The Upper Darby Township Council and the Upper Darby Professional Firefighters Charitable Trust recently presented the inaugural Jazz in the Park, welcoming residents to Naylors Run for an afternoon of live jazz and community, the township said.
Hosted by 5th District Councilman Myron McNeely, with council President Marion Minick and Council Vice President Noah Fields, the free concert featured performances by the Donovan Fields Quartet, Myles Wilson Trio and Ry Miller Quartet.
A news release continues:
Community organizations, volunteers, musicians, and the production team all played a role in bringing the event to life. Residents from across Upper Darby gathered at Naylors Run to enjoy an afternoon that organizers hope will become a new community tradition.
“This is the beginning of a new beginning,” McNeely said. “When we first talked about Jazz in the Park, we wanted to create something people would enjoy and want to see again. … I think we did exactly that.”
Minick said the response from the community reinforced the value of investing in local events.
“This was the first event and certainly not the last,” he said. “The turnout speaks for itself. We’re already talking about what’s next.”
The council extended its appreciation to the Upper Darby Professional Firefighters Charitable Trust for presenting the event, along with The Producer’s Guild, Leo Gadson, Nu Millennium Media & Productions, volunteers and participating musicians.
In another Upper Darby matter:
The Arbor Day Foundation named Upper Darby Township a 2025 Tree City USA community in honor of its commitment to planting, growing, and maintaining trees to benefit the community, according to a township news release.
“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like Upper Darby are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future through trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our cities. We’re proud that Upper Darby is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
“As Mayor of Upper Darby Township, I am truly honored and grateful for this meaningful recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation,” said Mayor Ed Brown. “One of my priorities when I took office was to create more parks and trailways where people can enjoy nature. In doing so, we have been able to plant more trees throughout the township, which has had an incredibly positive impact on both the environment and residents’ quality of life.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank several groups that have helped advance this effort. The Upper Darby Shade Tree Commission, a volunteer group made up of township residents, oversees the care, protection, planting, trimming, and removal of trees on public property. Its mission is to preserve and expand the township’s tree canopy, support biodiversity, improve public health and safety, enhance neighborhood beauty, and provide environmental benefits.
“Tree Tenders of Upper Darby is a community volunteer organization that works alongside the Shade Tree Commission to plant, care for, and promote trees throughout the township. Finally, the Upper Darby Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is a volunteer advisory body that provides recommendations to township leadership on environmental and sustainability issues.
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a municipality must meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.