Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Parks and Recreation
Apr 23, 2025
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 3 min
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Summary
A hearing on improving access to public athletic and recreational facilities, focusing on three bills:
- Intro 566 to expand public access to school playgrounds
- Intro 573 to increase drinking fountains near parks
- Intro 643 to facilitate indoor basketball court use during bad weather
Discussions centered on:
- Opening more school playgrounds after hours
- Improving drinking fountain availability and maintenance
- Providing indoor alternatives for sports during inclement weather
- Addressing issues with the Parks Department's new athletic field permitting system
Features testimony from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, NYC Independent Budget Office, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the hearing on improving access to public athletic and recreational facilities
Council Member Shekar Krishnan opens the hearing on improving access to public athletic and recreational fields and facilities in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of parks and recreational …
0:00:48
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58 sec
Overview of existing playgrounds and recreational facilities in New York City
Council Member Krishnan provides an overview of the existing playgrounds and recreational facilities in New York City, emphasizing their importance to neighborhoods and child development. He presents statistics on the …
0:01:46
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58 sec
Jointly Operated Playgrounds (JOPs) and Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative
Council Member Krishnan explains the concepts of Jointly Operated Playgrounds (JOPs) and the Schoolyards to Playgrounds initiative. He highlights how these programs have increased public access to recreational spaces in …
0:02:45
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149 sec
Introduction of Intro 566 - Plan to expand public access to school playgrounds
Council Member Krishnan introduces Intro 566, sponsored by Council Member Brewer, which aims to expand public access to school playgrounds. The bill requires collaboration between the Department of Parks and …
0:05:15
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37 sec
Introduction of Intro 573 - Evaluation and installation of drinking fountains
Council Member Krishnan introduces Intro 573, also sponsored by Council Member Brewer, which focuses on increasing the availability of drinking fountains in parks and adjacent areas. The bill aims to …
0:05:53
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27 sec
Introduction of Intro 643 - Plan for indoor basketball court use during inclement weather
Council Member Krishnan introduces Intro 643, sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley, which aims to increase access to indoor basketball courts and gyms during inclement weather. The bill requires coordination …
0:06:21
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93 sec
Discussion on permitting process for athletic fields and courts
Council Member Krishnan addresses the importance of an equitable permitting process for athletic fields and courts. He highlights the current system and some of the challenges faced in allocating these …
0:07:56
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101 sec
2024 changes to athletic permit rules and their objectives
Council Member Krishnan discusses the recent changes to the Parks Department's athletic permit rules, implemented in 2024. These changes aim to address longstanding concerns and improve equity in access to …
0:09:38
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72 sec
Council Member Brewer discusses legislation on drinking fountains and playground access
Council Member Gale A. Brewer presents her remarks on two pieces of legislation she has introduced: Intro 573 concerning access to drinking fountains, and Intro 566 aimed at expanding access …
0:11:12
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4 min
Council Member Kevin C. Riley advocates for the Indoor Hoops Act
Council Member Kevin C. Riley presents his bill, Intro 643, known as the Indoor Hoops Act. He explains the importance of providing indoor alternatives for basketball leagues during inclement weather, …
0:16:00
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146 sec
Introduction and overview of NYC Parks' mission and athletic facilities
Margaret Nelson, Deputy Commissioner for Public Programs and Community Engagement at NYC Parks, introduces the agency's mission to provide clean, safe parks and recreational amenities for New Yorkers. She outlines …
0:19:29
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50 sec
Athletic field permitting statistics and process
NYC Parks issued over 14,000 athletic field permits in 2024, serving nearly 3,500 organizations and individuals. The agency provides permits for a diverse range of users, including youth leagues, schools, …
0:20:20
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95 sec
Investment in renovation and maintenance of athletic facilities
NYC Parks invests in the renovation and construction of athletic facilities to better serve local communities. These projects include natural turf field renovations, synthetic turf replacements, and installation of sports …
0:21:56
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89 sec
Capital projects and public-private partnerships for field renovations
NYC Parks has invested over $200 million in 70 comprehensive field and court reconstruction projects. The agency also leverages private philanthropic funding to expand the impact of city capital dollars. …
0:23:25
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96 sec
Improvements to the athletic field permitting process
NYC Parks has made significant strides in making the athletic field permitting process more accessible, transparent, and equitable. Key improvements include a user-friendly searchable field and court availability map and …
0:25:01
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3 min
Impact and feedback on new athletic field permitting process
The recently implemented rule changes and process improvements for athletic field permitting have been well-received, particularly by newer organizations. The changes aim to make the process more accessible and equitable. …
0:28:30
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85 sec
Discussion of Intro 566-2024 on expanding public access to school playgrounds
Intro 566-2024 would require NYC Parks, in consultation with NYC Schools, to submit an annual plan to expand public access to school playgrounds, prioritizing properties in environmental justice areas. While …
0:29:56
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78 sec
Discussion of Intro 643-2024 and NYC Parks recreation centers
