Garden City is only a bit over five square miles, but within the confines of the village there’s enough going on to keep three times as many communities busy. When I took over covering Garden City back in April 2012, my predecessor told me that it was its own special community. And boy was she right. I was quickly introduced to the ongoing debate surrounding St. Paul’s, and it was then that I saw the passion Garden City residents had (and have) for their small burg. It’s this passion that’s made the school district a consistent presence on annual polls listing the best schools around the country. That commitment has also resulted in a dominant athletic program that’s yielded accolades to numerous to list here.
Numerous religious institutions are integral parts of the community that are constantly working on various charitable endeavors. The robust chamber of commerce ensures that Seventh Street continues to be one of the homiest commercial strips on Long Island in addition hosting the Annual Pineapple Ball, which recognizes individuals around Garden City that consistently contribute to the village’s well-being. And if you’re looking to get in touch with nature, look no further than the Tanners Pond Environmental Center’s Bird Sanctuary. It’s not only a place of tranquil respite, but is a wellspring for community projects and various activities including summer camp, Halloween events and the upcoming annual Earthfest. And all of this is just scratching the surface, indeed making Garden City a multi-faceted community that is my honor to cover week in and week out.
—Dave Gil de Rubio