New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has tapped veteran public servant Tricia Shimamura to lead the city's vast and vital parks department. The appointment is a significant move by the mayor to make his mark on the city, aiming to create more livable and affordable spaces for its residents.
For Mamdani, parks represent not just places of rest but also centers of creativity and community hubs where people from all walks of life come together. In an effort to revitalize this underfunded system, he has pledged to allocate at least 1% of the city's budget towards parks, a commitment that marks a notable departure from previous administrations.
Shimamura, with her extensive experience in public service and advocacy for working people, is seen as the perfect candidate to steer the department. As Manhattan borough commissioner, she oversaw park operations across the borough, showcasing her expertise in managing vast resources. Her background also includes stints as a social worker, senior roles in city and federal government, and years of experience in governance at Columbia University.
In her remarks, Shimamura echoed Mamdani's vision for parks as "the agency of affordability," highlighting their role in providing affordable spaces for recreation, education, and community engagement. She emphasized the importance of access to these public spaces, where New Yorkers can find safe places to play and learn, including beaches where children learn to swim at no cost.
The appointment also pays tribute to Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the outgoing commissioner who became the first Latina to hold the role, a testament to her remarkable career and dedication to public service. As she steps down, Shimamura is poised to lead the department with a commitment to building on this legacy and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable parks system for all New Yorkers.
For Mamdani, parks represent not just places of rest but also centers of creativity and community hubs where people from all walks of life come together. In an effort to revitalize this underfunded system, he has pledged to allocate at least 1% of the city's budget towards parks, a commitment that marks a notable departure from previous administrations.
Shimamura, with her extensive experience in public service and advocacy for working people, is seen as the perfect candidate to steer the department. As Manhattan borough commissioner, she oversaw park operations across the borough, showcasing her expertise in managing vast resources. Her background also includes stints as a social worker, senior roles in city and federal government, and years of experience in governance at Columbia University.
In her remarks, Shimamura echoed Mamdani's vision for parks as "the agency of affordability," highlighting their role in providing affordable spaces for recreation, education, and community engagement. She emphasized the importance of access to these public spaces, where New Yorkers can find safe places to play and learn, including beaches where children learn to swim at no cost.
The appointment also pays tribute to Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the outgoing commissioner who became the first Latina to hold the role, a testament to her remarkable career and dedication to public service. As she steps down, Shimamura is poised to lead the department with a commitment to building on this legacy and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable parks system for all New Yorkers.
parks are lit but can we get some sick new green spaces in the city too? 
I was reading about the new parks commissioner in NYC and I think it's great that they're gonna allocate 1% of the budget for parks 
My friend's kid loves going to the beach in Manhattan but sometimes they have to pay for admission... it's not fair 
does anyone know how to record a video on my phone? 
. Can't wait to see what she and Mayor Mamdani come up with! The fact that Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is getting the recognition she deserves is also a great move 
. Let's keep our cities livable and sustainable for all, that's the goal 
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! Investing in our parks is such a great idea - think about how many amazing community spaces we have in NYC, but also all the people who don't have access to them because of cost 
. Tricia Shimamura sounds like an amazing leader who's gonna make sure everyone has a chance to enjoy these beautiful spaces 
.