Parks Department Launches Mulchfest 2022 for Collection of Christmas Trees

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 <Read More>


Parks Department to Build Playgrounds, Open Space at Six NYCHA Developments

The Mayor’s office has invested $23 million across three acres of NYCHA open space. On September 14, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams, the Parks Department, and the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) announced a pilot program to invest in nearly three acres of NYCHA open spaces, including playgrounds, across six housing developments. Three of these developments are located in Queens, two in the Bronx, and one in Brooklyn.



Parks Department Celebrates Holiday Season With Light Displays Across City

The light displays offer local options for those who can’t or choose not to see typically more crowded options like the Rockefeller Center tree. On December 11, 2020, the Parks Department announced that this holiday season, New Yorkers can enjoy local light displays at Parks administrative buildings and parks around the city. This season, Parks will host over 80 lighting displays across the City. 


Parks Department and Elected Officials Break Ground on Battery Playscape

The Battery Playscape will cover 1.5 acres of waterfront space at the east end of Battery Park in lower Manhattan. On March 12th, 2020 NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Battery Conservancy President Warrie Price, and local elected officials and community members broke ground on the Battery Playscape reconstruction project. The Battery Playscape will be located at State Street and Peter Minuit Plaza in lower Manhattan.


UPDATED: Parks Department Closes Some Facilities, Mayor and Governor Announce Rule Changes in Coronavirus Response

Team sports are prohibited and recreation centers are currently closed to the public, but parks remain open. City and State governments continue the fight to control the spread of the coronavirus, instituting policies to encourage and enable as many people to stay at home as possible. Understanding the challenges of asking citizens to spend as much time as possible indoors as the weather continues to improve, the City aimed to keep City parks open as … <Read More>