by Easy Living Shelter and presented by its Executive Director Minister Naquawn Hallback, awarded to a student who demonstrated both knowledge and enthusiasm.
Community Support and Partnerships
The event’s strength came from its partnerships. Senator Robert Jackson, Alina Dowe from the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, Gary Lutz of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, and other civic leaders stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Devoetees, underscoring how deeply the event is rooted in Bronx community networks. Over the years, the group has also expanded its programming to include health workshops, art sessions, peace rallies, and even pollinator garden projects.
Friends of Devoe Park has graduated from the City Parks Foundation’s CATALYST program, where organizer Pilar Maschi supported the group’s growth. The group is now part of Partnership for Parks, with Robert Madera as their coordinator.
Their recent fresh produce giveaway was funded by a 2024–2025 Partnership for Parks grant supporting their Healthy Eating Workshops initiative. Easy Living Shelter co-produced the event, working alongside Friends of Devoe Park to make it a success. Assemblymember George Alvarez also contributed by providing backpacks for students.
Additional support came from community sponsors: Bronx House of Compassion provided the ice cream truck, Ace Project Management sponsored the live music, Little Harriet Productions LLC donated school supplies and volunteers joined from Devil Dog USA incorporated.
Challenges and Next Steps
Despite the festive atmosphere, challenges remain. During the event, a few individuals were seen smoking marijuana near the children’s activities, sparking concern. With no Parks Enforcement Patrol officers on site, Bradshaw immediately raised the issue with NYC Parks. Borough Commissioner Aponte later apologized and promised to schedule targeted patrols in the area.
For Bradshaw, Calderon, Melgarejo, Kenson Clarke, and their partners, setbacks like these only strengthen their resolve. The Friends of Devoe Park remain committed to building not just a cleaner and safer park, but a community where families can gather, children can learn, and Bronx pride can flourish.
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