NYC Mayor Eric Adams stated he would restore the NYC Parks Department budget back to at least 1% during his Mayoral campaign. Parks and public space account for 14% of city land. The City’s Parks Department budget was over 1% in the 70s and has been slashed ever since. It is now between .5 and .6 % of the entire budget. Once in office, Mayor Adams backtracked from his campaigning position and is now planning to cut the agency’s dollars even further.
Show up to the NYC City Council Parks’ Committee hearing Monday, Monday 20th at 1 p.m. at NYC City Hall to speak up on the budget and for our parks.
Parks and public spaces should remain a priority and not be reliant on private money.
More information from the City Parks Foundation:
The NYC Council’s Parks Committee is convening for a final hearing on the mayor’s budget at 1pm on May 20th. This budget slashes $55M for parks, including a hiring freeze for 600 essential workers responsible for keeping our green spaces clean and vibrant. If enacted, we face trash-strewn parks, delayed sprinklers, reduced rec center hours, and neglected tree care. This cannot happen!
We need YOUR voice to make a difference! City Parks Foundation urges everyone passionate about our green spaces to testify about their importance to our communities. The more voices the Council hears, the stronger our case for restoring support for parks citywide!
NYC Parks received 1.3% of the city operating budget in 1976 – the last year the agency would receive over 1%. In the five decades since, Parks funding has not kept pace with citywide budget and population growth, remaining between .5% and .6%. Parks deserve 1%.
Previously at Washington Square Park Blog:
New NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue Starts Today as Mayor Adams Reneges on his 1% for Parks Campaign Promise February 28, 2022
Photo: Cathryn