South Bronx climate advocates urge an increase in park budgets ahead of mayoral election
Climate advocates walked through Mott Haven, urging the next mayor to think about increasing parks budgets.
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Climate advocates visited local parks and waterfronts in Mott Haven on Friday.
At each stop, organizers and residents urged the next mayor to think about increasing the park's budgets.
"Invest in our in our parks, invest in our people. To have more recreation and healthier outcomes is super important, and we want the next mayor to understand that need," said Mychal Johnson, founding member of South Bronx Unite.
Johnson said landmarks like the Harlem River Waterfront - and local community gardens, like the Maria Sola Garden - provide a safe space for community members.
"Building more parks space is actually what creates activity. It creates healthier outcomes," he said.
For other residents joining the walk, they are not surprised to see the underfunded parks throughout the borough.
"I have seen for a long time how there are green spaces here, and there are parks but how these spaces compare to other places in the other five boroughs," said Mott Haven resident Miranda Catus.
Catus said the opportunity to join other locals in advocating for more green spaces felt empowering.
"It's really exciting to see all these different people here that have the same exact, like, dreams and goals and aspirations. And they all want to do something for a good cause," said Catus.
Executive director at New Yorkers for Parks, Adam Ganser, said the next mayor has an opportunity to make a difference in the funding of green spaces.
"We're looking for the next administration, whoever comes in, to really change the course of that and to take a, you know, an opportunity to create a new vision for a city's parks, a new vision for investment, but also the way our parks system works," said Ganser.
Organizers told News 12 the walk and series can be expected in other boroughs.
