Mayor’s Budget Cuts Raise Concerns About Park Safety

This week, Mayor Zoran Mamdani unveiled a $124.7 billion budget proposal that includes plans to reduce the number of uniformed police officers in the city’s parks by 100 this summer.

Critics argue that this move could cut over a third of the city’s approximately 300 Park Enforcement Patrol (PEP) staff, which raises significant concerns about public safety.

Adam Gunther, executive director of New Yorkers for Parks, expressed his worries, noting, “Every neighborhood park is going to be affected.” He added that they are advocating for retaining a baseline of 100 PEP positions that would otherwise be eliminated in July and are pushing for funding for an additional 100 officers.

PEP officers, who operate under the Parks Department rather than the NYPD, are primarily responsible for addressing quality-of-life violations such as littering and vandalism in over 1,500 parks and playgrounds throughout the city.

They also provide security for various events, including the New York City Marathon and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as returning lost children to their families. According to the department’s website, they help enforce park rules and protect local wildlife and facilities.

Councilman Phil Wong criticized the cuts, saying, “Cutting 100 PEP employees at a time when parks are already dealing with quality-of-life issues, illegal activity, and growing wildlife management concerns is the wrong move.” He indicated that these officers are crucial for maintaining park safety and that their absence will complicate these ongoing issues.

Concerns about park safety are particularly pressing, as the city reported over 1,100 criminal incidents in parks during 2025. Additionally, there were nearly 600 complaints to 311 regarding various issues, ranging from unleashed dogs to unauthorized sales.

Joanne, a 79-year-old lifelong resident of Harlem, shared her perspective, stating, “The biggest problem around here is that people are killing each other and park staff actually helps.” She believes their presence is necessary for community safety.

In 2025, Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem received the highest number of 311 calls, with both NYPD and PEP officers responding to 1,708 calls. In comparison, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park received 635 calls, followed by Prospect Park, Fort Tryon Park, and Washington Square Park.

Joanne reiterated, “We could really use them more. They’re necessary.” Joey, another park visitor, remarked that the officers help maintain order and curb conflicts, saying, “It’s good to stop the radio from getting too loud and the fights.”

Similarly, Stephanie, a 19-year-old from Harlem, noted that when police aren’t around, late-night gatherings can become chaotic, making it unsafe for kids to come after school.

The proposed budget cuts also indicate a reduction of 15 positions within GreenThumb, which supports around 500 community gardens throughout the city—growing concerns that these gardens may remain closed without adequate staff.

A City Council official confirmed that although funding for PEP was included in the council’s budget response back in April, it has been omitted from Monday’s proposed budget.

The official went on to add that the council intends to continue advocating for PEP funding in the weeks ahead to ensure stability in staffing levels.

A City Hall representative remarked that parks are essential to the community, and Mayor Mamdani has already set aside $15 million annually for park maintenance, indicating consideration for PEP staffing in the budgeting discussions.

Many officials are hopeful about restoring officer positions, with City Councilman Ty Hankerson stating, “We continue to fight for the remaining $12 million needed to complete a full baseline of these 100 PEP employees.” He emphasized the critical role these employees play in making parks safe and accessible.

Councilman Lincoln Ressler acknowledged the mayor’s commitment to reinvesting in park maintenance staff, while also recalling the detrimental budget cuts made under previous administration that led to increasing issues in parks. He expressed confidence that funding for PEP officers will be secured in the final budget by June.