
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. (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. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
On December 21, 2022, the City Council voted to approve three bills that would improve transparency with the Parks Department’s capital projects process and utilize small or micro spaces that can be used for beneficial green space. All three bills were sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Council Committee on Parks and Recreation. (more…)

Kinko houses in the Melrose Parkside Historic District. Image Credit: LPC.
Some of the houses within the district represent a unique layout that was developed in Brooklyn. On December 13, 2022, the Landmarks Preservation Commission voted to designate the Melrose Parkside Historic District in Flatbush, Brooklyn. The new historic district consists of 38 single- and two-family row houses on Parkside Avenue between Flatbush and Bedford Avenues, including the properties from 357 to 413 Parkside Avenue on the north and 290 to 386 Parkside Avenue on the south side of the street. (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. (more…)