Intro 643-2024 proposes a plan to facilitate the use of indoor basketball courts, including those in privately owned gyms and NYC schools, for organized leagues when outdoor courts are impacted …
0:31:14
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179 sec
Discussion of Intro 573-2024 on drinking fountains in parks
Intro 573-2024 would require NYC Parks to evaluate the need for drinking fountains in sections of park property adjacent to non-parkland and install additional fountains in these areas. NYC Parks …
0:34:14
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78 sec
Discussion on proposed legislation and Parks Department's response
Council Member Krishnan and Matt Drury from the Parks Department discuss the department's opposition to the proposed bills and potential for collaboration between agencies. - Parks Department clarifies their opposition …
0:35:55
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135 sec
Schoolyards to Playgrounds program and interagency collaboration
Council Member Krishnan and Parks Department representatives discuss the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program and potential for expanding interagency collaboration. - Overview of the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program and its impact …
0:38:10
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3 min
Partnerships with Trust for Public Land and other organizations
Council Member Krishnan and Parks Department representatives discuss the department's partnerships with Trust for Public Land and other organizations. - Overview of Trust for Public Land's involvement in the Schoolyards …
0:41:28
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59 sec
Inventory of water fountains and recreational facilities in parks
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the current number and installation of water fountains, basketball courts, and tracks under Parks Department jurisdiction. - Parks Department oversees about 3,700 exterior water fountains …
0:42:27
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144 sec
Athletic field permitting rule changes and ongoing access concerns
Council Member Krishnan and Parks Department representatives discuss recent changes to athletic field permitting rules and ongoing concerns about access to recreational spaces. - Parks Department explains the rationale behind …
0:44:51
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3 min
Council Member Riley questions Parks Department on basketball court access and summer league accommodations
Council Member Kevin C. Riley engages in a Q&A session with Margaret Nelson from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, focusing on access to basketball courts and accommodations for …
0:48:21
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174 sec
Discussion on school playgrounds and access programs
Council Member Brewer and Matt Drury from the Parks Department discuss the current state of school playground access programs and potential changes to proposed legislation. They cover the number of …
0:51:19
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3 min
Discussion on drinking fountains in parks: installation, cost, and challenges
Council Member Brewer and Matt Drury discuss the installation of drinking fountains in parks, focusing on their placement, cost, and associated challenges. They explore the potential for increasing fountain availability, …
0:54:31
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165 sec
Council Member Brewer's concluding remarks on drinking fountain placement
Council Member Brewer concludes the discussion by emphasizing the need for drinking fountains both within parks and along their perimeters. - Brewer suggests that both interior and perimeter drinking fountains …
0:57:17
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2 sec
Funding and maintenance of water fountains in NYC parks
Council Member Shekar Krishnan inquires about the funding and maintenance of water fountains in NYC parks. The Parks Department representatives explain that installation of water fountains as part of larger …
0:57:19
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64 sec
Communication of new athletic field permitting rules
Council Member Krishnan raises concerns about access issues and lack of awareness regarding the new permitting rules, particularly for nonprofit organizations. The Parks Department representatives detail their communication efforts to …
0:58:24
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107 sec
Dedicated staff and systems for handling permitting issues
Council Member Krishnan inquires about dedicated staff for handling permitting issues. The Parks Department representatives explain their current system for addressing permit-related problems and responding to urgent situations. - Each …
1:00:10
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116 sec
Process for determining athletic field permit allocation
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the process for determining permit allocation when multiple groups apply for the same space and time. The Parks Department representative explains the priority order used …
1:02:07
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91 sec
Explanation of the Citywide Events Management System (SEMS)
Council Member Krishnan asks for an explanation of the Citywide Events Management System (SEMS) used for obtaining permits. The Parks Department representative provides details on how the system works and …
1:03:38
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96 sec
Availability of athletic fields for permitted activities vs. open public use
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the balance between athletic fields reserved for permitted activities and those available for open public use. The Parks Department representative explains their approach to managing …
1:05:14
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88 sec
Addressing the issue of unused permitted athletic fields
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the frequency of unused permitted fields and the process to address this issue. The Parks Department representative explains their inspection program and the steps taken …
1:06:42
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162 sec
Permitting process for various sizes of park spaces
Council Member Krishnan asks about the differences in the permitting process for groups using entire sports fields versus those using smaller spaces within parks. The Parks Department representative explains their …
1:09:24
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78 sec
Revenue collected through athletic field permit fees and recent changes
Council Member Krishnan inquires about the revenue collected through permit fees and recent changes in the fee structure. The Parks Department representative provides details on current revenue and explains the …
1:10:42
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78 sec
Allocation of athletic field permit fee revenue to the city's general fund
