MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS NYC PARKS LEADERSHIP

 

Susan Donoghue Appointed Commissioner

 

Iris Rodriguez-Rosa Appointed First Deputy Commissioner

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of two officials who will carry out his vision for a more equitable parks system where all New Yorkers can enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that open space provides.

 

Susan Donoghue will serve as the commissioner of the City of New York Parks & Recreation. In that role, she will oversee more than 30,000 acres of land under the agency’s purview, including parks, playgrounds, recreational facilities, and beaches. A staunch advocate for parks equity, Donoghue will ensure that the agency’s mission of preserving and expanding well-maintained parkland is aligned with the mayor’s goal of reducing long-standing disparities in access to greenspace.

 

Iris Rodriguez-Rosa will serve as the first deputy commissioner. As first deputy commissioner, Rodriguez-Rosa will manage the agency’s efforts to improve parks throughout the city and create more high-quality greenspaces. A veteran of NYC Parks who currently serves as the Bronx borough commissioner, Rodriguez-Rosa has been a steadfast champion for better parks in underserved areas.

 

“Parks are more than places for recreation and enjoyment — they are powerful tools for equity,” said Mayor Adams. “For too long, many communities throughout our city have been denied easy access to these vital spaces. Under the leadership of Sue Donoghue and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, we will work to ensure that every New Yorker can enjoy the myriad benefits greenspaces can provide.”

 

“In between our concrete and asphalt are New York's most precious assets, it's free public green spaces,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.  “Sue and Iris' unwavering commitment to nurturing, and growing our precious parks, ensuring they are available for all and fortifying them against climate crisis will make ours a stronger and more beautiful city.”

 

“Our parks and open spaces are critical to the quality of life of all New York City residents. They improve the air we breathe, enhance our physical and mental health, and strengthen our communities. I am extremely honored and humbled to take on this role as NYC parks commissioner and work alongside the dedicated and essential workers who care for our 30,000 acres of parkland. Mayor Adams and his administration understand the importance of safe and equitable access to parks for all New Yorkers, and I’m committed to joining the team and ensuring that parks and open spaces across New York City are accessible and welcoming for all,” said incoming Commissioner Susan Donoghue. 

 

“I have dedicated my career to making the New York City park-going experience one that helps connect communities to amazing open spaces that provide mental, physical, and emotional benefits to all. I am thankful to Mayor Adams, his administration, and Commissioner Donoghue for allowing me the opportunity to continue to serve the City as its new NYC Parks first deputy commissioner. It is my honor to join the agency’s leadership team and I look forward to continuing to work with our invaluable Parks staff in their steadfast commitment to our great park system,” said incoming First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa.

 

“Across our city, parks and public spaces will be essential to meeting the multiple challenges New York City faces, from public health to climate change and more. From her time at the Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, Commissioner Susan Donoghue brings unmatched expertise and passion for our city's parks. I'm excited to work with Commissioner Donoghue and Deputy Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa to ensure we deepen our investment in public spaces for all neighborhoods and for future generations,” said New York City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan, chair, Committee on Parks and Recreation.

 

“During the pandemic, New Yorkers gained new appreciation for the incredible resources our parks provide local residents. From fresh air to play space, parks have been lifelines to so many in our communities, and ensuring they continue to be maintained and improved is critical to the health, happiness and success of our City. Both Sue Donoghue and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa will bring incredible knowledge, strong records of service, and a deep commitment to equity to their new roles. I look forward to working with Commissioner Donoghue and First Deputy Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa to ensure our City's Parks remain the best in the world,” said New York State Assemblymember Danny O'Donnell, chair, Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development.

 

“In a challenging time for our city, when New Yorkers relied more than ever on their parks as spaces for recreation, social life, and exercise, Sue Donoghue tapped into the love for Prospect Park and channeled volunteer energy to address staffing shortages and leaned into making the park more inclusive and accessible. I commend the Mayor on a great choices in Sue Donoghue as Parks Commissioner and Iris Rodriguez as Deputy Commissioner, both of whom will bring to our parks a strong emphasis on ensuring all New Yorkers can enjoy them for years to come,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

 

“Congratulations to Susan Donoghue and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa on their new roles leading our New York City Department of Parks and Recreation,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Having quality public park facilities and spaces has always been a priority of mine as we continue to work to build a healthier Bronx, and First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa has been a champion of parks in The Bronx for years. I look forward to working with both of these dynamic women, and Mayor Adams, to ensure every neighborhood has equitable access to green space and resources in our city.”