Union Square Partnership kicked-off 2021 with a transformative plan for the Union Square-14th Street area, concentrating on five key improvements with a focus on accessibility, district-wide connectivity, and substantial increases in public open space.
Save the date, Tuesday, January 26th for the virtual launch event. Let’s take a look at a few of the renderings.
Continue reading “Union Square Partnership unveils 14th Street District Vision Plan 2021”
The NYC Parks Department announced the beginning of a public comment period for the proposed amendment to § 2-13 and § 2-14 of Chapter 2, Title 56 of the Rules of the City of New York, regarding Permits and Fee Schedules as it relates to young adults at NYC Parks recreation centers across the city and the Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field Athletic Complex.
Public comment period for proposed rule change begins January 14, 2021 and will run through February 22, 2021. Make your voice heard.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Could Eliminate Young Adult Membership Fees at Rec Centers!”
NYC Parks and NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) announced a path forward for Big Reuse composting operations. The $11M park renovation project will be abutting Queensbridge NYCHA housing. A community input meeting on this project will take place in January, 2021.
Continue reading “NYC Parks + DSNY Announce Big Reuse Composting Operation!”
In an advisory today, NYC Parks warns New Yorkers of the dangers of venturing onto ice in parks.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Warns ~ Don’t Venture Onto the Ice in the Parks!”
The holidays are here, and with it the return of NYC Parks’ annual Mulchfest tree chipping celebration! Beginning December 26, New Yorkers can recycle their trees at local parks, with convenient drop-off sites in all five boroughs.
Continue reading “MulchFest 2021 Begins on December 26, 2020”
NYC Parks GreenThumb today announced the completion of significant upgrades and renovations at 15 community gardens across four boroughs. They include one new community garden, the Garden of Resilience in Springfield Gardens, Queens, as well as four gardens reactivated with new gardening groups in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, East New York, and Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Greenthumb + Partners Overhaul 15 Community Gardens in 2020”
Ducks on the Loose, and Urban Park Rangers stepped in (rowed in) to rescue the ten ducks in the pond at Bowne Park, Flushing, Queens.
Continue reading “Urban Park Rangers Rescue Ten Ducks from Bowne Park in Flushing”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Assembly member Al Taylor, Manhattan Deputy Borough President Matthew Washington, Community Board 10 Chair Cicely Harris, President & CEO of Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement Malcolm Punter, and community members this week to cut the ribbon on the reconstruction of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson Playground in Central Harlem. The $1.59 million renovation is the 51st project completed through the Community Parks Initiative (CPI), the City’s first-ever parks equity initiative, funded by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Dept Cuts the Ribbon on Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson Playground in Harlem”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Deputy Bronx Borough President Marricka Scott-McFadden, State Assembly Member Latoya Joyner, City Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, District Manager Paul Philps and Parks Chair Paul Lozito of Bronx Community Board 4, and community members to officially unveil the reconstructed Grant Park.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Unveils $3.65 Million Transformation of Grant Park in the Bronx”
Prospect Park’s historic Endale Arch has been restored to its original splendor with a $500,000 restoration funded by Tiger Baron Foundation and Council Member Brad Lander’s District 39 Participatory Budgeting.
The restoration of this historic arch, one of the first architectural elements in Prospect Park, reveals hidden details not seen in more than a century. Take a look at some pictures at the ribbon-cutting today.
Continue reading “Newly Restored Endale Arch in Prospect Park Now Open to the Public”
In honor of the 51st anniversary of Black Solidarity Day, NYC Parks proudly announces it has named 10 park spaces in honor of the Black experience in New York City, memorializing that which is locally, nationally, and historically relevant. In June, the agency pledged to continue to demonstrate how it stands in solidarity with the Black Community in its fight to combat systemic racism. The naming of these park spaces is among the many ways NYC Parks is acknowledging the legacies of these Black Americans, encouraging discourse about their contributions, and working to make the park system more diverse and reflective of the people it serves. The spaces named now represent five Black Women, four Black Men and one Black settlement group; and represent arts, culture, education, sports and more.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Celebrates Black Solidarity Day with With Park Namings”
This week, NYC Parks unveiled the renovated Sensory Garden at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. The Sensory Garden project in the Playground for All Children has expanded the existing planting space within the playground and reconstructed the wheelchair-accessible planting areas. The new design has enhanced and diversified the existing plantings with colorful new foliage and flowers, offering playful light and shadow effects, sounds, touchable textures, and fragrances showcasing native biodiversity.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Unveils Renovated Sensory Garden at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer yesterday to celebrate the completion of a new LEED certified field house and comfort station in Queensbridge Park. The project constructed a new, energy-efficient building to provide facilities for community members and Parks staff.
