Yisroel R.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a $50 million capital investment to upgrade 10 parks across New York City through the Community Parks Initiative as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including the Roebling Playground in Williamsburg.

The funding will be used to reconstruct parks in neighborhoods that historically received fewer upgrades, with the goal of expanding access to safe and welcoming public spaces. City officials said the improvements are expected to benefit more than 100,000 residents across all five boroughs by upgrading facilities, improving green space, and adding new recreational equipment.

Mayor Mamdani said parks serve as an important gathering place for many New Yorkers, whether for sports, family activities, or community events. He said the new investment will help ensure that more residents can enjoy parks that are cleaner, safer, and easier to access.

Tricia Shimamura, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, said the initiative continues the city’s effort to revitalize neighborhood parks through a community-driven design process. Through the program, local residents help shape park upgrades that include new playground equipment, improved landscaping, and recreation spaces for all ages.

The announcement comes as researchers at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy released studies highlighting the mental health and social benefits of improved neighborhood park space. According to Professor Terry Huang, renovated parks have led to increased usage and higher satisfaction among residents.

Over the past decade, NYC Parks has completed 70 park reconstruction projects through the Community Parks Initiative, with another 47 projects currently underway. City officials said the newly announced investments will bring the total number of active initiative sites to 57 across the five boroughs.