Mayor Mike Spano today joined Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation staff and students from the Westchester School for Special Children to showcase the City’s Greenhouse to Garden program designed for students with special needs.
Led by the Yonkers Parks Department, the eight-week program introduces students to the fundamentals of horticulture while providing them the opportunity to actively contribute to the beautification of Yonkers’ public spaces.
“The Greenhouse to Garden program is a powerful example of how education, inclusion, and community come together in Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “Through hands-on horticulture and experiences in our parks, students are gaining valuable skills while directly contributing to the beautification of our city. We are proud to support programs that empower every student of every ability to learn, grow, and leave a lasting impact.”
Yonkers Parks Commissioner Steve Sansone states, “Through Greenhouse to Garden, students develop practical skills, build confidence, and foster a deeper connection to both nature and their community.”
Students meet every Friday with Yonkers Parks staff to learn how a greenhouse operates and why it plays a vital role in growing the flowers used throughout the city. They explore the difference between dirt and soil, preparing pots, and practicing proper planting techniques.
As the program progresses, students gain work with a variety of plants, including potting canna bulbs and preparing flowers that will be planted across Yonkers. The experience extends beyond the greenhouse, with visits to Trevor Park for a nature scavenger hunt and to Untermyer Gardens, where students explore larger-scale garden environments and ecosystems. The program concludes at Grant Park in late May, where students plant in the sensory garden—leaving a lasting contribution for the community to enjoy throughout the year.
“Our students didn’t just learn about growth—they lived it. From seed to soil, this experience with the Yonkers Parks Department and the Mayor shows what’s possible when a community comes together for its children.” Jay Tabasco, Assistant Executive Director at The Westchester School for Special Children.