MAYOR GIULIANI ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN EARTHLINK
AND NEW YORK CITY PARKS & RECREATION

Internet Service Provider to Provide Free Internet Access at Computer Centers

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced a partnership between EarthLink and the City's Parks & Recreation Department. EarthLink will become the Official Internet Service Provider of the Parks Department, ensuring free access to the Internet at the Department's twelve Computer Centers.
EarthLink, a leading ISP, will also fund the redesign of Parks Department's website. The Mayor made the announcement with Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern, EarthLink's Vice President of Field Marketing John Kortier, and students from PS 126 at Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center in Manhattan.

"The Internet has established itself not only as a practical tool for people to shop, listen to music, or follow their favorite sports teams, but also as a wonderful educational device," Mayor Giuliani said. "But you need a computer and a service provider to have access to the Internet. This partnership with EarthLink will give every New Yorker, from school children to senior citizens, the opportunity to explore this wonderful new world regardless of financial situation. I would like to thank EarthLink and Commissioner Stern for making it possible."

EarthLink President Mike McQuary said, "EarthLink is pleased to support the City of New York as the Official ISP of the City's Department of Parks and Recreation. Through our new role, we will extend our award-winning service to New Yorkers across the City."

Parks Commissioner Stern said, "Our partnership with EarthLink gives the City a new landscape in cyberspace, where all New Yorkers can gather and learn. Our Computer Resource Centers offer free instruction to over 1,700 people every week. Our link with EarthLink will expand our outreach and help conquer the digital divide."

The EarthLink partnership provides cash and services for a one-year term and envisions a long-term relationship. In addition to providing Internet access to the more than one hundred computers at Parks' Computer Centers, EarthLink will provide a grant with which Parks & Recreation can re-design its website, located at www.ci.nyc.ny.us/parks and www.nycparks.org. The new site will provide quick access to Parks programs, attractions and facilities. Easy to navigate, the site will feature detailed maps of City Parks throughout the City,
an event finder to locate free activities in all neighborhoods, and virtual tours.
The site should be launched in June.

In April 1997, Parks opened its first computer resource center at Al Smith Recreation Center in Manhattan. Since then, eleven additional centers have opened at recreation centers, including St. Mary's in the Bronx, St. John's and Brownsville in Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson in Manhattan, Lost Battalion Hall in Queens, and Cromwell in Staten Island. The centers, funded partially by the City Parks Foundation with donated equipment from Sony and Microsoft, provide people of all ages with free access and instruction to state-of-the-art computers.
About 1,700 people use the centers each week.

EarthLink is one of the world's leading Internet service providers, brining the magic of the Internet to more than 3.1 million individuals and 20 businesses every day. Headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink provides a full range of innovative access, hosting and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities internationally from more than 5,000 points of presence.

 

www.ci.nyc.ny.us