City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A PARTNERSHIP
BETWEEN THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, THE OFFICE
OF THE MAYOR, AND NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN
HOSPITAL FOR YOUTH MARKET PROGRAMMING
AND PLAYGROUND ACTIVATION ACTIVITIES
Whereas, in correspondence dated February 19, 2026, the Commissioner of the Department of Recreation formally requested authorization for the Department of Recreation and the Office of the Mayor to partner with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for the purpose of implementing Youth Market programming and playground activation activities focused on youth engagement, nutrition education, public health outreach, and food access initiatives; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the importance of youth engagement, public health education, nutrition awareness, and equitable food access within the community; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation and the Office of the Mayor seek to collaborate with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital through its Division of Community and Population Health to support youth workforce development and wellness initiatives; and
Whereas, the proposed partnership will permit NewYork-Presbyterian Youth Market interns to participate in hands-on public health and recreation programming through the City’s playground activation program during the summer of 2026; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation will provide space and support for Youth Market activities, while NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital will provide training, supervision, onboarding, and program administration for participating interns; and
Whereas, the partnership is intended to empower youth as wellness ambassadors, strengthen community health education, provide nutrition and food access outreach, and expose participants to careers in public service and public health; and
Whereas, the Department of Recreation has agreed to participate in planning meetings and host Youth Market programming once weekly from July 9, 2026 through August 13, 2026, in connection with the Department’s playground activation programming; and
Whereas, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital <https://www.nyp.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com> has agreed to provide guided public health work experience through its CHALK team, supervise intern implementation, document intern attendance and participation, provide onboarding training under its Summer Youth Employment program, and coordinate co-branding of promotional materials and reports; and
Whereas, the term of the partnership shall run from June 1, 2026, through August 15, 2026; and
Whereas, the partnership and related programming shall be conducted at no cost to the City of Mount Vernon, with all program supplies to be provided by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Authorization of Partnership. The City Council hereby authorizes the Department of Recreation and the Office of the Mayor to partner with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital for the purpose of implementing Youth Market programming and playground activation activities focused on youth engagement, nutrition education, public health outreach, and food access initiatives.
Section 2. Program Term. The authorized partnership shall commence on June 1, 2026, and continue through August 15, 2026.
Section 3. Responsibilities of the Department of Recreation. The Department of Recreation shall:
1. Participate in at least two planning and coordination meetings with the Youth Market team during the term of the program;
2. Host Youth Market programming once weekly from July 9, 2026, through August 13, 2026, during Thursday playground activation activities; and
3. Provide reasonable space and operational support necessary for the implementation of program activities.
Section 4. Responsibilities of New York Presbyterian Hospital. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital shall:
1. Provide guided public health work experience under the supervision of the CHALK team;
2. Supervise intern participation and implementation of playground activation activities;
3. Maintain documentation of intern attendance and participation and provide such information to participating community-based organizations;
4. Provide onboarding and training for interns through its Summer Youth Employment program;
5. Coordinate co-branding of promotional materials and reports with the Department of Recreation; and
6. Provide all necessary supplies and materials required for the program.
Section 5. Cost to the City. The activities authorized herein shall be conducted at no cost to the City of Mount Vernon.
Section 6. Authority to Implement. The Commissioner of Recreation, the Office of the Mayor, and any other appropriate City officials are hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the purposes of this Ordinance.
Section 7. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council and filing of the above-described documents in the office of the City Clerk of Mount Vernon.