City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
ENTER INTO A LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING (LOU)
WITH NEW CITY PARKS (NCP) FOR THE
REVITALIZATION OF CITY PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS
Whereas, by letter dated May 13, 2024, the Deputy Commissioner of the Recreation Department has requested legislation authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) with New City Parks (NCP) to partner in the revitalization of selected parks and playgrounds within the City of Mount Vernon; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents through the enhancement of its parks and playgrounds; and
Whereas, New City Parks (NCP) has offered to partner with the City of Mount Vernon to revitalize selected parks and playgrounds at no cost to the City; and
Whereas, NCP specializes in working with small cities and underserved communities to create parks that promote health, happiness, and community resilience through play, exercise, and contact with nature; and
Whereas, the properties chosen for this project in Mount Vernon are Brush Park, 4th Street Playground, Eddie Williams Park, and Madison Playground; and
Whereas, similar successful projects have been completed by NCP in cities such as Poughkeepsie, New York; Buffalo, New York; Jersey City, New Jersey; Paterson, New Jersey; and Passaic, New Jersey; and
Whereas, NCP offers its services to municipalities, including identifying and writing grants, designing properties, and constructing green/play spaces, all subject to final approval by the municipality's executive staff; and
Whereas, this partnership will enhance the overall quality of life within Mount Vernon by improving parkland, playgrounds, and green spaces, thereby promoting health, exercise, and contact with nature); Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to enter into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) with New City Parks (NCP) to partner in the revitalization of selected parks and playgrounds within the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 2. Properties Included. The properties chosen for revitalization under this partnership are:
• Brush Park
• 4th Street Playground
• Eddie Williams Park
• Madison Playground
Section 3. Scope of Services. New City Parks (NCP) will provide services that include:
• Identifying and writing grants
• Designing properties
• Constructing green/play spaces in collaboration with partnering municipalities.
These services will be offered at no cost to the City and all selected properties and designs are subject to final approval by the municipality’s executive staff.
Section 4. Objectives. The partnership aims to:
• Revitalize parks and playgrounds
• Improve the overall quality of life within the local municipality
• Promote health, exercise, and contact with nature
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.