FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 18, 2020 

Contact: Megan Douglas, megan@anatgerstein.com, 347-580-2772

New Yorkers for Parks Commends Administration on Reopening Playgrounds, Calls on City to Ensure they are Adequately Funded

Looming Budget Cuts Put Parks and Playgrounds at Risk of Poor Maintenance, Further Closures

New York, NY - New Yorkers for Parks the citywide advocate for parks and open spaces, released the following statement from Executive Director Adam Ganser, commending the administration for reopening playgrounds as part of Phase 2, and urging the City to fund parks:

“It’s great that the mayor is reopening playgrounds on Monday. Many New Yorkers have been stuck at home for three months, especially in low-income neighborhoods where playgrounds provide the only source of open space. But the Parks Department needs to have sufficient funding to maintain and protect these spaces. Greater demand and need for access to open space should mean increased funding, not less. The Parks Department is facing significant budget cuts, including the loss of 340 safety and maintenance positions. It couldn’t come at a worse time. Now we’re asking the mayor and City Council need to step up and secure this funding, or else we could see park and playground access once again restricted because the Parks Department won’t have funding to maintain them.”

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About New Yorkers for Parks:

For over 100 years New Yorkers for Parks has been the independent champion for quality parks and open space for all New Yorkers. Through our research, advocacy, and the Daffodil Project, we work with communities and elected officials to promote and preserve quality open space across the city. We are a founding member of Play Fair, a multi-year campaign to protect and create jobs, and ensure open spaces receive essential maintenance and care, particularly in light of the increased use of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more: www.ny4p.org or www.playfair.nyc