Elected officials and local residents cut the ribbon on Parque de los Niños after a $4.35 million reconstruction project. Image Credit: NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Reconstruction project cost $4.35 million and features a new track and ballfields. On August 13, 2019, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the reopening of Parque de los Ninos, located on the corner of Morrison Avenue and Watson Avenue in the Soundview section of the Bronx. Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, was joined by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., New York State Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr, members of Bronx Community Board 9 and local residents to celebrate the reopening of the playground. (read more…)
The new play equipment at Saw Mill Playground in Mott Haven. Image Credit: NYC Parks Department
The playground provides new community amenities and improves the health of the Harlem River. On June 7, 2019, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the completion of an $8 million upgrade to Saw Mill Playground in the Mott Haven section of the Bronx. The playground is located on East 139th Street between Brook and Willis Avenues. (read more…)
Malcolm Pinckney/NYC Parks
The $30 million reconstruction project brings brand new amenities to the historically underserved Brownsville park. On March 19, 2019, Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel, Brooklyn Community Board 16, and local students and residents broke ground on the reconstruction of Betsy Head Park in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Betsy Head Park’s reconstruction is one of the five projects of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Anchor Parks Initiative, a $150 million project to reconstruct five major parks around the City. The project plans to bring major amenities to the parks such as new soccer fields, comfort stations, running tracks, and hiking trails. (read more…)
Map of area around Olmsted-Beil House Park (center, green). Proposed lots to be acquired are in red. Image Credit: NYC CPC/ NYC Parks & Recreation
Proposed historic park expansion will provide space for programming and direct access from Hylan Boulevard. On October 31, 2018, the City Planning Commission held a public hearing for an application on the acquisition of property at 4485 Hylan Boulevard in the Eltingville neighborhood of Staten Island to expand Olmsted-Beil House Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Citywide Administrative Services jointly filed the application. (read more…)
Seizure of three taxis without warrant was unlawful. Image credit: Manuel Martin.
A Segway user claimed he had a medical condition requiring the use of a Segway. On June 9, 2017, Parks charged Christopher Harrison with operating a Segway on Department of Parks and Recreation property in violation of Parks’ prohibition against the use of motor scooters in parks. Harrison defended by contending that a Segway was a permitted personal assistance mobility device which Harrison needed because his medical condition prohibited him from walking long distances. Harrison testified that he would eventually need bilateral knee surgery, and submitted a doctor’s note as evidence of his medical condition. Harrison later claimed that he had contacted the Mayor’s office when Parks began cracking down on the use of motor scooters in the parks and was advised that his use would be legal if he told officers that the Segway was a personal assistance mobility device. (read more…)
Street Trees in Brooklyn. Image credit: thecityatlas.org
Trees are planted right into the backdrop of New York City. While there are only about 600,000 trees in the City, many of them occupy the sidewalks and streets in front of our homes. Given the dense population of the City, apartment buildings and houses are built right on top of each other. The trees planted on City streets and sidewalks need to be cared for otherwise, they can cause damage and problems for the surrounding residents and property owners. The Department of Parks and Recreation has procedures and guidelines for the care and maintenance of City trees. (read more…)
