The upgrades include courts and new landscaping. On April 8, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Silver cut the ribbon on the reconstruction of Chappetto Square in Astoria, Queens. Chappetto Square is located on Hoyt Avenue between 21st and 23rd Streets. The reconstruction of Chappetto Square comes as a part of the Community Parks Initiative. The Community Parks Initiative being the first ever Department of Parks and Recreation equity initiative.
Department of Parks & Recreation
Betsy Head Park Begins Second Phase of Renovations Under Anchor Parks Initiative
This $30 million equity initiative will revamp and repair the beloved Brownsville neighborhood park. On March 31, 2021, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver joined to cut the ribbon on the second phase of the Betsy Head Park reconstruction. The popular park is located in Brownsville in Brooklyn.
Park in Staten Island Receives $5.5 Million Upgrade
The $5.5 million project renovates athletic fields at Bloomindale Park in Staten Island. On March 11, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation announced the completion of athletic field upgrades in Bloomingdale Park in Prince’s Bay, Staten Island. The improvements include a brand new synthetic turf multi-purpose field as well as the renovation of a turf soccer field.
Parks Commissioner Stepping Down in Late Spring or Early Summer
After a seven-year tenue, Commissioner Mitchell J Silver is stepping down in the late spring or early summer of 2021. On March 9, 2021, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced the coming departure of their Commissioner, Mitchell J. Silver. Commissioner Silver has served as the Commissioner since May 2014. He is the fourth longest serving Commissioner of the Parks Department. Commissioner Silver spent his seven-year tenure reforming and updating the park system through over … <Read More>
Parks Dept Releases Virtual Deer Map and Deer Management Plan
The newly released map will educate young students on the Staten Island deer population and the new plan provides New Yorkers with a detailed Deer Impact Management Plan. On February 17, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation launched two new deer related resources: The Deer Awareness Presentation and the Managing Deer Impacts on Staten Island Virtual Report.
Parks Dept Removes Abandoned Boats from Pelham Bay
Abandoned boats and vessels pose environmental risks and create hazards for navigation. On February 10, 2021, NYC Parks Chief of Waterfront and Marine Operations Nate Grove and City Council Member Mark Gjonaj removed the first of three abandoned boats from the Pelham Bay Park shoreline.