Bronx Parks are Essential
Parks are not just for recreation and nature watching, they are our emotional stability in today's trying times.
Mill Pond Park over looking the former Pier 5 Park before it was taken.
Today's Agenda
12:30 pm Borough President Candidate Forum
Each candidate has 5 minute introductions. Questions from BCPGS BCEQ Panel. Short Q&A from Audience
1:30 pm Mayor Candidate Forum
Each candidate has 5 minute introductions. Questions from BCPGS BCEQ Panel. Short Q&A from Audience
Platform of the Bronx Coalition for Parks and Green Spaces
Mill Pond Park
Parks are a precious resource, especially in our dense urban setting. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Parks have become our mental health essential service protecting our emotional wellbeing. A park is the only place that children could play. It is a safe place where anyone can talk to another person at a safe distance.
Not only that, Parks Employees were asked to work, and work outside not in the office. These employees allow our parks to be a safe haven for us all. Volunteers continue to work to pick up litter, but they are organized with the help of park employees. In addition, there were many budget cuts due to the loss of revenue and increased cost of COVID-19.
NYC Parks and Recreation Expense Budget
- 1% for Parks. Begin to raise the Parks Budget by 10% each year until we get to 1%. Restore last year’s PEG cut 7%.
- Double 2018 Seasonal Hiring to keep our parks clean.
Raise staffing levels to 5000. Not replacing needed personnel who retire or leave means less programs for the Bronx. We need more not less employment opportunities.
Highbridge Park in the Bronx celebrating City of Water Day in your Neighborhood.
Van Cortlandt Park Lake
Policy Changes
Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) programming to support to vulnerable communities.
No Alienation of Parkland for non park purposes.
Rename Parks that memorialize racist historical events.
Indemnify local parks partnership groups that provide programming and stewardship.
Randall's Island Park, looking for a place to dock on the Harlem River.
Jerome Park Reservoir from Harris Park
Area Specific concerns
Harlem River in the Bronx on and near water access including greenways, recreational water-based activities at the edge, upland access from city streets, and the assignment of a Parks Catalyst Person to help stakeholders.
Rikers Island in the Bronx. Create a water-based recreational facility on Rikers Island for the Bronx, with waterfront access and a greenways perimeter.
More than 40 projects or actions Speak Up Attendees ID'd ......
Map of Bronx Parks and Green Spaces .... and Waterfront Parks
May of our Parks and Green Spaces
Harlem River Drive Park which has a dock to put in the water - over looking at the Bronx side where there was a new dock under construction.
Our Bronx Commissioner of Parks Iris Rodriguez Rosa with a really big tree. Good Job, Iris.
Thank you to the Candidate Forum Team:
In order of appearance .......
Ana Liz Figueroa Garcia, Moderator
Karen Argenti, Timekeeper/Muter
Chauncy Young, Daniel Ranells, Tech Group
Joseph Sanchez, Chat Moderator
Nilka Martell, Facebook Moderator
Dart Westphal, Joyce Hogi, Interview Panel
Robert Fanuzzi, Q & A Moderatot
