New Public Parks in Underserved Areas

Realizing new public open space in underserved areas is the goal of the NYC Parks Walk to a Park initiative.

One New York: The Plan for a Strong and Just City set a target of 85 percent of New Yorkers living within walking distance of a park by 2030 with a mission to work towards creating readily available access to public open space for all New Yorkers.

To achieve this goal, we explore and advance multiple approaches, from forming partnerships and coordinating with public and private institutions, to improving existing open space for public use, to acquiring and developing private property to create new parks.

Here are examples and highlights of projects that closed the walk gap to an accessible public open space for New Yorkers.

Schoolyard to Playground

PS 748/K163 - 1664 Benson Ave, Brooklyn

Before

A concrete surface in front of a brick building

After

Children's play equipment in a form resembling trees

Park Acquisition

Lt. Michael R. Davidson Playground, 50-02 39th Ave, Queens

NYC Parks Concept Plan

A detail of a playground reconstruction schematic diagram

Groundbreaking Event

Former Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue stands behind a podium, speaking to a seated crowd of community members

NYCHA Partnership

NYCHA Sotomayor Houses Playground, Bronx

Before

Children's play equipment in a playground

After

Children's play equipment in a playground

Newly reconstructed 9,900 sq. ft. playground for NYCHA residents and neighborhood New Yorkers, opened August 2024.