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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Rob Seamans, Representative from Local Nature Lab
1:47:35
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116 sec
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. He emphasized the importance of these initiatives for public health, recreation, and environmental sustainability.
- Schoolyard playgrounds can increase public open space, especially in underserved neighborhoods, and provide safe spaces for teens and tweens.
- Access to clean drinking water in public spaces is essential for public health and can help reduce plastic pollution.
- These initiatives are particularly important in the context of increasing extreme weather events and in heat-vulnerable communities.
Rob Seamans
1:47:35
Hi.
1:47:35
Thanks for having me here.
1:47:36
My name is Rob Siemens.
1:47:38
I'm here on behalf of Local Nature Lab.
1:47:40
We're a community organization with a focus on advocacy, education, and promoting access to local nature and outdoor spaces.
1:47:48
We believe that the proposals presented today, five seven three and five six six, will promote people's greater health and recreation opportunities in diverse New York City communities.
1:47:57
Access to schoolyard playgrounds can increase the extent of public open space, especially in neighborhoods with low park acreage, though these spaces should be considered a compliment to rather than a substitute for increasing green space in communities that have experienced, traditional underinvestment in parks.
1:48:13
Many communities do not have easy access to urban parks or play spaces that provide activities for teens and tweens.
1:48:20
Schoolyards are often designed for these age groups.
1:48:23
They usually include basketball hoops and open areas for active play.
1:48:26
This will support neighborhoods by providing children with safe and productive places to play and socialize.
1:48:32
And frankly, I think we can appreciate that rather than than them, you know, spending more time on their cell phones and things like that.
1:48:38
It may also take pressure off of wild and planted areas, are often designed as passive spaces, but used as active spaces when high use play areas are not available in a community.
1:48:48
Additionally, we believe that greater access to clean drinking water in New York City public spaces is essential.
1:48:54
Not only will this keep people safe and hydrated in the hottest months, it provides a way to reduce plastic pollution as people may move away from buying bottled water.
1:49:02
Local nature lab believes that education about the quality of New York City drinking water combined with access will increase the quality of life for New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs while while supporting environmental initiatives.
1:49:14
Clean and publicly accessible drinking water is a public health issue especially during extreme weather events, which are increasing in frequency and in duration and in heat vulnerable communities.
1:49:25
So we we very much support, these bills that, council member, Brewer has has brought forward.
1:49:30
Thank you.