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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Nichelle Johnson, Fellow at The High Line
2:30:10
ยท
85 sec
Nichelle Johnson, a High Line fellow, testifies about the importance of adequate funding for parks in New York City. She emphasizes how underfunding leads to unsafe and neglected parks, negatively impacting community well-being and children's development.
- Johnson argues that parks are essential spaces for all ages, but they have been deprioritized for too long.
- She highlights that increased funding could transform parks into vibrant community spaces where children can thrive.
- The speaker stresses the need for better park infrastructure and maintenance to ensure safety and invite community engagement.
Nichelle Johnson
2:30:10
Hello committee chairs and members of the committee.
2:30:13
Thank you for the opportunity for us to speak today.
2:30:15
My name is Nayshall Johnson and I am a Highline fellow.
2:30:18
Throughout the years, the parks has been put to the side for too long.
2:30:22
The parks are supposed to be an open space to many, either after school, during free time, to let go no matter what age, and yet it is continuously being deprioritized.
2:30:31
Without the full restoration of parks funding, we get a park that provides less than the basic necessities.
2:30:37
With less funding, we get a park that is less safe but gets more trash and risk.
2:30:41
With less funding, we get a higher percentage of kids not enjoying the wonders of outside.
2:30:46
With less funding, parents don't feel that their child is safe even when it's made for them.
2:30:51
But with more funding that could be changed, one step, one funding cycle at a time, people will see a park that truly grows their community where kids blossom and gloom and bloom.
2:31:02
The lack of attention, infrastructure, and improvement for parks only cause less security for our communities.
2:31:08
We need a place to be kids and socialize with others our age and if the parks, the place that formed the joy and innocence of many looks as if it was abandoned, neglected, isolated, is simply not inviting or safe to anyone.
2:31:23
That is why we need to change it.
2:31:25
If we get park, if we get the park section of the city budget to something better, there will be a future where kids and many others are more open to the world.
2:31:35
Thank you for your time.