‘Educators Grove’ to come to Hoskins Park in Henrietta

HENRIETTA, N.Y. (WROC) — A small park in Henrietta may soon be transformed into an “Educators Grove.” Hoskins Parks is wedged between Pinnacle and S. Winton.

It’s planned to be a passive park meant to honor and memorialize teachers, through the efforts of Henrietta man Howard Ressel and advice from town supervisor Steve Schultz.

“The whole point of this park is to be a dedication to the educators who raised our children in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District,” he said. You can find out more about buying and planting a plaqued tree here .

The idea started when Ressel wanted to honor his own high school theater teacher, Bob Sagan . A school reunion, spanning decades, later energized the idea in 2019. Ressel would go to the town, and formed a committee, then a plan.

Phase 1 for Educators Grove includes new signage and a revamped entrance. To raise money, Ressel formed a fundraising group to make this project happen, teaming up with local gymnastics parents, who were also looking to raise money for their programs.

“These people, these parents are amazing,” he said. “They put together the whole group, it’s called friends of Henrietta parks and rec, and the idea is put together a 501c3, which are are, and to raise funds for the parks, rec, senior center, anything under that purview, for programming, this park, educators grove.”

That non-profit is called called friends of Henrietta Parks and Recreation. You can find their Facebook page to donate here.

Ressel secured a matching $25,000 grant to go towards Phase 1. Once enough money is raised, work would begin after, but there is no firm timeline.

Future plans include on-site bathrooms, shaded areas, and more.

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