Open space, transportation and community advocates joined elected officials and local residents at McCarren Park on Satrurday to rally for a new citywide Car-Free Parks campaign, calling on New York City to develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate private vehicle traffic from park roads in order to expand public space, improve safety and accessibility, strengthen environmental resilience, and create healthier, more connected neighborhoods.
The event brought together supporters for a block party centered on a vision for people-first public space in north Brooklyn and across the five boroughs.
Priorities including the transformation of Driggs Avenue between North 12th and Lorimer Streets into a pedestrian-friendly Driggs Passage Plaza. Advocates noted this would create nearly 1.5 acres more space for people at the heart of north Brooklyn’s largest park.
The campaign comes amid growing momentum for expanded pedestrianized public space, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plans to reimagine Grand Army Plaza, complete the McGuinness Blvd redesign, advocates said.
“New Yorkers have already seen what’s possible when we prioritize people over private vehicles in our public spaces,” said Kathy Park Price, director of Advocacy and Policy at New Yorkers for Parks. “From Prospect Park to Central Park to open streets across the city, the evidence is overwhelming: safer, greener, more connected public space makes neighborhoods healthier and more vibrant. With a new administration signaling support for bold public realm investments, now is the time for New York City to take action toward a comprehensive car-free parks vision.”
The block party featured community programming including a litter clean-up, bike wash, native plant giveaway, birdwatching walk, repair bar, games and puzzle swap, children’s art activities, ping pong, and collaborative banner-making focused on reclaiming streets and park space for public use.
Participating organizations included New Yorkers for Parks, North Brooklyn Open Streets, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, Transportation Alternatives, Open Plans, Propel, Ping Pong in NYC Parks & Plazas, and the McGolrick Bird Club.
The event was co-sponsored by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Lincoln Restler, Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Rep. Nydia Velázquez, and organized by New Yorkers for Parks, North Brooklyn Open Streets, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, and Transportation Alternatives.
