ATTENTION: NYC Public Design Commission President Deborah Marton, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Tricia Shimamura,  NYC Comptroller Mark Levine
SPONSORS: CARRPE!  Committee for Active Recreation in Ruppert Park for Everybody

The Issue
We support the upcoming reconstruction of Ruppert Park. However, a glaring omission in the approved plan must be corrected before design and procurement are complete: There is NO level space for seniors or other adults to exercise individually or in a group, but there is level recreation space for children and for dogs.  The Department of Parks says seniors can exercise on a sloped lawn in the center of the park.  This is dangerous.  It's also inequitable and non-inclusive for seniors, in violation of the ADA and NYC Human Rights Law. The nearest public parks offering adult exercise spaces are over a half mile away. 

Why It Matters
A safe, level surface for active adult recreation is vital to make Ruppert Park inclusive:
 •Seniors (Ages 60+): The area around Ruppert Park has the largest percentage of older adults in Manhattan. Regular outdoor exercise and socializing are scientifically proven to build bone density, strengthen hearts, and combat Parkinson's Disease, dementia, depression, isolation and loneliness.

 • Neighborhood Health: Parents, remote workers,  neighborhood workers, caregivers, and adults of all ages need accessible, local outdoor spaces for fresh air, physical fitness, and community connection.

Our Request
We respectfully request (1) PDC President Marton to stop any further design approvals until this issue can be resolved wholistically; (2)  Comptroller Levine to review this immediately before any contracts are approved and use his offices to right this wrong; and (3) Commissioner Shimamura to integrate a level surface for active recreation for adults 60+ (and others) into the park.  This can be done with minor alterations within the current design framework and thoughtful planning of the public restroom area.  Compact, safe exercise stations would further enhance the park’s health benefits.

cc: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani  • Julia Kerson NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations • NY City Council Speaker Julie Menin • Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal • NY State Senator Liz Krueger • NY State Assembly Member Alex Bores • NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright  • NYC Dept of Design & Construction • NYC Dept for the Aging • NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene • NY City Council Committee on Aging • NY City Council Committee on Health• Manhattan Community Board 8

SIGN THE PETITION!