What you should know
A new team of two dozen painters, electricians, plumbers and other trade specialists will deliver fast, visible improvements at playgrounds, recreation centers and sports courts in three weeks or less
NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura today announced the launch of Renew Crew, a new team of 24 painters, electricians, plumbers and other trade specialists focused on making fast, visible improvements to playgrounds, recreation centers and sports courts across New York City.
Designed to address everyday repairs efficiently, Renew Crew will focus on the improvements park visitors notice most: from repainting chipped playground equipment and fences to repairing park amenities, replacing protective flooring on playgrounds, restoring site features like play equipment or fencing and addressing general wear and tear. By tackling these high-impact projects quickly, the team improves the visitor experience while extending the life of park infrastructure.
Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Shimamura marked the launch with a repair blitz at Dry Harbor Playground in Queens, where maintenance crews are repairing and repainting two basketball courts, play equipment, a shuffleboard court, bocce and horseshoe courts, the park house exterior, benches, bollards, a drinking fountain, fence posts and rails. Crews are also installing protective flooring on playgrounds, removing dead trees, mulching planting beds, pruning trees and enhancing horticulture around the 9/11 memorial.
Similar fixes are underway at a playground in every borough, including Fort Four Playground in the Bronx, American Playground in Brooklyn, Annunciation Playground in Manhattan and Old Town Playground on Staten Island. Each year, the Renew Crew will tackle as many as 30 projects in three weeks or less.
“The only thing worse than waiting for your turn on the swings is waiting for the swing to be fixed,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Renew Crew’s team of 24 painters, plumbers and other specialists recognize that play is a City service and well-maintained parks are essential infrastructure. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to wait months for the basic repairs that make our parks better. We’re going to get the job done quickly and make sure every neighborhood has public spaces that New Yorkers can be proud of.”
“Renew Crew will fix up our playgrounds and parks in record time — bringing the timeline for repairs down from months to weeks,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “This team of two dozen parks pros will bring their expertise in everything from painting to plumbing to deliver the repairs that matter the most to New Yorkers. In a city as fast-moving as ours, every second of play is precious.”
“Renew Crew is an opportunity to show New Yorkers just how dedicated our staff are to caring for the parks they love,” said Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Every fresh coat of paint, repaired play feature and restored park amenity reflects our commitment to creating cleaner, safer and more welcoming public spaces for every community. Renew Crew is more than a maintenance initiative — it’s a commitment to making park improvements faster, more visible and more responsive to the needs of New Yorkers. Every improvement, no matter how small, helps create a better experience for everyone who visits our neighborhood parks.”
To stay up to date on the Renew Crew’s progress visit NYC Parks’ online tracker.
“Hundreds of families use spaces like Dry Harbor Playground and countless other parks across Queens every single day, leading to natural wear and tear. But instead of waiting until equipment is crumbling and the park is in need of a costly, lengthy overhaul, taking immediate action when minor repairs are needed is by far the most efficient method of maintenance,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The work of this Renew Crew will extend the lifespans of our parks and playgrounds, save our city untold millions of dollars each year in renovation costs and keep our open spaces in good condition for our families. I look forward to working with the administration on identifying locations in most need of attention from the Renew Crew.”
“Consider me a fan of the Renew Crew,” said Council Member Ty Hankerson, Chair of the Committee on Parks and Recreation. “If you’ve got 24 people whose job is to show up and fix what’s broken in our parks, I’ve got a list for you, and I know a few million New Yorkers who probably do too. Our young people spend their summers on these playgrounds, courts and fields, and they deserve spaces that are safe, cared for and ready for them to enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing this crew out there, tools in hand, giving our parks the attention they deserve.”
“Commissioner Shimamura has brought creativity and joy to making parks work better for New Yorkers, from Parents’ Night Out and expanded sports hours to investments in Playground Associates and now Renew Crew,” said Kathy Park Price, Director of Advocacy & Policy, New Yorkers for Parks. “We applaud Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Shimamura for this initiative, which focuses on the repairs and improvements New Yorkers experience every day in their playgrounds. In our First 100 Days for Parks agenda, we highlighted the importance of getting these basics right, and we’re excited to see that same focus reflected in Renew Crew. As the administration continues building toward 1% for Parks, we look forward to NYC Parks having the resources to deliver more parks improvements in every neighborhood.”
“About two months ago, I recorded a video asking Mayor Mamdani to help get the playground at McKinley Park fixed. It had been closed for almost two years. But guess what? A couple of weeks later, it was fixed!” said Maxime, 8 years old. “Thank you, Mayor Mamdani and NYC Parks, for hearing me out and helping bring our playground back. I’m really passionate about playgrounds being open because kids all around New York City deserve a safe and fun place to play. My parents have always told me that my voice matters, and I want to thank them for believing in me and encouraging me to speak up. And I want other kids to know that your voice matters too. If you see something that needs to change, don’t be afraid to speak up. Someone might just listen! Thank you to the Renew Crew and every team member working to make New York City a better place to live.”