Although the Southern Queens Park Association, Inc. and NYC Parks Department share the historic acreage of Roy Wilkins Park, SQPA feels that NYC Parks hasn’t fully embraced the spirit of partnership and collaboration. SQPA's role is crucial to maintaining the park as a community-led space that fosters inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment for Southeast Queens and its families. This petition urges NYC Parks to recognize SQPA’s vital role in preserving Roy Wilkins Park by adopting key amendments to the Interim Agreement.

Key Requests:

1. SQPA, as a representative of the community, should have the ability to use the park space as needed for community purposes without formal reservations, ensuring prior communication.

2. All partnerships that SQPA has developed over its 50-year history should have the option to collaborate with SQPA on future events without interference or interruption by the Parks Department.

3. Fee Waivers: Waive permit and other additional fees for SQPA and partner events to ensure accessibility.

4. NYC Parks should back SQPA's bid for an agreement that solidifies its role as the park’s steward.

Here is what NYC Parks department will do and have already begun to do:

1. Public Statements Dismissing Claims: They may release press statements denying narratives and framing actions as improvements.  

2. Combat: Pre-empt with compelling narratives from residents and testimonials on how these changes have negatively impacted the community.  

3. Divide-and-Conquer Tactics: They may try to divide the coalition by reaching out to certain groups and elected officials with attempts to discredit the Community Control of the Park.  

4. Combat: Maintain transparency and communication within the coalition. Make sure all members know the community’s collective demands.  

5. Delay Tactics: Parks officials may stall meetings or defer actions in the hopes that the campaign loses momentum.  

6. Combat: Establish hard deadlines and emphasize the urgency of community concerns through public countdowns and escalation plans.  

Sign this petition to help secure these essential amendments for SQPA and preserve Roy Wilkins Park as a thriving hub for generations to come!