Mayor Appoints Trisha Shimamura as NYC’s New Parks Commissioner to Revitalize Green Spaces

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Trisha Shimamura as New York City’s new parks commissioner during a meeting on January 17, 2026. In her role, Shimamura intends to enhance the city’s parks, emphasizing their vital role in the community and addressing long-standing issues such as accessibility and maintenance.

Mamdani highlighted Shimamura’s extensive background in public service, which includes experience as a social worker and roles in various governmental organizations. He lauded her commitment to making parks welcoming spaces for all New Yorkers, reflecting her belief that parks play a crucial role in providing a sense of belonging and community to residents. She aims to transcend traditional park maintenance by ensuring local stakeholders’ needs are addressed and expanding access to underserved communities (Source: https://youtu.be/Bl65s2_czTs&t=268).

During her inaugural address, Shimamura stressed that parks are essential infrastructure, providing free recreational spaces for families and promoting community interaction. With over 30,000 acres of parkland in the city, she noted the importance of these green spaces in reducing stress and enhancing the quality of life for New Yorkers (Source: https://youtu.be/Bl65s2_czTs&t=514). Drawing from her personal experiences and familial history, she articulated a vision of parks that prioritize engagement, cultural programming, and accessibility, aiming to ensure every park receives the same care and attention as an individual’s backyard (Source: https://youtu.be/Bl65s2_czTs&t=678).

In earlier meetings, stakeholders discussed the ongoing challenges faced by the city’s parks, including understaffing and inadequate maintenance due to budget constraints. The city’s parks system has been criticized for lacking necessary funding and personnel, leading to overcrowded spaces, delayed upkeep, and neglected facilities (Source: https://youtu.be/OAS-dMS2mtI&t=19732). While Shimamura’s appointment brings hope for revitalization, continued advocacy for increased funding is essential to meet the needs of New York City’s diverse communities and uphold their parks as equitable public resources.

The deputy director for the New York League of Conservation Voters stressed the importance of addressing funding shortfalls in parks, advocating for a budget increase to restore lost positions and improve maintenance services (Source: https://youtu.be/OAS-dMS2mtI&t=19651). Ultimately, Shimamura’s plans underscore a commitment to fostering vibrant, accessible parks that enhance community well-being and resilience against climate change while also echoing a broader call to prioritize green spaces throughout the city.