Council Member Krishnan raises concerns about the allocation of permit fee revenue to the city's general fund rather than directly to the Parks Department or specific parks. The Parks Department …
1:12:01
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110 sec
Testimony by Steph Crane, Senior Education Budget and Policy Analyst at NYC Independent Budget Office (IBO)
Steph Crane from the NYC Independent Budget Office presented an analysis of the costs and implications of expanding the Schoolyards to Playgrounds program, as proposed in Intro 566. The testimony …
1:15:37
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5 min
Q&A on schoolyard and playground data with NYC Independent Budget Office
Council Member Shekar Krishnan engages in a detailed discussion with Steph Crane from the NYC Independent Budget Office about the data presented on schoolyards and playgrounds. They discuss the number …
1:20:45
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123 sec
Testimony by Sophie Stelboum, Program Coordinator at Trust for Public Land
Sophie Stelboum from the Trust for Public Land testified in support of two bills introduced by Council Member Gail Brewer regarding access to athletic fields, playgrounds, and the installation of …
1:23:46
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124 sec
Council member praises Trust for Public Land's work on school playgrounds
Council Member Shekar Krishnan expresses strong appreciation for the Trust for Public Land's work, particularly highlighting their impact on a playground at IS 145 in Jackson Heights. He describes how …
1:25:50
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58 sec
Testimony by Merritt Birnbaum, President and CEO of Riverside Park Conservancy
Merritt Birnbaum, President and CEO of Riverside Park Conservancy, testified in support of bills to improve access to drinking water and public open spaces in New York City parks. She …
1:26:59
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3 min
Discussion on field permitting and demand at Riverside Park
Council Member Shekar Krishnan inquires about the impact of new permitting rules on Riverside Park Conservancy's fields and courts. Merritt Birnbaum, representing the Conservancy, discusses the high demand for fields …
1:30:02
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114 sec
Testimony by Avery Wallace, Representative of NYCH2O
Avery Wallace, representing NYCH2O, testified in support of Intro 573 and Intro 566, which aim to increase drinking fountains in public parks and expand access to school playgrounds. NYCH2O's mission …
1:32:04
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124 sec
Follow-up questions on drinking fountain data
Council Member Gale A. Brewer requests follow-up information from the Parks Department regarding the number of broken drinking fountains and the need for repairs and new installations. - Emphasizes the …
1:34:16
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25 sec
Call for inter-agency collaboration on fountain installation
Council Member Brewer expresses frustration with agency silos and calls for collaboration between DEP, FDNY, and Parks to install fountains at park edges using existing fire hydrants. - Highlights the …
1:34:41
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30 sec
Inquiry on playground basketball courts usage
Council Member Brewer inquires about the potential use of playground basketball courts to alleviate pressure on current park facilities and requests data on court usage. - Asks about the number …
1:35:12
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79 sec
Praise for Trust for Public Land's work
Council Member Robert F. Holden commends the Trust for Public Land for their efficient work and positive impact on students. - Praises the organization's speed and effectiveness in completing projects …
1:38:08
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54 sec
Discussion on Schoolyard to Playground program obstacles
Council Member Holden inquires about the main obstacles facing the Schoolyard to Playground program and discusses funding issues. - Asks about the biggest obstacles for the program - Mentions previous …
1:39:02
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125 sec
Closing remarks on agency collaboration and nonprofit contributions
Council Member Krishnan concludes the session with remarks on funding, agency collaboration, and the value of nonprofit organizations in addressing parks and recreation issues. - Agrees that $50 million for …
1:41:07
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96 sec
Testimony by Sommer Omar, Founder of Coalition to Save the Public Recreation Center Downtown
Sommer Omar, founder of the Coalition to Save the Public Recreation Center Downtown, testified in support of the indoor hoops act and against the demolition of the Tony Dapolito Recreation …
1:42:44
•
114 sec
Testimony by Kit Greenberg, Senior Coach at Wellness in the Schools
Kit Greenberg, representing Wellness in the Schools, testified in strong support of Council Member Gail Brewer's proposed bills Intro 573-2024 and Intro 566-2024. These bills aim to increase drinking fountains …
1:44:45
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162 sec
Testimony by Rob Seamans, Representative from Local Nature Lab
Rob Seamans, representing Local Nature Lab, testified in support of proposals 573 and 566, which aim to increase access to schoolyard playgrounds and clean drinking water in New York City. …
1:47:35
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116 sec
Testimony by Suzanne Dvells, Member of the Public
Suzanne Dvells, representing homeowners and renters near Curtis High School on Staten Island, opposes extended after-hours use of the school's athletic facilities due to ongoing issues with current operations. While …
1:50:05
•
147 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Park and Recreation Accessibility
Sharon Brown testifies on the importance of parks and recreational facilities, emphasizing the need for after-hours school access, disability accommodations, and state-of-the-art amenities. She argues that these improvements would enhance …
1:52:43
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134 sec
Testimony by Kelley Pierre, Founder of All Access Golf
Kelley Pierre, founder of All Access Golf and resident of East New York, testified in support of Intro 643-2024 to increase access to recreational parks. She emphasized the importance of …
1:55:05
•
3 min
Testimony by Erycka Montoya, City Council Candidate for District 21
Erycka Montoya, a City Council candidate for District 21, testified in support of Intro 566 and Intro 643, emphasizing the need for more recreational space and access to sports for …
1:58:46
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129 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of Intro 566, but expresses concerns about potential negative influences on children in schools. He suggests banning drill rappers, certain music, and individuals with …
2:01:03
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130 sec