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NYC Blogs »
Former West Side Railway Opens as High-Rise Park
High Line Park to Open Tuesday
Bronx Still Waiting on City’s Fields of Dreams
Broadway Closing Gets Mixed Reviews
City Parks Locator
New Yorkers for Parks
Trust for Public Land
Partnerships for Parks
New York City Audubon
2005 Street Tree Census
Green Thumb
More Gardens! Coalition
Rating Playgrounds, Courts and Fields
New York’s Open Schoolyards Initiative: Will Artificial Turf Make it a Public Health Hazard?
Yankees Parkland
Preliminary Mayor's Management Report
by Witold Rybczynski
Inside City Parks
by Peter Harnik
Private Owned Public Space: The New York City Experience
by Jerold S. Kayden
Parks Archive
Good Parks Are Good for the Economy (June 2009) Along with providing relief from concrete and places for reflection and recreation, parks offer an array of economic benefits and can even save taxpayers money.
Yankee Stadium Is Opening but Not the Parks (April 2009) While the Yankees celebrate their new stadium, student and amateur athlete in the Bronx are still waiting for the new parks they were promised.
Budget Takes an Ax to Programs for Open Space (March 2009) While just about every area of state spending will take a major hit in next year's budget, the fund that provides money for parks and open space is set to bear a particularly heavy burden.
What's Happened to the Plant in the Park (January 2009) In four years, the cost of building a controversial water filtration plant has tripled. The city defends the deal, while critics maintain they were right all along.
A Federal Stimulus for City Parks (December 2008) Advocates hope the Obama administration and its stimulus package will put urban parks back on the agenda as it moves to invest in a greener future.
From the West Side: A 'Roadmap' for City Streets (November 2008) A new proposal for the Upper West Side calls for more greenery, bike friendly streets, places to sit and slower traffic. But will residents agree to give up their parking spaces?
A Property Tax for Parks? (October 2008) The existence of a good park can enhance the value of property in adjacent areas. Now some advocates want to use part of that extra money to fund park programs.
From Parking Space to People Place (September 2008) In the year since the first National Park(ing) Day, New York City has stepped up efforts to transform roadways and parking spaces into plazas and parks.
Fighting the Asian Long-Horned Beetle (August 2008) The Asian long-horned beetle represents a major threat to Mayor Bloomberg's goal of creating a greener, leafier city.
The Future of Ridgewood Reservoir: Birds or Baseball? (July 2008) A former Queens reservoir, reclaimed by woods and wetlands, birds and dragonflies, lies at the center of a debate over parks planning in New York City.
Tracking Crime in the Parks (April 2008) New York City parks today have far less crime than they once did, but police have not complied with a requirement that would tell all New Yorkers just how safe -- or dangerous -- their parks are.
Concerns Grow but the Grass Doesn't (February 2008) A growing number of critics question whether the city's move to replace grass with artificial turf could create health and environmental problems and make the warming city even hotter.
The Ferry Point Fiasco (January 2008) The Giuliani administration’s plan for a golf course atop an old landfill in the Bronx has cost the city millions. Will it ever become a reality?
Creating People-Friendly Streets (November 2007) Can the streets of the Upper West Side become people places instead of car corridors? Anne Schwartz reports on a new campaign in the area that, coupled with PlaNYC 2030, could make calmer, greener streets a reality.
Saving Arlington Marsh (October 2007) The city has announced it will preserve New York’s last major unprotected wetlands, but Arlington Marsh could still face threats.
Replacing Parking with Parks (September 2007) Some New Yorkers have envisioned new uses for an often neglected public space – the thousands of square feet of curbsides now reserved for cars.
Reopening the 19th Century High Bridge (August 2007) A 19th century engineering marvel and tourist attraction is being restored as a park for 21st century New Yorkers.
Grading Neighborhood Parks 2007 (May 2007) Conditions at New York City’s neighborhood parks vary widely, and overall, they are in worse shape than last year, according to survey by the group New Yorkers for Parks. The commissioner, however, calls the report card a case of “grade deflation.”
Protecting New York’s Wetlands (April 2007) Coastal areas, marshes, ponds and the like are key to New York City's rich ecosystem. But development and pollution threaten to wipe out many of these areas
Private Partnerships For Public Parks (January 2007) A deal to give 20 private schools near-exclusive use of much of the recreational space of Randall’s Island in exchange for funding is the latest controversy arising over an increasing practice – “the reliance on private organizations to support what traditionally has been a taxpayer-funded service.”
A Greener Governor? (November 2006) Parks advocates expect Eliot Spitzer to continue his support for open space in New York City, while they hope the new Congress will increase funding for urban parks.
Yankee Stadium/Parks Exchange Underway (October 2006) Construction of Yankee stadium is on schedule, but, Anne Schwartz writes, “the building of the promised interim and replacement parkland has gotten off to a slower start. Now residents are wondering when – and if – the new parks will be built.”
