Playland Parkway Project
Restoring the Gateway to Rye—One Native Plant at a Time.
The Playland Parkway Beautification Project is a community-driven initiative to transform one of Rye’s most visible and traveled gateways into a vibrant, ecologically rich corridor. Spearheaded by local landscape designer and environmental advocate Chris Cohan, the project has come to life through close collaboration with Westchester County and local volunteers.
The first phase of the project brought a burst of color to the parkway with the planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs—creating what many now fondly call Rye’s own “yellow brick road” each April. This spring spectacle marked the beginning of a long-term vision to restore native habitat and beautify the entrance to our community. Most recently, invasive vines and weeds were cleared from Milton Road to Midland Avenue, revealing a hidden brook and scenic views long obscured by overgrowth.
What’s Planned?
The next phase focuses on replanting with native trees, shrubs, and flowering plants that offer both year-round beauty and ecological benefits:
🌿 Serviceberry and American Dogwood for early spring blooms
🌸 Blue Muffin Viburnum and Summersweet for summer color and berries
🍂 Winterberry for brilliant red berries in fall and winter
🦋 Pollinator-friendly plants like Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, Goldenrod, and Blue Flag Iris
With pro-bono professional landscape planning, support from the County, and a dedicated network of volunteers, the Playland Parkway Beautification Project is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can enhance our environment and enrich our community.
Together, we’re restoring the natural beauty and biodiversity of Rye—starting right at our doorstep. If you want to make a donation specific to this project you can donate here. We promise every dollar will go in the ground!
