On Thursday November 14th hundreds of community members came together at the Everett Mills to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Groundwork Lawrence at their Glow Gala. The annual gala is the organization’s signature fundraising event, raising money to go towards Groundwork’s variety of programs, including park development, fresh food access, education and job training.
The event featured music from Los Sugar Kings, silent auctions and “eco-art,” which is art that incorporates the characteristics of reduce, reuse, recycle, and repair. Participants in Groundwork’s youth program, known as the Green Team, spoke on the impact Groundwork has made in their lives.
Kristy Martes, a member of the Green Team and Senior at Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School describes working on the Green Team as a life-changing experience. “Three years ago, I immigrated to the U.S. with hopes and dreams of a successful future,” said Martes.
“Working for Groundwork Lawrence with the green team has inspired me to continue my pursuits in the environmental science field. I feel really fulfilled and happy about what I accomplished this summer on a personal and on a larger scale.”
Time was spent looking back on the progress Groundwork made over the last 20 years, including the development of 23 parks across the city, the creation of the Spicket River Greenway, and the establishment of 11 different community gardens with over 160 community gardeners. Heather McMann, Executive Director, spoke about the transformative work the organization has achieved over its time.
“Groundwork Lawrence has seen much accomplished over the past 20 years, and I think that is in part due to Groundwork’s model of creating positive change,” said McMann. “Everything is done in partnership with the community—the public speaks, GWL listens, and together we act.
We are so proud of all that has been done, and we look forward to continuing our work for another 20 years and beyond.”
Highlights of the organization’s work from this past year include the planting of 750 trees through the state’s Greening the Gateway Cities program, the opening of Burgoin Spray Park and Howard Playstead, and the completion of the Methuen Rail Trail, which connects to the Salem, NH rail trail. Planning is underway to complete the Lawrence section of the trail, from Manchester Street Park to the south side of the Merrimack River.
Many of its projects were accomplished in partnership with the City of Lawrence. Mayor Rivera was in attendance at the event, and praised the organization for the work it has accomplished.
“Groundwork Lawrence has been a constant representation of community service and collaboration in the city of Lawrence” said Rivera. “Our city parks, our rivers, and most importantly, our community as a whole, is better because Groundwork Lawrence works hard every day to serve the residents of our community through protection and beautification of our parks and green space.”
Groundwork Lawrence (GWL), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been making change happen in Greater Lawrence since 1999. Through its environmental and open space improvements, fresh food access programs, youth education, employment initiatives, and community programming and events, GWL creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers Lawrence residents to improve their quality of life. GWL achieves results by engaging the whole community – residents, youth, nonprofits, city government and businesses – in the planning and realization of its projects. With this collaborative approach, GWL ensures that all stakeholders are mutually invested in its outcomes, the key to stable neighborhoods and sustainable change. www.groundworklawrence.org.
