Mayor Adams pledges support for community-led Roy Wilkins Park maanagement

Mayor Eric Adams hosted a dynamic Community Conversation in Jamaica, Queens, focusing on the city’s progress, pressing issues, and ongoing commitments. The event, part of a series spanning all five boroughs, featured elected officials, city commissioners, and community leaders, all discussing vital issues facing local residents.

In his remarks, Mayor Adams highlighted a significant improvement in New York City’s economy and public safety, boasting record-low gun violence and unprecedented job growth under his administration. “We now have more jobs in the City of New York in the city’s history,” Adams declared, citing his administration’s success in tackling homelessness, increasing affordable housing, and improving services for vulnerable populations like foster children and those with learning disabilities.

However, it wasn’t all about achievements. The mayor addressed local concerns head-on, notably responding to a plea from James Johnson, chair of the Southern Queens Park Association (SQPA), who expressed frustrations over challenges facing Roy Wilkins Park. The park, a community hub in Southeast Queens, has been a crucial gathering space for decades, yet recent struggles with city bureaucracy have hindered its operations.

Johnson called for more local control, particularly over event permits, which have become increasingly difficult to secure under the new Parks Department administration. “We need your help. This park needs to be Black-managed,” Johnson emphasized, stressing that the park is the only community center of its kind in Southeast Queens.

In response, Mayor Adams expressed solidarity with the community’s goals, assuring Johnson and others that city officials would meet the next day to resolve the issue. “We’re not going to give you anything less,” Adams vowed, pointing to successful models like the Prospect Park Conservancy as a possible template for SQPA.

Commissioner Sue Donoghue of the Department of Parks and Recreation reiterated the city’s commitment to collaboration, noting that while legal requirements like insurance were non-negotiable, the city aimed to support community-driven management. “We want to work through these issues,” Donoghue stated, signaling the start of a process that could see greater local autonomy for Roy Wilkins Park.

The meeting ended with a shared resolve to improve the city’s parks while maintaining safety standards, promising a continued partnership between the city and its community leaders. With discussions like these, Mayor Adams’ administration seeks to balance economic development with community empowerment, ensuring that New York City remains a place for everyone.