“After 30 years of being vacant, the brand new Queensbridge Field House will provide new public restrooms for park visitors,” said Commissioner Silver. “This new facility will also serve an important role as base of operations for our maintenance staff in Queensbridge Park. We are grateful for the funding support we received from Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Mayor Bill de Blasio to enhance the Queensbridge Park experience.”
Continue reading “NYC Parks Celebrates Completion of Green Field House at Queensbridge Park”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined City Council Member Peter Koo and City Council Member Francisco Moya unveiled new upgrades to the spectacular Fountain of the Fairs in Queens.
“The Fountain of the Fairs is an iconic symbol of the 1964 World’s Fair that keeps us connected to our city’s rich history,” said Commissioner Silver. “We’re thrilled to restore vibrancy to this historic site for the enjoyment of New Yorkers and visitors. Thanks to Mayor de Blasio’s investment, the revitalized Fountain of the Fairs will continue to serve as a symbol of Queens and place for peaceful respite for generations to come.”
Continue reading “Fountain of the Fairs Restoration Unveiled at Flushing Meadows Corona Park”
NYC Parks Asks Brooklynites to help reimagine five parks in the Borough. Community members can register and participate virtually through registration starting today. Along the way, check out images of Parks improvements already completed.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Asks Brooklynites to Help Reimagine Five Parks”
CityParks announced free online STEM programs this fall with CityParks Learn. Check out all programs, and sign up now.
Continue reading “CityParks Free, Fun Online STEM Programs this Fall, After School”
NYC Parks Assistant Commissioner for Community Outreach and Partnership Development Sam Biederman joined Annika Rembe, the Consul General of Sweden in New York, Harriet E. Berg, Consul General of Norway in New York, NYC Parks Director of Art and Antiquities Jonathan Kuhn, and 2019 Nobel Prize recipient Dr. William G. Kaelin Jr. this week, to unveil eight new inscriptions to the Nobel Monument at Theodore Roosevelt Park.
Continue reading “American 2019 Nobel Laureates Honored on NYC Parks Monument”
Grab your kids and head over to the Forest Park Bandshell, Seuffert Bandshell Parking lot in Queens, for a free Friday night (September 25th) screening of Frozen II.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Department hosts Drive-In Movie Night!”
Fall has arrived, and NYC Parks is celebrating! To welcome the first day of fall, Parks is going live on social media for an autumnal hike through Central Park today, and for those long fall virtual meetings free fall foliage-themed backgrounds featuring some of the city’s most popular parks! or those looking to enjoy the city’s greenspaces virtually, Parks is going live on social media at the North Woods in Central Park at Noon today, bringing the beauty of autumn right to your home. Follow along on Facebook to explore the North Woods’ beautiful Ravine, Loch and Huddlestone Arch.
Out of an abundance of caution, and due to planned shoreline and path reconstruction work, NYC Parks temporarily closed the Cherry Walk path in Riverside Park from W. 100th to W. 125th streets. The closure began onMonday, September 28, 2020 and reopened to pedestrians and cyclists in January, 2021!
Continue reading “NYC Parks Reopened Riverside Park Cherry Walk in January 2021”
NYC Parks today announced the completion of eight projects and soon completion of two others, totaling $42.6 million in renovations to Bronx parks. The projects range from new playgrounds and neighborhood improvements to major capital upgrades, and include transformations through the Community Parks Initiative, Parks Without Borders and Anchor Parks.
