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.
“In my six years as commissioner I have been committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces for staff and parkgoers, alike. Striking at the heart of this commitment, we must acknowledge at this time the history of our nation, recognize the inequities laid to bare in the course of the creation of our parks system, and recommit to be active agents for change, progress, and equity,” said Commissioner Silver. “NYC Parks believes Black lives matter—our review of park names and the planting of our Juneteenth Grove is only the beginning of our renewed efforts to address inequities in our system for the city and for our employees. We are doing this, if for no other reason than, our Black lives matter.”
In celebration of Juneteenth and to celebrate the homegoing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others, Parks created a grove in Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn, in dedication: named “Juneteenth Grove.” Adding to an existing tree presentation at this location, the agency planted 19 new flowering trees—as they fortify life—that flank the park’s main entry path on Tillary St. (between Cadman Plaza E. and W.) and has displayed newly designed banners marking the area. The Juneteenth Grove features a temporary painting of 19 existing benches in the colors of the globally recognized Pan-African Flag (Red, Black, and Green). As the steward of nearly three million trees, Parks recognizes the Black community’s complicated relationship with trees—they represent thousands lynched and their roots symbolize the depth and connectivity the Black community has to this Nation.
In concert with the November renamings, Parks will temporarily change out its official park signs with specially designed signs in the colors of the Pan-African flag. These signs will be placed at select parks, to be announced on November 2, widely known as “Black Solidarity Day”—they will be on display through the end of the year.
These efforts are just the first step in Parks’ recommitment to addressing related issues of concern at the Agency brought forth by the community and most importantly by staff. Parks has been hosting private listening sessions with its 6,000+ workforce, of which approximately 34% are Black. The sessions are primarily to provide employees with a safe space to share the emotional challenges they are having in light of the recent deaths across the country and the response around the world. As the circumstances and understanding evolve, so will Parks’ support and efforts.
Cadman Plaza Park and Cadman Plaza are located on the border of the Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods.