Dr. Lucy Rockefeller-Waletsky, left, with Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins honored Dr. Lucy Rockefeller Waltezky at the 2023 NYS Senate Women of Distinction Ceremony. Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins selected Dr. Waltezky for her remarkable advocacy, philanthropy, and commitment to the preservation of New York State Parks.
A resident of Pleasantville, Dr. Waltezky has been a passionate advocate for the protection and enhancement of New York State Parks. From her tenure as Chair of the Taconic Regional Parks Commission to her instrumental role as Chair of the New York State Council of Parks, she has displayed an extraordinary commitment to preserving the natural beauty and accessibility of these cherished spaces.
“Dr. Lucy Rockefeller Waltezky’s tireless efforts to support and enhance New York State Parks have had an incredible impact on our community,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “Her generosity, leadership, and dedication is truly commendable. It has been wonderful to see her many successes in preserving our natural resources, ensuring that they can be appreciated by New Yorkers for generations to come.”
Dr. Waltezky’s philanthropic endeavors have been vital to preserving and improving New York State Parks. In 2003, she donated 84 acres to the state, protecting a vital portion of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester. Her donation of 10 acres to Westchester County expanded public parking for visitors utilizing the North County TrailWay bike path, enhancing its accessibility. Dr. Waletzky also funded the conversion of an 80-year-old historic schoolhouse into a new State Parks headquarters for the Taconic Region in 2009, ensuring the preservation of a valued piece of history.
“I am humbled by this recognition and express my sincere appreciation to Senator Stewart-Cousins, a long-time friend and park supporter. Among the greatest honors of my life was serving along with Commissioners Carol Ash, Rose Harvey, and Erik Kulleseid as chair of both the Taconic Regional Commission and the New York State Council of Parks. With their support, and that of the Open Space Institute, Parks & Trails New York, and my fellow regional park commissioners, we shed light on the poor condition of our rundown state parks and created a new constituency for these critical recreational, cultural, and natural resources. I could not be prouder of what we accomplished to upgrade our state parks and make them the world-class destinations they deserve to be,” said Dr. Waltesky.
