Release #042-99

"City Parkland not only helps our environment and expands the City's playground and natural areas, it also enhances the quality of life of all New Yorkers," Mayor Giuliani said. "We are proud of our commitment to preserve New York City's natural resources and of the Parks Department's dedication to preserve and maintain our land holdings for the enjoyment of this and future generations."

Commissioner Stern said, "The City's Emerald Empire has reached a new plateau and now is at the highest levels since the 1970's. In 1999, we will continue to acquire properties such as those along the Bronx River to Queens' historic Fort Totten. I would like to thank Mayor Giuliani for his strong and consistent support of our efforts to increase the City's green spaces."

In the past five years, the Parks has been working with other city agencies such as the Department of Citywide Administrative Services and the Economic Development Corporation to identify potential parkland both for natural areas and neighborhood playgrounds. As a result, the Giuliani administration has acquired a total of 1,487 new acres of parkland throughout the five boroughs:

• 246 acres in Brooklyn
• 90 acres in Queens
• 45 acres in the Bronx,
• 14 acres in Manhattan
• 1,092 acres in Staten Island

To keep accurate and current records of the expanding parks portfolio, the Parks Department is creating a comprehensive GIS geographic maps of every borough detailing every park property. In 1998, the Staten Island map was completed. By the end of 1999, Bronx and Manhattan maps will have been created and Queens and Brooklyn are scheduled for the year 2000.