Open Space in the Atlantic Yards Development (August 2006) Anne Schwartz looks at the plans for parkland and open space at the proposed Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, and at the debate over whether the open space lives up to the developer’s promise; whether it will be accessible to the public; how it will be managed; whether there will be enough.
Open Space in the AtlanticYards Development (August 2006) Anne Schwartz looks at the plans for parkland and open space at the proposed Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, and at the debate over whether the open space lives up to the developer’s promise; whether it will be accessible to the public; how it will be managed; whether there will be enough.
Open Space in the AtlanticYards Development (August 2006) Anne Schwartz looks at the plans for parkland and open space at the proposed Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, and at the debate over whether the open space lives up to the developer’s promise; whether it will be accessible to the public; how it will be managed; whether there will be enough.
Community Gardens (July 2006) A 2002 agreement saved hundreds of cherished community gardens, but many others still face an uncertain future, endangered by New York's development boom and need for housing.
Parks Budget For 2007 (April 2006) This year, the mayor’s preliminary budget eliminates $14 million for 600 seasonal park employees, the entire street tree pruning effort, and an after-school program at the recreation centers.
Yankee Stadium Parkland Swap (March 2006) The taking of parkland for Yankee Stadium, Anne Schwartz writes, raises a number of issues involving the public health, the environment, and whether what the community is getting in return is a fair trade.
Protecting The Park In The Parkway (February 2006) Last year, a great stone wall in Washington Heights collapsed onto the Henry Hudson Parkway. Last month, a deal to restore the parkway collapsed as well.
Parkstat To Fight Crime (January 2006) Anne Schwartz details a new law that, by requiring the police to report felonies that occur in city parks, will help make them safer – or at least let the public know how safe they already are.
Real Estate Developers Should Help Pay for Parkland (August 2005) Peter Harnik of the Center for City Park Excellence argues that New York City should require real estate developers to donate land or pay in-lieu fees to help governments acquire parkland.
Recreation for Youth In Short Supply (June 2005) Despite the growing body of research demonstration the need for organized recreation for youth, it is in short supply in New York City, says Anne Schwartz, who reports on the efforts to fill the gap.
The Same Old Budget Game (May 2005) Anne Schwartz details the proposed budget for parks, which, advocates say, is less than the mayor promised.
Trees & Sidewalks Repair Program (April 2005) The city has begun a pilot program to fix sidewalks that have been damaged by tree roots – at no cost to the homeowner.
Politics Kills A Greenway (March 2005) A long-planned and fully-funded greenway bites the dust, to make way for a roadway that is unlikely ever to happen.
The Gates And The Water Filtration Plant (February 2005) Anne Schwartz contemplates “The Gates” in Central Park, and updates the water filtration plant in Van Cortlandt Park.
Greenway Glitches (January 2005) The city’s plans for some parts of the “greenway” in Brooklyn undermine the whole purpose of it “as a park space and a safe corridor for bicyclists and pedestrians,” Anne Schwartz writes.
Turning The High Line Elevated Railroad Into An Unconventional Park (November 2004) “Against all odds, a crazy and impractical-seeming idea is rapidly becoming a reality,” Anne Schwartz writes, though the plans for the abandoned elevated railroad known as the High Line “are more like a work of modern sculpture than a traditional park.”
Planting Trees For Life (October 2004) The neighborhoods in the city with the most pollution, and the worst health, have the fewest trees. Anne Schwartz explains why this is not a coincidence, and what is being done about it.
$243 Million For Bronx Parkland? Who Will Decide? (August 2004) Park advocates fear that the decisions on how to spend $243 million in the Bronx - given in exchange for the building of a water filtration plant underneath Van Cortlandt Park - "are being made by politicians behind closed doors," writes Anne Schwartz.
The Filtration Plant In Van Cortlandt Park (July 2004) "The city is moving quickly to build a controversial water filtration plant in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx," writes Anne Schwartz, while opponents say the whole affair sets a disturbing precedent that puts other city parks at risk.
Report Card On Neighborhood Parks (June 2004) Anne Schwartz previews the second annual report card on New York City's neighborhood parks - "a small improvement ... although a quarter of the city's parks still have failing grades."
City Parks And The Proposed Budget (May 2004) "In the discussion about whether the city should allow protesters to rally on Central Park's Great Lawn before the Republican Convention, one issue has been left out," Anne Schwartz writes. "Where would the money come from to fix the trampled grass and plants? "
Parks Opportunity Program (April 2004) A look at the pluses and minuses of the Parks Opportunity Program, whose goals are to help New Yorkers get off welfare and also maintain the city's parkland.
How To Make An Excellent City Park System (March 2004) Money is not all that New York City’s parks could use more of, according to a new report. Anne Schwartz details the seven requirements for an excellent urban park system.
Concessions (February 2004) Some 600 businesses pay $60 million to operate on parkland. A new audit says they aren't monitored enough; an old argument says the $60 million should go directly to the parks department.
Federal Funding For City Parks (January 2004) Anne Schwartz looks at federal funding -- or lack of it -- for city parks.
Crime in the Parks (December 2003) Anne Schwartz looks at crime in the parks.
