Van Buren has formed Friends of Van Buren Park, a not for profit to benefit the town’s namesake park.

Introduced by Councilor Tony Saraceni, this initiative will focus on Van Buren Central Park allowing for additional financial assistance and volunteer opportunities.

“This is something that has been done successfully elsewhere, like the Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake Park,” Saraceni said, adding he wants to complete an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the park before Friends of Van Buren Park is created and the paperwork is filed.

According to Saraceni, the park staff supports the effort. Community members are also being sought to join a board of directors for the initiative. Call 638-4727 if you are interested in joining.