About Us
The Forest Park Trust
Our Mission
The mission of the Forest Park Trust is to advance the future of Forest and Highland Parks as major recreational, environmental, educational, and cultural centers for residents of NYC and all who visit. The Forest Park Trust achieves this by supporting the Forest and Highland Park Administrator’s Office in its effort to develop, maintain and secure funding for activities and projects that benefit park-goers.
Through the Trust and Administration’s joint efforts, capital dollars are secured to renovate park facilities and landscaped areas. Private and public funds help support free family entertainment, athletic programs, festivals, volunteer projects, educational workshops and seasonal staff.
The Trust is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 to support the future of Forest Park. In 2007, after the opening of the Ridgewood Reservoir, Highland Park was integrated into The Forest Park Trust, Inc. Now, The Forest Park Trust supports and cares for both of these historic and majestic Parks.
Enjoying Our Parks
A glimpse of fun in The Forest Park Trust!
Board of Directors
Michael Palermo, Maspeth Federal Savings, President
Nash Roe, City Underwriting Agency, Secretary
Walter Sanchez, BQE Media, Treasurer
Dr. Rev. David Benke, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Compliance Officer
Trustees
Maritza Carmona, BRIC, Government Relations
Salvatore Crifasi, Crifasi Real Estate
Rafael L. Espinal, Jr., MOME
Diana Gaitan, Real Estate
Rudy Garcia, Valley Bank
Michael Gogitidze, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union
Jeffrey D. Lebowitz, Jaspen Schlesinger LLP
Crystal Rivera, C Space NYC
Josephine Scalia, NYC Parks (Retired)
Melissa Trasky, The New York City Office of Collective Bargaining
Emily Louise Walker, Natural Areas Conservancy
Love our Parks? Help keep our parks open and accessible to all!
You Can Help!
If you use and love Forest and Highland Parks, you can help us keep them beautiful. Please give your support and time and be a part of our mission to make them shine!