News You Can UseaaaaAugust 2025

Special Events this Month

The White Plains Police Department invites you to celebrate the 42nd Annual National Night Out -- and the 13th year White Plains is participating–– on Tuesday, August 5, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Public Safety Headquarters, 77 S. Lexington Avenue.

National Night Out is a nationwide event that promotes crime and drug prevention, strengthens neighborhood spirit, and highlights the importance of police-community partnerships.

All residents are encouraged to come together with neighbors and first responders for a fun-filled evening featuring:

• Over 50 local service providers and vendors;
• Live music, entertainment, food, and free raffles;
• Children’s activities - bouncy houses, face painting, giveaways, & a dunk tank; and
• Emergency demonstrations by the White Plains Police Special Operations Division and the Fire Department

This is a great opportunity to connect with your community, meet local first responders, and enjoy a safe, family-friendly evening. We hope to see you there!

Take the Online Survey and Let Your Ideas Be Heard

Inter/Multi-Generational Community Center Survey Open Now through September 15

The City of White Plains is preparing a feasibility study and implementation plan for a new Inter/Multi-Generational Community Center to better serve residents of all ages, and we need your input!

Our short Community Center Survey is open now through September 15, 2025. Your feedback will help shape important decisions about the center’s location, design, services offered, budget and more.

This is a chance to make sure your voice is heard and the community’s needs are reflected!

 Click here to take the survey today! 

Please click here to visit the project website for more information.

We've got lots of news this month. Please scroll down all the way-- Thanks!

A ribbon-cutting on July 16 marked the official reopening of Battle Hill Park and the debut of the exciting abstract Smart Play Tree Tops play structure. Watch a video of the ceremonies.

The new playground gives kids the sense of exploring a forest canopy branch by branch. But beyond the normal ups and downs of traditional tree-climbing, here kids can also navigate their way across wiggly bridges, crawl through a 3-ring climber and slide down two different slides.

Another feature is the communication board. Pictures and symbols are an effective way for non-verbal, speech-challenged, and early-learning individuals to communicate with friends and caregivers. Placing a Symbol Communication Sign in the play area ensures that everyone can express themselves! Learn more about Battle Hill Park here.

Expert Speaker at Free Event

Toxic Truths - The History of Environmental Laws

The Mayor’s White Plains Sustainability Committee in partnership with the White Plains Library is hosting an informative sustainability speaker and Q & A session on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the Library Auditorium. It's free to attend and open to all. Registration required. Register here.

Todd Ommen, at left, executive director of John Jay Legal Services and managing attorney for the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic, will discuss the impact of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts on the complex, often confusing topic of sustainability.

More August Family Fun

Free Outdoor Theatre

Under the Stars at Turnure Park!

Join us, Thursday, August 14, 7 pm,

for an unforgettable evening of drama, romance, and laughter as the Rivertowns Playhouse Presents

Ian McKellen's Acting Shakespeare

Adapted & Performed by Kamran Saliani

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pack a picnic, and enjoy a magical night of theatre under the open sky. All ages welcome!

Dramatic Reading of the Declaration of Independence at Moving Ceremony on July 11

Jonathan Kruk's stirring reading of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 11 on the steps of White Plains City Hall marked the 249th anniversary of the first reading of the treasured document right here in White Plains on July 11, 1776.

Dressed as John Thomas, the Purchase judge who read the Declaration on the steps on the courthouse which stood on the site of the current White Plains Armory, Mr. Kruk's dramatic recitation brought to life the full meaning of the Declaration and the great risks the Founding Fathers took when they mutually pledged "to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Also participating in the ceremony were Boy Scout Troop 613 member Noah Yairi, who led the Pledge of Allegiance; White Plains High School student Victoria Alcalde, who sang the National Anthem; Rev. Dr. Frank Fraley of the First Baptist Church of White Plains, who provided an inspirational invocation; and Constance Kehoe, President of Revolutionary Westchester 250, Cynthia Kauffman, President of the White Plains Historical Society, and White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. The Heart of Oak, at right, provided music before and after the ceremony.

A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the Revolutionary War 250 logo by Robert Hoch, Chairman of the White Plains Revolutionary War 250 Committee. The Committee conducted a contest at White Plains High School and the winning design, pictured at left, was created by freshman Juan Jose Arroyo Lopez. It will be used in connection with all special activities in White Plains in 2026 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Hundreds of White Plains Youth Are Enjoying Fun & Healthy Activities this Summer

Hundreds of youngsters throughout the City are enjoying the many camps, classes, clinics and programs run by the Youth Bureau and the Recreation & Parks Department.

Donations made to the Mayor's Scholarship Fund make it possible for White Plains children to enjoy the benefits of year-round quality programming. Thank you!

Did You Know -- You can keep up with the progress of all corporate building projects and proposals in White Plains by clicking here.

How to Prepare for Power Outages

Summer storms may produce strong wind gusts, heavy rain, and lightning, causing trees and branches to fall onto power lines disrupting service to customers.

• Do not go near downed wires.
• Treat all downed wires as if they are live.
• Never attempt to move them or touch downed wires with your hands or any object.
• Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves, or water

For more information from Con Ed on how to prevent, prepare for and recover from outages click here.

To report a fallen wire contact: White Plains Highways Department at 914.422.1202

or the White Plains Police Department 914.422.6111 or Con Ed at 1.800.752.6633.

Elizabeth Seton Children's School Class of 2025

White Plains Section 1 Softball Champions

The White Plains High School softball team celebrates its 11-1 victory over Ketcham that clinched the program's first Section One League AAA championship. Coach Chris Rowan's team finished 10-0 in league play and 19-4 overall. Three members of the squad were named to the 2025 Westchester-Putnam all-star team by The Journal News -- Senior Ava Galligani, sophomore Alexis Tighe, and junior Ava Ritterman. Congratulations all!.

The City of White Plains has many accessible events and

welcomes people with disabilities.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to an event, please call the sponsoring agency during normal business hours:

Recreation & Parks -- 914.422.1336, Youth Bureau -- 914.422.1378,

Public Works -- 914.422.1221

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