State Senator Malcolm A. Smith has announced that Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently unveiled a $1.2 billion plan with the Department of Parks and Recreation to expand active recreation and greening initiatives.
The funding will be used to improve 290 school playgrounds throughout the city, including 10 schools within southeast Queens.
As a part of the city’s PlaNYC, a blueprint for a greener and sustainable New York, all residents in the district will be within a 10-minute walk from a playground or recreation area.
A total of $111 million of the $1.2 billion is dedicated to beginning or completing construction on all school yard initiatives scheduled to be completed by 2010.
Smith said these funds will allow schools within the district to re-open playgrounds previously closed during after-school hours and on the weekends.
“With the alarming national increase in childhood diabetes and obesity rates, this is an important step in increasing the health of our children,” he said. “It will allow thousands of children in the district to enjoy physical activity, have some fun, and provide parents with the piece of mind that their children are in a safe environment.”
The Parks Department will develop capital improvement plans for each un-opened site in cooperation with the Department of Education, and with extensive community input.
The following schools within Smith’s district are targeted for immediate capital improvements:
“We need to continue to provide community recreational opportunities and initiatives that take advantage of New York’s green spaces, recreational areas, playgrounds, and tree-lined streets, all of which greatly contribute to a healthier city,” continued Smith. “I look forward to working with the Parks Department to make Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s greener vision of New York City a reality. Establishing the re-opening of our playgrounds is a positive approach and we look forward to ensuring the equitable distribution of additional PlaNYC funds.”
