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New York City has over 1,700 Parks. All are run and maintained
by the New York City Parks & Recreation. At over 28,000 acres,
that's a hefty number and quite a task...'but they manage to get
the job done somehow regardless of the little funding they receive.
"Thanks to the aggressive acquisition policies of previous
administrations, The Parks Department feels that it can now focus
on preserving and maintaining what is ours to protect. Today (circa
2000), Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern's main priorities, besides
the obvious of providing clean and safe parks for New Yorkers, is
focusing on involving "everyday" people in the well-being of New
York City's 1,500 parks, playgrounds, and squares, 600 monuments
and 800 tablets, 35 recreation centers, 14 miles of beaches, 20
historic houses, 15 golf courses, gardens, wetlands, forests and
meadows, 614 turf ballfields, 550 tennis courts, 33 outdoor swimming
pools, 6 ice rinks, 4 major stadia, 4 zoos and 1 library. Relative
to the number of citizens living in New York City, the amount of
parkland is insufficient. The amount of money allocated by the government
for parks is exceedingly low: .35%"....On
a personal note, I find it amazing that they get so much done.......'though,
what I would really love to see are more park rangers within our
parks. Not only would it be a nice aesthetic addition, but they'd
serve as great litter police. There are too many out there with
too little respect for the parks' cleanliness.
Apart from the many properties they manage, the NYC/Parks &
Recreation Department offers many year 'round activities and programs
for people and kids of all ages.....'.Gee, just the way it should
be....Definitely check out the New Yorkled Events
Calendar for upcoming free activities!
You'll find signs at all city parks that'll let you know what time
the park opens and closes....In most cases it'll be from dawn to
dusk...but different in other instances...take for example, Central
Park or Battery Park both of which open at 6:00 am and closes at
1:00 am. Then there's Madison Square Park which closes just a bit
earlier. Just be sure to take note of the signs for times as well
as for what's allowed and not allowed in the park.
Should you be interested in some little known info regarding the
NYC's largest parks, our biggest parks in size order are:
1. Pelham Bay Park, Bronx 2,765 acres
2. Greenbelt, Staten Island 1,778 acres
3. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
1,255 acres
4. Van Courtlandt Park, Bronx 1,146
acres
5. Central Park, Manhattan 843 acres
6. Fresh Kills Park, Staten Island 813 acres
7. Marine Park, Brooklyn 798 acres
8. Bronx Park, Bronx 718 acres
9. Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, South and Midland Beaches, Staten
Island 638 acres
10. Alley Pond Park, Queens 655 acres
If you're interested in any activities or in learning even more
about this city's great parks, then head on over to their
website: NYC/Parks
& Recreation or check out my events
calendar for updates regarding what's free in our streets
and parks. |