Continue reading “Take a Look at the $42.6 Million in Improvements Made to Bronx Parks”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, joined Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Robert Jackson, Community Board 12 Chair Eleazar Bueno, Parks Committee Chair Elizabeth Lorris Ritter, District Manager Ebenezer Smith, Washington Heights BID Executive Director Isidro Medina, Uptown Soccer Academy co-founder David Sykes, and ESPN soccer announcer Roberto Abramowitz this week to celebrate the completion of a brand new soccer field at Highbridge Park.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Unveils New Soccer Field at Highbridge Park”
Have some great ideas about our Parks? NYC Parks celebrates the re-imagining of its community outreach as a part of its capital design process with the launch of online community input sessions ~ responsive to the need for social distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual sessions provide opportunities for more equitable outreach for capital projects.
Just in time for Labor Day Weekend, NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today joined New York City Council Member Andrew Cohen, New York State Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Bronx Community Board 8 Parks Chair Rosemary Ginty to cut the ribbon on the new upgrades to Spuyten Duyvil Playground in the Bronx.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Department Cuts the Ribbon at the Upgraded Spuyten Duyvil Playground”
NYC Parks announced it started rolling out a new multi-pronged campaign this week to address excessive trash being left in parks across the city. With a simple message – show your park some love, New York. Put trash in a bag or can—or take it with you – Parks looks to encourage New Yorkers to do their part.
NYC Parks is celebrating the early completion of a $575,000 transformation of the Shore Road bicycle path in Brooklyn. The approximately 2100 ft span of fresh pavement was finished four months ahead of schedule and was funded by City Council Member Justin Brannan. Continue reading “NYC Parks Celebrates Early Completion of a Section of the Shore Road Bike Path”
Contemporary artist Kris Perry’s monumental sculpture Mother Earth will be installed at Rockaway Beach (Queens) as part of the NYC Parks’ Art in the Parks program, which brings both experimental and traditional art to the public in locations throughout the five boroughs. Continue reading “35-Foot-Tall ‘Mother Earth’ Sculpture, New Installation at Rockaway Beach”
What happens when unwanted pets are released into City parks? It’s the New York City Parks’ Rangers to the rescue.
New York City Parks Department wants to remind all New Yorker’s that a drowning can happen in just seconds.
Continue reading “Cool It! NYC ~ Where to Stay Cool this Summer”
NYC Parks today unveiled the completion of a $4.7 million transformation at Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem. This is the second showcase project completed through the Parks Without Borders Initiative, funded by Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Without Borders Celebrates a Transformation at Jackie Robinson Park”
Freshkills Park will host its first-ever Discovery Week, offering park enthusiasts a chance to virtually explore the park’s spectacular views and unique landscape from home. Experience the landfill-to-park project’s ambitious transformation and enjoy FREE activities, tours, and educational and recreational programming.
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, announced on Juneteenth (June 19, 2020) that the agency stands in solidarity with the Black Community and the fight to end systemic racism, and is demonstrating its commitment by taking a responsive step at addressing related issues within the park system. The agency is reviewing park names across New York City with the goal of renaming a selection in each borough for Black Americans with local, national or historical relevance. The parks and their new names will be announced November 2, 2020.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Department Creates ‘Juneteenth Grove’ at Cadman Plaza”
NYC Parks Department celebrates Black Music Month with a playlist featuring homegrown artists. Ranging across the genres and generations, this collection of songs celebrates New York City’s brightest stars from Luther Vandross to Cardi B.
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the New York City Pride March, NYC Parks today unveiled new signage featuring the colors of the new, inclusive pride flag in four parks along various routes the parade has taken over 50 years: Washington Square Park, Union Square, Madison Square Park, Grand Army Plaza and Central Park. The signage provides a sense of unity that commemorates the history and legacy of the LGBTQIA+ movement and community in New York City.
Continue reading “NYC Parks Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Pride March with Celebratory Signage”
#GoingGreenForParkies ~ Empire State Building and Other City Landmarks to Go Green in honor of Parks Workers on May 21st ~ a day when New York City will salute Park workers around the World with green lights and by wearing green, and In a show of support, San Francisco’s City Hall, Coit Tower, and Conservatory; Australia’s Royal Botanic Garden Sydney; and the Con Edison tower all lit green for parkies.
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined The Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price, Manhattan Deputy Borough President Matthew Washington, City Council Member Margaret Chin, Community Board 1 Vice Chair Tammy Meltzer, and community members to break ground on The Battery Playscape reconstruction project.
