By Mark Hallum
City Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver and other community leaders announced Wi-Fi in the parks and Street Charge would be extended for an additional five years.
Launched in 2011, Wi-Fi in the Parks provides Internet service in 27 locations of 21 parks across the five boroughs, with Astoria Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and MacDonald Park in Queens receiving coverage.
“Thanks to AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks and AT&T Street Charge, Queens residents and visitors don’t have to choose between staying connected or enjoying some time at one of our beautiful parks,” Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said. “This modern technology allows our parks to be even more fun to visit.”
Solar Street Charge units were introduced in 2013 and will be expanded to 34 units at 15 parks and beaches. In Queens, there are currently charging stations in Flushing Meadows, West Side Tennis Center and Rockaway Beach at 107th, 97th, and 86th Street beaches. New charging units being installed in the borough will be at David Dinkins Circle and Ederle Terrace within Flushing Meadows.
“Through amenities like the Wi-Fi and charging stations in parks, we help increase technological access, while gathering insight into how our visitors engage with our green spaces — insights that strengthen our strategic approach to building a better park system in the future,” Commissioner Silver said.
The charging units were originally installed throughout the city in response to power problems New Yorkers experienced following Hurricane Sandy. The solar powered units operate in any weather and the Wi-Fi stations have served 8.6 million residents since their introduction, according to the Parks Department.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
