Senate Resolution No. 2382

BY: Senator COMRIE

COMMEMORATING the 44th Anniversary of the Southern
Queens Park Association on January 17, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 44th Anniversary of the Southern Queens Park Association
to be celebrated with a Gala on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Roy Wilkins
Park Family Center, Jamaica, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1976, the Southern Queens Park Association
(SQPA) coordinates and provides comprehensive programs for children,
youth, adults, families and seniors residing in Southern Queens; and

WHEREAS, With strategically located service sites throughout
Southern Queens, SQPA was constituted to actively combat the social
issues which challenge or impact the quality of life in the geographic
area in, and around, Jamaica, Queens; and

WHEREAS, From its inception until 2002, SQPA was led by Solomon
Goodrich, a self-described Pan Africanist who maintained the
organization as a vehicle for both community and individual improvement;
and

WHEREAS, SQPA was one of the first human service agencies in the
City of New York to be awarded a Beacon Program, a youth development
model which affords communities the use of schools during off hours for
after-school programs and various community enrichment activities; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the able leadership of Executive Director
Jacqueline Boyce, SQPA finds innovative ways to combine its stewardship
of the 54-acre Southern Queens-Roy Wilkins Park with its mission to
enhance the quality of life of residents in Southern Queens, and park
users; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization is truly an anchor
institution, serving as an intermediary, facilitator, organizer,
advocate, provider and sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 44-year history, the Southern Queens
Park Association has demonstrated continuous service to the residents
and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Southern Queens Park Association is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and


WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 44th Anniversary of the Southern Queens Park Association
on January 17, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Jacqueline Boyce, Executive Director, Southern Queens
Park Association.