NEWYORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa announced the opening of 11 new sites in the city’s “schoolyards to playgrounds” program, delivering on another key commitment of Mayor Adams’ 2025 state of the city.
Schoolyards to Playgrounds increases access to green space for New Yorkers in neighborhoods not within walking distance of a park by opening up schoolyards to the public when not in use by the school — during the summer, after school, and on the weekends.
Beginning this month, these sites will be open beginning at 8:00 AM until dusk year-round. Part of Mayor Adams’ Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget — commonly referred to as the city’s “Best Budget Ever” that was adopted by the New York city council last month and voted on unanimously last week — the Adams administration is permanently investing $770,000 toward these additional sites, which will put green space within a 10-minute walk of an additional 20,000 New Yorkers.
The announcement also continues “We Outside Summer”, Mayor Adams’ new initiative that includes a series of announcements, events, investments, and new programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer outside.
“New York City is the greatest city in the world to be a kid and today, we’re going to make it even better by making it easier for our kids to play close to home,” said Mayor Adams.
“Today, we are delivering on another one of our State of the City commitments by putting 20,000 more New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of green spaces. Our schools are home to incredible playgrounds, spaces that shouldn’t be locked away after the school day or when the school year ends, especially in neighborhoods without a lot of public green spaces — and now fewer of them will be. We have to keep our city a place where everyone can raise a family, and this announcement is another way we’re supporting families across the five boroughs.”
“Our city’s playgrounds are crucial for the public schools they’re attached to. They’re also civic spaces in their own right, giving parents and families room to play and relax outside of their homes,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth.
“Opening school yards for the summer, in the evening, and on weekends in areas without a lot of public green space is exactly the kind of common-sense, family-friendly initiative that helps New York become the best big city in which to raise a family.”
“Access to playgrounds is about more than just recreational play; it’s about building stronger, healthier communities where students can develop their social-emotional skills and build healthy exercise habits,” said NYCPS Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos.
“By continuing investment in these spaces, we are providing our children and families with safe, welcoming environments to connect, be physically active, and thrive.”
“Free, accessible public spaces like our parks and these playgrounds make our city safer, more beautiful, and more livable,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa.
“We’re so grateful to our partners at New York City Public Schools who will continue to care for and directly manage these spaces as they open to the public. We’re proud of our work expanding public space access throughout the five boroughs, and I thank Mayor Adams for his commitment to investing in our shared greenspaces and public realm.”
“Having a safe place near home to play with your child isn’t a luxury for New York families — it’s a necessity,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu.
“Every neighborhood deserves access to public space within walking distance, which is why we’re excited to open 11 more schoolyards to the public after hours. This expansion brings 20,000 more New Yorkers closer to a park — and it’s exactly the kind of turnkey solution that makes New York a more family-friendly city.”
