This petition is to help bring a much-needed change to the Parks department as we move Yonkers away from its gloomy classism era and into a more welcoming city or as our Mayor Mike Spano says “ A place to live, work & raise a family “

After a horrible experience where I got billed $800 Dollars for attending someone else’s gathering at Yonkers park. I wondered how many other unsuspecting citizens with large immediate families may have been targeted in the same way. What necessities did other families potentially go without in order to pay a random Parks Department bill? Has others been able to use the park department as a tool to target the minority community ?

I began to research as well as collect testimonials and was very troubled by what I uncovered. People from all over have paid different price for the same park, amenities, or space. Politicians have gotten fees waived for personal gain . Not to mention prices varies depending on who’s calling for information.

The antiquated policies and procedures allow for nepotism and personal bias to run rampant in the Parks & Recreation Department; allowing for unfortunate circumstances like my experience to happen to many other residents. There are no safety mechanisms to stop a Park Department official from targeting families in certain areas. 

After reviewing the documents sent from the commissioner of Parks on guidelines and The City of Yonkers Website, several things spoke volumes.

For example

If parents meet for a play date at the park, then take a seat to offer their children a juice box or a snack they must be cautious where they sit, because one of the parents may be billed for picnicking or sitting at an empty gazebo. 

Currently there are no clear guidelines to help a resident determine the need for a permit at Yonkers Park’s amenities. Residents have been asked to call for information however the information changes depending the person.

1 - There is no definitive number of community members or families utilizing the public space which constitutes a need for an event permit. 

2- There aren’t enough visible signs with park rules, regulations, and charges.

3- There is no proper procedure in place to investigate complaints being made. This especially should be rectified immediately, with transparency and in accordance with good government practice.  

4- There is no guide or breakdown to highlight how charges may vary. 

The city of Yonkers is fully aware of the number of families identified as “Low income” yet the Parks Department does not reflect this understanding, as represented by their $800 bill during a pandemic.  I understand and agree that some charges are necessary in some cases for clean-up, disinfecting, or to staff certain events. However not all can afford these charges, especially after the hardships Covid-19 has brought to our nation. Not to mention there should be a PROPER investigation for those whom are believed to have not followed rules.

Our community feels that there should be a sliding scale because incomes vary and should not prohibit use of public parks, however those who are able to afford more can and should pay their fair share of charges.

Alongside the internal revamp, there should be a process which would allow the waving of the application fee for residents whose household income is at or less than 80% of the Yonkers AMI.

An easier route would be to waive the fee for families whom already qualify for other county subsidies.

Additionally, families facing financial hardships, for example losing employment during COVID, should also be able with o get the Application Fee waived (Which is only $100) .

Currently the only way to get fees waved is for an individual to “ Partner” with a city official or parks department.

This petition is to ask Park & Recreation to update their policies, procedures, and guidelines to reflect a more unified, accepting , & equal Yonkers. 

   - PARKS ARE FOR PEOPLE NOT PROFIT -