Henry Stern facts for kids
Henry J. Stern (born May 1, 1935 – died March 28, 2019) was an important American politician. He was born in New York City, a big and busy place. Henry Stern spent many years working for the people of New York. He helped make the city a better place, especially its parks and green spaces.
Who Was Henry Stern?
Henry Stern was a public servant. This means he worked for the government to help the community. He was known for his love of New York City and its many parks. He believed that parks were very important for everyone. They offer places to play, relax, and enjoy nature.
Working for New York City
Henry Stern started his career in politics by becoming a member of the New York City Council. He served on the City Council from 1974 to 1983. The City Council is a group of elected officials. They make laws and decisions for the city. Think of them like a local parliament or congress.
Caring for Parks
After his time on the City Council, Henry Stern took on a special role. He became the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. He held this job twice. First, from 1983 to 1990, and then again from 1994 to 2000.
As Commissioner, Henry Stern was in charge of all the parks, playgrounds, and public gardens in New York City. His job was to make sure these places were well-maintained and safe for everyone. He worked hard to improve parks across the city. This included planting trees, fixing playgrounds, and creating new green spaces. He wanted every New Yorker to have access to beautiful parks.
Henry Stern's Legacy
Henry Stern passed away in New York City on March 28, 2019. He was 83 years old. He died from health issues related to Parkinson's disease. His work left a lasting impact on New York City. Many of the parks and green areas that people enjoy today were improved or protected because of his efforts. He is remembered as a champion for public spaces and a dedicated public servant.
