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2h ago

Mamdani Names Tricia Shimamura NYC Parks Commissioner Ahead of First Budget

The pick places a community-focused manager at the center of Mamdani’s pledge to raise Parks funding to 1% of city spending.

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File photo of a wintry Central Park on Jan. 1, 2026.
Against the backdrop of High Bridge Park, Mayor Mamdani named Tricia Shimamura, left, New York City's Parks Department commissioner on Saturday. (Mayor's Office)
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Overview

  • The mayor announced the appointment Saturday at High Bridge Park during light snowfall, tasking Shimamura with overseeing roughly 30,000 acres of parkland, beaches, pools and recreation facilities.
  • Shimamura succeeds Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, who was thanked for decades of service and recognized as the first Latina to lead the department.
  • Mamdani reiterated his campaign promise to devote at least 1% of the city budget to Parks, up from about 0.6%, as advocates press for the increase to appear in his preliminary plan due this month.
  • The new commissioner said she will prioritize making parks engaging, accessible spaces tied to the city’s affordability goals, highlighting free pools, beaches, gardens and recreation centers.
  • Her background includes serving as Manhattan parks borough commissioner, social work, and senior roles with Mark Levine, Carolyn Maloney and Columbia University.