FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2020 

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

New Yorkers for Parks Commends de Blasio for Opening Beaches; Expanding Open Streets

With Pools and Playgrounds Closed, Beaches are More Important than Ever to New Yorkers' Physical and Mental Health; NY4P Urges City to Open Up Swimming Option Soon

New York, NY - New Yorkers for Parks the citywide advocate for parks and open space, released the following statement from Executive Director Adam Ganser, commending Mayor de Blasio for opening beaches in time for Memorial Day and urging the City to quickly create a safe plan to allow people to swim at beaches:

“New Yorkers got good news in time for the unofficial launch of summer: Mayor de Blasio is opening beaches to the public. While New Yorkers won't yet be able to swim, they will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The Mayor also announced a 13-mile expansion of Open Streets, which also comes as welcome news for residents tooling to get outdoors.

“Now, we are calling on the city to follow the state’s example and put together a clear and equitable plan for opening swimming at City beaches. New York City has the best parks department in the country.  Opening beaches is a matter of management, and the city and Parks Department must develop a plan that is both safe and can be quickly implemented.

“While stopping the spread of COVID-19 is paramount, so is protecting all other aspects of our physical and mental health. The large numbers of New Yorkers we’ve seen flocking to parks in recent weeks is proof positive that we are all desperate to get outside. We’ve already seen the use of outdoor spaces limited. As the weather gets hotter, we’ll need places to cool off. With pools and playground water features such as spray showers and splash pads closed, beaches are all we have left.”

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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