2009-J5657
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Tupper Thomas upon the occasion of
receiving the Lovgren Award from the Park Slope Civic Council on June 3,
2010
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citi-
zenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Tupper Thomas upon the occasion of receiving the Lovgren Award from the
Park Slope Civic Council at its Annual Award Ceremony to be held at
Prospect Park Y, on Thursday, June 3, 2010; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Tupper Thomas has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
subsequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, in response to community pressure to put a stop to
the decaying state of Prospect Park, New York City created the Prospect
Park Administrator's Office and appointed Tupper Thomas to serve as its
first Administrator; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Tupper Thomas is responsible for the oper-
ations of the Park as well as its restoration; under her leadership, the
park's attendance has increased from 1.7 million to over 9 million; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her role as Administrator of Prospect Park,
Tupper Thomas has served as the President of the Prospect Park Alliance
since its founding in 1987; this illustrious organization was formed by
a group of concerned citizens dedicated to reviving, enriching and
preserving Prospect Park in partnership with the City of New York; and
WHEREAS, As President of the Prospect Park Alliance, Tupper Thomas is
instrumental in the managing of an in-house Design and Construction
office that handles all capital projects in the park as well as the
Visitors Service Department which operates a number of in-house Park
concessions; and
WHEREAS, There are 65 community organizations in the Alliance Communi-
ty Committee and, in partnership with Audubon New York, the Prospect
Park Alliance opened the Prospect Park Audubon Center, which offers
nature trails, a visitors center and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, Other accomplishments of the Prospect Park Alliance and
Tupper Thomas include the opening of the restored Parade Ground Sports
Complex, a tennis center and the restoration of much of the natural
areas of the park; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Tupper Thomas is co-chair of the Development
Committee of the City Parks Alliance, a national organization dedicated
to advocating for parks; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in-depth magnitude, Tupper
Thomas has received numerous awards and accolades and has been a guest
speaker for park groups throughout the United States and abroad; she
earned her Master's degree in Urban Planning from Pratt Institute; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Tupper Thomas has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Tupper Thomas has displayed through-
out her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tupper Thomas upon the occasion of receiving the Lovgren Award
from the Park Slope Civic Council on June 3, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Tupper Thomas.