“The next bill before me Introductory Number 123-A, sponsored by Council Members Mark-Viverito, Dromm, Koppell, Lander, Rodriguez, Nelson, Van Bramer, Crowley, Arroyo, Lappin, Levin, Palma, Jackson, Eugene, Garodnick and Vann.  Introductory Number 123-A requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to work on an on-going basis with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to identify and evaluate new surfacing materials for use on playgrounds and athletic fields and establishes an Advisory Committee on the Safety of New Surfacing Materials.

“The Advisory Committee, whose membership is derived from Mayoral and Council appointments, will make recommendations to the Parks Department following their review of the Parks Department’s evaluation of new surfacing materials.  The Parks Department’s evaluation and Advisory Committee recommendations will be posted on line and shared with the Mayor and Speaker.  The Advisory Committee will cease to exist after three years.

“I would like to thank Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and his staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to that the City Council for approving this legislation.”