NYC Parks Announces Public Hearing, Opens Comments for Proposed New Parks Rules

NYC Parks today announced it will hold a public hearing Mon., March 28 for proposed new rules to provide veterans and people with disabilities reduced membership fees to its recreation centers, and Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field Athletic Complex, on Staten Island.

New Yorkers have an opportunity to submit comment on the proposed new rules beginning this Fri., Feb. 26; comment submissions will be accepted until the morning of the hearing, prior to its start.

Presently, NYC Parks offers affordable membership rates at recreation centers citywide, with annual memberships as low as $100 for adults, $25 for seniors and young adults, and free memberships for youth under the age of 18. The proposed membership fee for veterans and people with disabilities is $25 and would serve to:

- Provide more recreational opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities at the Department's facilities by reducing membership fees for these groups.- Honor our veterans by offering them affordable access to opportunities to be healthy and active members of our community.

- Ensure individuals with disabilities can enjoy the accessible amenities and adaptive programming offered at our facilities.

- Provide greater access to opportunities for social engagement, community interaction, and healthy exertion provided by the Department's facilities.

The proposed new rules are available for review by visiting NYC Parks' website.

Hearing

New Yorkers interested in speaking at the public hearing March 28, at the Chelsea Recreation Center, 430 W. 25th Street, Manhattan, can do so for three (3) minutes by signing up:

Phone - Call Darci Frinquelli, 212-360-1383 - Until 5 p.m., Fri., March 25

On-site - Chelsea Recreation Center, Hearing Room sign-up sheet

Opportunity for Comment

Comments can be submitted to the Department of Parks and Recreation beginning this Fri., Feb. 26, via:

Website http://rules.cityofnewyork.us

Email rules@parks.nyc.gov

Mail

Attn. Darci Frinquelli, Assistant Counsel

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation

The Arsenal, Central Park

830 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10065

Fax Attn. Darci Frinquelli, Assistant Counsel, 917-849-6742

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Our 34 recreation centers, and Ocean Breeze Park Track & Field Athletic Complex, provide a range of programs for people of all ages and offer facilities such as indoor pools, weight rooms, basketball courts, dance studios, game rooms, art studios, and libraries. Additionally, Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes every week at dozens of recreation centers across the five boroughs.

To learn more about recreation centers in your community, visit nyc.gov/parks.