Thursday, September 17, 2026

New Yorkers for Parks - September Newsletter: Faster Park Repairs, POPS Improvements


Renew Crew focuses on expedited park repairs citywide


NY4P joined Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, Mayor Mamdani, and Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson for the launch of Renew Crew, a new initiative which will make expedited repairs at parks, playgrounds, and rec centers citywide in three weeks or less! 
 
We applaud the Mamdani Administration and NYC Parks for focusing on the everyday repairs New Yorkers see and feel in their parks. Our First 100 Days for Parks agenda called for exactly this kind of investment, and we’re thrilled to see that work moving forward. 
 
As the city continues building toward the 1% for Parks goal, we look forward to NYC Parks having the resources to deliver more of these improvements in every neighborhood. 

 

POPS walk, letter, push for public realm improvements


Following a tour of Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) in Manhattan, NY4P joined elected officials and public realm advocates to send a letter to City Hall and the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) with ideas for improving the accessibility, visibility, and management of these essential public spaces. 

POPS fill a critical gap in park-starved communities that lack city-owned open space. But poor signage and inconsistent management practices mean many New Yorkers struggle to access them, if they even know they're open to the public at all. 

The walk and letter were spearheaded by NY4P alongside Field Notes, Council Member Christopher Marte, Council Member Grace Lee, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Open Plans, Transportation Alternatives, The Battery Conservancy, and Wade Rafnel. 

We're grateful to DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani for joining the walk and hearing advocates' concerns firsthand, and to NYC DOB and the NYC Department of City Planning for their continued partnership on this work.


Join a panel discussion hosted by New Yorkers for Park & Field Notes


After five Walk & Talks across NYC, New Yorkers for Parks and Field Notes are bringing several Walk & Talk partners together for a conversation about what we can learn from advocates on the ground and carry into climate solutions and policy. 

From the Ground Up: Place, Climate, and Policy 

📅 Wednesday, October 14
⏰ 3:30-4:30 PM
📍 T.J. Byrnes, 77 Fulton St. in Lower Manhattan

Hear from Matthew Shore of South Bronx Unite, Amy Chester of Rebuild by Design, and Kelly Vilar of Staten Island Urban Center, with Adam Ganser of NY4P moderating. 

Click here to RSVP



Welcome new board member, Iris Weinshall!


NY4P is thrilled to welcome Iris Weinshall to our Board of Directors!     

Iris has served as Chief Operating Officer of The New York Public Library since 2014, overseeing its operations, budget, endowment, and capital projects. Previously, she served as a Vice Chancellor at CUNY and as NYC DOT Commissioner from 2000-2007. She has also held senior roles at DCAS and DEP.   

A cum laude graduate of Brooklyn College, Iris holds a master’s in public administration from NYU Wagner, where she was named Distinguished Visiting Urbanist in 2025. She also serves as the chair of the Prospect Park Alliance.   

Ms. Weinshall's leadership will be invaluable in advancing NY4P's mission to ensure thriving parks for all New Yorkers. 


Calling all parks people


Become an NY4P member with a monthly donation of $5 or more! You’ll help sustain our work and enjoy special access to advocacy opportunities and events. See you outside!  


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