Advocacy Update: NYC Public Design Commission to Hold Full Public Hearing on Monday, July 20th -- On the RUPPERT PARK PUBLIC RESTROOM

This is our golden opportunity to show the Public Design Commission (PDC) that level exercise space in Ruppert Park is a necessity for everybody; especially adults aged 60 +, to improve outcomes for our aging populations. The PDC is a decision-maker on the matter and must require NYC Parks to practice inclusive design principles.

If you haven't yet signed his petition, please sign it now!

Please also consider testifying at the July 20th hearing in person or remotely - PDC requires advance registration  - Testimony is limited to 3 minutes.
PDC Virtual Meeting Instructions ​on MicrosoftTeams

Plan to testify or have a question? Contact Us at: carrpenyc@gmail.com

Please contribute here to help defray our costs:  SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS W LEVEL EXERCISE SPACE IN RUPPERT PARK

PETITION
TO: President Deborah Marton, NYC Public Design Commission
Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation (“Parks”)
SPONSORS: CARRPE!  Committee for Active Recreation in Ruppert Park for Everybody

ISSUE
There is NO level space for seniors or other adults to exercise individually or in a group in the proposed designs for the Ruppert Park Reconstruction and Ruppert Park Public Restroom, but there are level spaces for children and for dogs. NYC Parks says older adults can exercise on a sloped lawn in the center of the park.  This is dangerous, discriminatory and non-inclusive and in violation of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and the NYC
Human Rights Law - and it doesn’t serve the needs of the surrounding community. The nearest public park offering adults suitable exercise space is over a half mile away. 

WHY IT MATTERS
A safe, level surface for active adult recreation is vital:
 •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, prevent dementia, depression, and feelings of isolation and loneliness.
 • Neighborhood Health: Parents, people who work at home, caregivers, and adults of all ages need accessible, local outdoor spaces for physical fitness and community connection.

OUR REQUEST
We respectfully request (1) PDC President Marton pause the Ruppert Park Restroom Design approval process to review Ruppert Park Reconstruction and Ruppert Public Restroom Construction holistically (2) Commissioner Shimamura agrees to integrate a level surface into the park design that adults 60+ (and others) can use for active recreation.  CARRPE! drafted alternatives within the current design framework that liberate ample additional space in the area surrounding the public restroom construction site; under consideration at the July 20th hearing.  There is even  enough room for compact, safe exercise stations to improve park facilities and health outcomes for park users. 

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

PLEASE HELP DEFRAY OUR COSTS:  SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS W LEVEL EXERCISE SPACE IN RUPPERT PARK