Presented by NYC Parks, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, I Love NY, and I Ski NY, Winter Jam is a free winter sports festival for New Yorkers of all ages! Our partners at Gore Mountain will blow a mini mountain of snow in the heart of Manhattan, creating an urban wonderland for all to enjoy!
Continue reading “The Annual NYC Parks ~ WinterJam ~ February 1, 2020”
This week, NYC Parks celebrated Parks Without Borders’ milestone with its first completed project ~ Seward Park. At the event, community members also celebrated a new plaque coming to the park, installed in collaboration with the Seward Park Conservancy and supported by Disney+, which will honor the park’s bronze statue of the heroic husky Togo.
Continue reading “Parks without Borders Completes First Project ~ Seward Park”
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, New York State Assembly Member Brian Barnwell, New York City Council Member Peter Koo, New York City Council Member Daniel Dromm, New York City Council Member Robert Holden, National President of the Vietnam Veterans of America John Rowan, and Community Board 4 Parks Chair Gregory Spock to officially cut the ribbon on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park.
The memorial, which was fully funded by Borough President Katz, was originally conceptualized by the members of Vietnam Veterans of America local Chapter 32, led by Queens resident Pastor “Pat” Toro who lost his life after returning home. The creation of the memorial would not have been possible without his advocacy.
Continue reading “City’s First Memorial to Queens Vietnam Veterans Opens in Elmhurst Park”
NYC Parks today announced changes to its annual Mulchfest. During the 2020 recycling program, New Yorkers will now have two consecutive Saturdays when they can actively mulch their holiday trees—Saturday, January 4 and 11. This new schedule makes it easier than ever for all to say goodbye to their trees in an ecofriendly way, and take a bag of nutrient rich mulch home in the process. Mulchfest, part of the New York City’s holiday tradition, encourages New Yorkers to make greening a family activity—turning holiday trees into mulch which can be used for gardening and to increase soil fertility.
Continue reading “Dates Announced by NYC Parks for MulchFest 2020”
A renovated plaza in the Bronx has been named for Tuskeegee Airman and former Bronx Community College President Captain, Roscoe Brown, Ph.D. NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP joined Former New York City Mayor David Norman Dinkins; Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr.; City Council Member Fernando Cabrera; Community Board 5 District Manager Kenneth Brown; President of Bronx Community College Dr. Thomas Isekenegbe; Dr. Roscoe Brown’s son Dr. Dennis Brown; and community members to cut the ribbon on renovations to the former M.L.K. Plaza, and officially rename it Captain Roscoe Brown, Ph. D. Plaza.
Continue reading “Legendary Tuskeegee Airmen & Captain Roscoe Brown Plaza Unveiled in the Bronx”
On the anniversary of the 153 birthday of Dr. Sun Yat-sen ~ founder of the Republic of China ~ a permanent sculpture depicting the early 20th-century revolutionary figure was placed in the northern plaza at Columbus Park in Chinatown.
Continue reading “Unveiling of Permanent Monument to Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Columbus Park, Chinatown”
The New York Community Trust has awarded the Historic House Trust of New York City (HHT) $339,000 to improve physical and intellectual access to public house museums in ways that are beneficial to people living with disabilities. This project—led by a team specializing in ADA compliance within historically-significant environments, and with experience creating innovative accessibility programs—will position HHT and its 23 historic sites at the forefront of such initiatives across the nation.
No time to get away? New York City Parks has you covered. Here are a few ways to get away for a day, without a reservation.
Continue reading “Our NYC Parks Want You to Take a Staycation this Summer”
NYC Parks Citywide Monuments Conservation Program (CMCP) conservators and summer apprentices, collaborating with Green-Wood Cemetery experts, will be resetting and restoring weathered and toppled gravestones at Old Gravesend Cemetery,
Continue reading “NYC Parks + Green-Wood Experts to Preserve Old Gravesend Cemetery”
Groundbreaking took place on the long-awaited Elizabeth H. Berger Plaza Park project on Friday, August 23, 2019. The project will create a new park by combining two existing plazas, rerouting traffic exiting from the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, and removing excess roadbed along Greenwich Street, and it will celebrate the first public monument to early Arab immigrants in New York. The completion of this project is expected in January 2021. More on an update from YIMBY, September, 2020.
