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Local resident launches 'Friends of Loretto Playground' to organize cleanups and stewardship
Summary
Marcos Quintana introduced a nascent community group, Friends of Loretto Playground, seeking volunteers, partnerships and learning how to run permitted cleanups and activities; board members recommended Partnerships for Parks and noted formal events require permits.
A Morris Park resident, Marcos Quintana, told Community Board 11 on Dec. 10 that he is organizing "Friends of Loretto Playground," an early‑stage volunteer group focused on cleanups, painting and advocacy to make the park safer and cleaner.
Quintana said his motivation is practical: “Let's not, you know, talk the talk. Let's do something,” and described initial outreach to parks staff and community organizations and a goal of launching after four to six months of planning. He said he has been in touch with parks staff and Partnerships for Parks and that his initial contact email is friendsoflorettopark@gmail.com.
Board members urged Quintana to coordinate with Partnerships for Parks and the parks department before holding formal events. A committee member reminded the group that a permit is needed for "any formal cleanup event at the park or even painting a park bench… those kinds of things are not allowed" without authorization; Partnerships for Parks was recommended as a resource for organizing volunteers and finding grant support.
Quintana said he intends to recruit neighborhood volunteers and work with existing stewards in the Morris Park area; board members offered to share contacts and advise on next steps. The committee noted the group can apply for materials, training and help staging events through Partnerships for Parks and the parks department.
What happens next: Quintana and the committee agreed to continue coordination, and the board said it will circulate the presentation and connect the new group with appropriate Parks liaisons and existing local stewards.
Sources: Remarks by Marcos Quintana to Community Board 11 (Dec. 10, 2025); committee discussion and guidance from board members.
