February 2, 2023 marked the first-year anniversary of the Friends of Wilbraham Park as a New Jersey non-profit organization and due to the generous support of the community, a number of major accomplishments were achieved. Local volunteers gave their time and expertise; businesses provided financial support; and the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission provided additional funding and support. Local attorney Christopher Gillin-Schwartz provided pro bono legal services to help form the non-profit corporation. The Flying Fish Studio produced centennial tee-shirts that were a major fundraiser for 2022.

During the Spring of 2022, in collaboration with Luke Maxwell from Troop 67 several work parties were held as part of his Eagle Scout Project to restore the northwest corner of the park and install new native plantings. Under the leadership of Master Gardener, Mary Andrews, local volunteers planted native perennials and annuals in the flag circle and at the southwest corner where the new sign was erected. Throughout the park, an irrigation system was installed to ensure the vitality of the new plantings.

Volunteers from the Friends of Wilbraham Park and the West Cape May Public Works Department restored the cast iron urns at the east entrance to the park and painted the lampposts along the walk.  Seasonal plantings were placed in the urns and have been maintained by the volunteers.

We held a Centennial recognition event on June 18th, marking the 100th anniversary of the park’s original dedication by the Wilbraham family to the town of West Cape May.  Over one hundred people attended the event, including the Mayor Carol Sabo and Commissioners from West Cape May.  The United States Coast Guard provided a color guard detail and local musicians, the HoneyHawks, provided entertainment.  To mark the event, a granite memorial and time capsule were placed adjacent to the restored northwest corner beds.

Throughout the Summer and early Fall, volunteers met regularly at the park to weed, deadhead and maintain the plantings.  During the Fall, a new sign was erected behind the brick stage to create a setting for photo opportunities for visitors or passers-by, and to promote West Cape May.  For Halloween the park was decorated with hay bales, corn stalks and pumpkins, and many visitors took advantage of capturing images of themselves at the new venue.

West Cape May is widely known for its spectacular Christmas Parade that takes place in early December.  As a prelude to that event, the park was decorated with lights and holiday figures. On December 2nd more than a hundred people gathered to enjoy the lighting of the Christmas tree, created around the flagpole. 

As Winter approached, planning for the 2023 season was already underway.  Goals for 2023 include installing signage to identify the tree species and the native plantings, with the objective of educating the public and encouraging sustainable landscaping.  Additional native perennials will be planted to diversify interest and to extend the longevity of colors.

The shared vision for the park today is the same as was expressed by the Wilbraham family – to protect and preserve a natural curated space for the enjoyment of the public in West Cape May.  Through the ongoing collaboration with the West Cape May Shade Tree Commission and the support of volunteers and businesses, the activities in 2023 will further advance the achievement of the vison for the park.