Explain why som126 PARK

BUILDING A BETTER PARK FOR ALL

In 2010, Mayor Michael Bloomberg launched an initiative to turn play yards into parks. 126 Park was budgeted to

receive $75,000 for the renovation. However, the funding for 126 Park was eradicated during budget cuts, and the park

was not restored. The play yard is in dismal condition with only one basketball goal, multiple holes and unutilized poles.

The 126 Park would serve the diverse IS 126 student body from Astoria Houses and the surrounding neighborhood. It

is also home to the borough-wide suspension center, and the district’s newest gifted and talented program. 72% of the

student body are Hispanic or Black, and 86% qualify for free or reduced price lunch.

Like the beautiful newly renovated play yard park at nearby PS 122, 126 Park would provide an open space for both

students and individuals from the surrounding community after school hours. To complete the park, we estimate a budget

of $110,000.

Please sign this petition to let our elected officials know that establishing healthy play spaces for our community must be

a top priority.

• Every NYC child should have a safe play spaces within walking distance of his/her home.

• There is a scarcity of public open spaces in this part of Astoria.

• Community members should have shared use of school play yards after hours.

• 86% of students at IS 126 are enrolled in the income based school lunch program.

• Programs incorporating physical fitness into school wellness reduce rates of childhood obesity.eone should support this petition