
A Parks employee holds a small bag of mulch at a previous Mulchfest. Image Credit: Parks Dept.
On January 17, 2023, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the results of the most recent Mulchfest, where the agency collected live Christmas trees that were recycled into mulch to be used for mulching plant beds and community gardens across the city. According to the agency, 58,309 trees were collected for this year’s Mulchfest. (read more…)

Rendering of the new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center. Image Credit: NYC Parks Dept.
On December 22, 2022, the Parks Department and the Department of Design and Construction revealed the schematic design for the new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The new center will be located in Nostrand Playground on Nostrand Avenue between Foster Avenue and Farragut Place. (read more…)

A Parks employee holds a small bag of mulch at a previous Mulchfest. Image Credit: Parks Dept.
In 2020, the Parks Department broke a record with over 50,900 trees mulched. Today, December 26, 2022, the Parks Department launches this year’s “Mulchfest,” where New Yorkers can mulch their live Christmas trees at locations in all five boroughs. The mulch can be used for gardening and to improve soil fertility. The mulch helps retain moisture, adds nutrients, and keeps roots warm. The mulch Parks collects is used to help city trees and community gardens citywide. (read more…)

Rendering of what the the pavilion will look like after renovations and accessibility upgrades are completed. Image Credit: NYC Parks.
On December 13, 2022, agency and elected officials gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Orchard Beach Pavilion restoration project in the Bronx. The pavilion supports the 1.1 mile-long beach, which contains a hexagonal-block promenade, snack bars and food carts, souvenir stands, playgrounds, picnic areas, sports courts, changing areas and showers, and a parking lot. The promenade was designated as a city landmark in 2006. (read more…)

Agency and elected officials and community representatives joined to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new recreation deck at Pier 42 on the Lower East Side. Image Credit: NYC Parks/DDC.
On November 29, 2022, officials from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Design and Construction and NYC Economic Development Corporation joined elected officials and community representatives to celebrate the opening of the new recreational deck at Pier 42 in the Lower East Side. Pier 42 is located off the East River Greenway and is located near the intersection of South Street and Jackson Street. The deck sits on a former industrial maritime site and parking lot. (read more…)