Three New Projects To Restore Or Build Parks (November 2003) Anne Schwartz reports on surprising good news for parks -- three big new projects, all announced within the past month, including an old gas tank that was slated to be a Home Depot.
Manhattan Greenway (October 2003) "There is still a long way to go before a continuous green path runs around the shoreline of Manhattan," Anne Schwartz writes. But the final link to a temporary waterfront greenway around Manhattan has just been completed.
Adopt-A-Park (September 2003) Anne Schwartz details the new Adopt-A-Park program, passed into law this month, which is intended to encourage private funding for a public bench, a tree, a playground, a whole park.
New Threat From Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Also: Van Cortlandt Park And The Water Filtration Plant (August 2003) Budget cuts for the program to eliminate the Asian long-horned beetle, Anne Schwartz says, are endangering New York’s trees anew. Also – the latest on the water filtration plant planned for Van Cortlandt Park.
How Park Improvements Affect Community Real Estate Values (July 2003) Anne Schwartz looks at the results of a study examining how investments in 30 NYC parks affected the property values and general conditions of their surrounding neighborhoods.
Van Cortlandt Park And The Filtration Plant (June 2003) Anne Schwartz reports on the legislature's last-minute approval of the water filtration plant underneath a section of Van Cortlandt Park.
Private Report Card on Smaller Parks (May 2003) Anne Schwartz details the results of a survey by New Yorkers for Parks of the city's smaller parks and recreation areas.
Reviving the Filtration Plant Underneath Van Cortlandt Park (April 2003) The Bloomberg administration has been quietly working to resuscitate the controversial plan to build a water filtration plant under the Mosholu Golf Course in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Anne Schwartz reports.
Report Card On The Parks (March 2003) Spring is here, and Anne Schwartz looks at Mayor Michael Bloomberg's "report card" in parks - in which he measured how he was doing compared to what he had promised to do - and gives him a lower grade than he gave himself.
Turning Parkways Into Parks? Turning Trees Into Sports Fields? (February 2003) Staten Island could get 500 more acres of park if the state legislature finally agrees to abandon a highway plan dating back to the 1930s. Also: a final resolution to the conflict between sports fields and trees in Bloomfield Park.
Crime, Christo and Car-free (January 2003) A burst of violent crime in the parks has alarmed park advocates and raised questions about whether the parks are becoming less safe. Also: It's official -- Christo will wrap Central Park. And a three-month trial ban of cars in Prospect Park. Anne Schwartz reports.
0 (December 2002)
New York City's Permanent Food Emergency (November 2002)
Budget cuts and the parks (November 2002)
State Protections For City Parkland (October 2002)
A Year After 911: The Rediscovery Of The City's Parks (9/11 Special) "This September 11, people will again find their way to the parks," as they did a year ago, Anne Schwartz says. But if the parks are more important than ever to New Yorkers, one result of 9/11 is a further reduction in their funding.
Park Escapes (August 2002)
STATE FUNDING FOR CITY PARKS (July 2002)
Not A Swimmer's Paradise (June 2002)
Naming for Dollars (May 2002)
Community Gardens; Prospect Park's Audubon Center; Brooklyn Bridge Park (May 2002)
Remembering 9/11. Governors Island. The Beetles. (April 2002)
Central Park of Art, Beetles and Cars; First Budget Hearings on Parks (March 2002)
The New Parks Chief; Also, Greenways Are Good (February 2002)
A New Policy Towards Parks? (January 2002)
Outlook in 2002; Unfinished Business From the Giuliani Era (December 2001)
Open Spaces; A Million Daffodil Memorial (November 2001)
Campaign Promises For Parks In Light Of 9/11 (October 2001)
Drawn To The Parks (September 2001)
Governors Island, Community Gardens, Mayors Who Actually Care About Parks (August 2001)
Golf Course at Ferry Point Park (July 2001)
Parks in the budget (June 2001)
Community Gardens Endangered Still. Also: Preserve Bloomingdale Woods (May 2001)
New York As Oasis: OASIS mapping, Bloomingdale Woods, Governors Island Tours (April 2001)
Organizing for More Green (March 2001)
In the News: Playing hardball in Bloomingdale Woods. Also, Parks embattled by accusations (February 2001)
Golf Clubbing Bronx Residents? Also: When Stadiums Win, Do Parks Lose? (January 2001)
Fees for Parks. Also: Making Parks Political (December 2000)
Election Special--THE PARKS AND THE POLS (October 2000)
In the News: Garbage Out, Parks In; Also, rating New York City's parks (September 2000)
Final Design for Brooklyn Waterfront Park. Also: Funding for Urban Parks (August 2000)
In the News: The War on Beetles (July 2000)
In the News: Roundup (June 2000)
Protecting community gardens (May 2000)
In The News: Finally! The Brooklyn Bridge Park plan (April 2000)
In The News: Field of Dreams in Staten Island? (March 2000)
In The News: (February 2000)
In The News: (January 2000)
In The News: (December 1999)

