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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lynn Kelly, Executive Director of New York Restoration Project, on Parks and Open Space Funding
2:50:59
ยท
117 sec
Lynn Kelly, Executive Director of New York Restoration Project and co-chair of Parks and Open Space Partners, advocates for increased funding and investment in New York City's park system. She emphasizes the critical role of parks as city infrastructure and highlights the current underfunding issues.
- Kelly points out the lack of resources, such as only 18 rangers per borough and a nine-year wait for tree planting.
- She stresses the importance of parks as places of respite and community, especially during challenging times.
- Kelly urges council members to prioritize park funding during budget negotiations, citing the potential positive impacts on mental health and community well-being.
Lynn Kelly
2:50:59
I am the executive director of New York Restoration Project, but proudly here as a co chair of Parks and Open Space Partners and a founder of the Play Fair Coalition.
2:51:10
Council member, today is the first day of spring.
2:51:12
Right?
2:51:13
Yay spring.
2:51:14
However, it feels like Groundhog Day to me because I have sat in this chair for the better part of a decade with New Yorkers for Parks, with my colleagues colleagues behind me advocating for a budget that really reflects parks as critical city infrastructure.
2:51:30
Listening to the facts from the commissioner, you know, 18 rangers for per Borough, 30 1 Hundred Dollars to plant a tree in a wait of nine years.
2:51:40
If I wasn't here in person, I would think I'm watching a bad episode of Parks and Recreation.
2:51:47
And here's the thing, this is what happens when you have disinvestment for forty years in the city's park system?
2:51:55
We can change that.
2:51:57
I know you believe in that.
2:51:59
Our world feels upside down right now.
2:52:01
The values that our city holds near and dear are under attack.
2:52:06
Right?
2:52:07
Where do people go when they need a respite?
2:52:09
Where do people go when they need to clear their head?
2:52:12
They spend time and they commune inside our parks.
2:52:16
For me, the safety, the security, and the maintenance of the parks is something I will continue to fight for for another decade, but we need your help.
2:52:25
Bismarck, the young man from the High Line leaders, if he doesn't know it, he has my vote for mayor.
2:52:31
Yes?
2:52:32
And I would ask you council member and your colleagues that when the going gets tough and you're across the budget negotiation table and you're talking about it, think about Bismarck, think about what he said, think about the facts he spoke about about mental health, and think about how we have the opportunity to really turn the tide.
2:52:51
Thank you.
2:52:53
And thank you for listening to my mess ups here at this table.