What is Save NYC Parks campaign and why it is important?

The Save NYC Parks campaign is mobilizing efforts to address a critical issue affecting the city’s green spaces. For decades, NYC Parks has faced systematic defunding, leaving the city’s parks system under-resourced and struggling to meet residents’ needs.

On June 18, 2024, Policy and Advocacy Associate Jenny Veloz of the Citizens’ Committee for Children (CCC) testified to the NYC Council’s Oversight Hearing on Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture. Her statement highlighted concerns about recent and proposed budget cuts to NYC Parks and underscored the need for increased funding to maintain and enhance these vital urban spaces.

What is Save NYC Parks campaign?

The Save NYC Parks campaign seeks to reverse the impacts of underfunding and restore vital services to New York City’s parks. The campaign focuses on securing full funding for the park system, ensuring it remains safe, clean, green, and resilient.

NYC Parks is facing a severe financial crunch. In November, the FY24 budget was cut by 5%, totalling a $25 million reduction. This has led to a hiring freeze, resulting in over 600 job eliminations, with 200 already lost. Several critical programs, including Tree Risk Management, Trail Formalization, and the Community Garden Anti-Gun Violence initiative, have been scrapped.

The FY25 preliminary budget for NYC Parks is projected at $583 million, nearly $55 million less than FY24. This shortfall will reduce Parks staff to 7,163, down 900 positions from pre-COVID levels. Another 200 jobs are expected to be cut in July, affecting Urban Park Rangers, Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers, and various forestry and GreenThumb staff.

Our ED, @scharloppowers spoke at last night’s #PLAYFAIR rally for parks. It was energizing to be with community members to celebrate @NYCParks and demand that funding be restored! Tell Mayor Adams to #SaveNYCParks by sending a letter directly: https://t.co/a7ynREbUeO pic.twitter.com/6VYQAbKiTE

— NaturalAreasNYC (@NaturalAreasNYC) May 8, 2024

Veloz’s testimony emphasized the profound impact these budget cuts are having on the community. “The budget cuts to NYC Parks this year and the proposed budget for next fiscal year jeopardize the very heart of our communities,” she said. The reduced workforce will make it increasingly difficult to keep parks clean, safe, and accessible.

Key demands

The Save NYC Parks campaign is pushing for several critical changes:

• End the Hiring Freeze: Lift the hiring freeze and return to pre-COVID staffing levels. The campaign demands restoration of lost positions and 1,000 new workers to reach pre-COVID levels.

• Safe Parks: Save the 50 Urban Park Rangers facing job loss and add 100 new Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers to enhance safety.

• Clean Parks: Preserve the 100 City Parks Workers at risk of job loss and add 200 more to maintain cleanliness and upkeep.

• Green and Resilient Parks: Save the 50 Forestry and GreenThumb staff facing job cuts, and add 51 positions for forestry restoration and volunteer engagement. The campaign also calls for reinstating the Citywide Trails Program and renewing the Parks Equity Initiative.

Why is this important?

The Save NYC Parks campaign is crucial because the parks system is vital to New York City's infrastructure, providing green space, recreational areas, and environmental benefits to millions.

For over 40 years, NYC Parks has been underfunded, receiving only 0.5% to 0.6% of the city’s operating budget, compared to 1.3% in 1976. This underfunding has led to a decline in park maintenance and staffing, impacting New Yorkers’ quality of life.

Parks are vital for urban health and climate resilience. They mitigate heat-related health issues, support local biodiversity, and provide essential green spaces for recreation and community engagement. The proposed $55 million cuts would exacerbate these issues, leading to less safe, clean, and accessible parks.

Veloz noted, “Parks provide a vital service for families and children, promoting play, exercise, and positive mental health.” In a city with limited access to private green spaces, public parks are a lifeline for physical and mental health.

The GreenThumb program, which supports urban gardens and agriculture, faces severe underfunding. As Veloz highlighted, “GreenThumb, the one city department focusing on community gardens, is consistently underfunded.” Investing in GreenThumb and similar programs is critical for enhancing food security, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

The Save NYC Parks campaign is crucial to ensuring New York City’s parks are adequately funded and maintained. By taking action, New Yorkers can help preserve these essential public spaces and advocate for the investment needed to keep them vibrant and functional.

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