Tag Archives: Manhattan

#10: Trees

Covid-19 Oral History, , , ,
Sept. 29, 2020.
Sept. 29, 2020.

On this episode we are focusing on one topic: trees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Parks teams that work to preserve the green spaces of New York faced challenges of working during the crisis, just like all of us. There also was a destructive windstorm that demolished thousands of trees, that added to the incredible workload. By focusing on this one area of the Parks Department, we will learn more about the work that continues today on our urban forest.

Today our guests all work with trees and green space:

  • Jennifer Greenfeld, Deputy Commissioner for Environment and Planning
  • Jillian Naveh, Communications Liaison for Forestry Horticulture & Natural Resources Group
  • Franklin Sosa-Velasquez, Forestry Supervisor
  • Lea Thali, Stewardship Community Coordinator
  • Phillip Walker, Manhattan Park Supervisor

We record our shows in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at McCarren Park Play Center in the Media Education Lab. Our team is using the Media Lab and Parks volunteers to share our history with listeners, presenting some of the more than 100 oral history interviews conducted with Parkies.

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#7 Washington Square Park

Covid-19 Oral History, ,
Going Green for Parkies, May 2021, Washington Square Arch.
Going Green for Parkies, May 2021, Washington Square Arch.

One of the most iconic parks in New York City is Washington Square Park, the jewel of Greenwich Village. During the COVID-19 outbreak, it was a focus for many, many visitors to the park. This was the scene of protests and big gatherings, but also continued to function as a much-needed place for respite. In this episode we go out of the studio and into the field to meet the Parkies who manage it, and listeners will be able to hear all of the Village sounds (and a thunderstorm) of a busy summer day in this beautiful spot.

Today our guests are both from Washington Square Park:

  • Deborah Hopkins, Playground Associate
  • Will Morrison, Park Administrator

We record our shows in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at McCarren Park Play Center in the Media Education Lab. Our team is using the Media Lab and Parks volunteers to share our history with listeners, presenting some of the more than 100 oral history interviews conducted with Parkies.

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#6 Quarantine Ends and Parks Use Begins

Covid-19 Oral History, , ,
Queens
Beach 17th Street Performance Space, Far Rockaway, Queens

On this show we follow up on the use of parks and open space during the pandemic. From former Commissioner Mitchell Silver calling parks “sanctuaries of sanity” to veteran Chief Phil Sparacio recalling the increased use of outdoor space, we walk listeners through the era when NYC Parks were the only show in town.

Our interviews on episode #6:

  • Former NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver;
  • Senior Outreach Coordinator for Partnerships for Parks Sara Baral;
  • Deputy Commissioner for Urban Park Service and Public Programs Margaret Nelson;
  • Deputy Chief of Operations for Queens Phil Sparacio.

We record our shows in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at McCarren Park Play Center in the Media Education Lab. Our team is using the Media Lab and Parks volunteers to share our history with listeners, presenting some of the more than 100 oral history interviews with Parkies.

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#2: Locks and Worries

Covid-19 Oral History, , , , , ,

Basketball RimsOn this show we explore the first wave of the pandemic in 2020 and how we experienced the shutdown of many parts of New York City. As schools and offices closed, playgrounds were locked, and the fear set in. NYC Parks kept running. On this episode we meet veteran Parkies who faced new challenges every day.

Our interviews on episode #2:

  • Norman Chan, Director of Emergency Management
  • Martin Maher, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner
  • Lynda Ricciardone, Staten Island Borough Commissioner
  • Emily Chase, Assistant Commissioner for Public Programs
  • Captain Laurel Stanko, Parks Enforcement Patrol
  • Meira Berkower, Chief of Staff, Queens Borough Commissioner

We record our shows in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, at McCarren Park Play Center in the Media Education Lab. Our team is using the Media Lab and Parks volunteers to share our history with listeners, presenting some of the more than 100 oral history interviews with Parkies.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download