Parks Equity Program
Did you notice the exciting parks’ news in the media or on our Facebook page this week? Mayor de Blasio announced that the Parks Department, in conjunction with funding from local representatives, will be creating a fund of $130 million to revitalize underinvested parks in high-needs communities. To make for a sustainable initiative, Parks is pairing this capital investment with increased maintenance efforts (hiring new staff for target areas), new programming, and partnering with local community groups.
Bathroom Funded
You may have noticed that previous iterations of the redesign plans included a space for a “future” comfort station. Well, that future is now certain. As part of the capital money set aside for parks in our area, $2 million was set aside for construction of a bathroom. This will make life much easier for parents of small children and it will allow for longer programming because staff will have access to necessary facilities.
In addition to Gulick, Sol Lain Playground and the courts at Henry M Jackson Playgroundwill see capital investment as part of the Community Parks Initiative. We want to extend our thanks to Senator Daniel Squadron for getting this discussion of equity started, to Council Member Chin and Borough President Gale Brewer for supporting this initiative, and finally to NYC Parks for recognizing that our neighborhood parks need extra attention. Here’s to little parks having a big impact!
It’s My Park Day Clean Up and Pumpkin Painting: 10/19
It’s that time of year again! We get to hang out and clean up the summer’s plant beds, plant some fresh bulbs for the spring, and I get to load up my car with pumpkins for children to paint.Come by on Sunday October 19th, from 1-4pm. Refreshments will be served!