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By: Jordan Baker
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s proposed $124.7 billion New York City budget is drawing sharp criticism after plans emerged to dramatically reduce the number of officers patrolling city parks, with opponents warning the cuts could leave neighborhoods across the five boroughs less safe heading into the busy summer season.
The NY Post reported that Mamdani’s executive budget would eliminate roughly 100 positions from the city’s Parks Enforcement Patrol division, reducing the force by more than one-third. The controversial proposal would shrink the current workforce of about 300 officers responsible for monitoring more than 1,500 parks and playgrounds throughout New York City.
According to the NY Post, Parks Enforcement Patrol officers — commonly known as PEP officers — play a major role in handling quality-of-life issues in city parks. Their responsibilities include issuing summonses for illegal dumping, vandalism, public smoking violations, unlicensed vending, off-leash dogs, and other infractions that often generate complaints from local residents.
The officers also provide security and crowd management during major events including the New York City Marathon, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, concerts, festivals, and the U.S. Open tennis tournament. In many parks, they are often the first responders to fights, disturbances, or missing child incidents before NYPD officers arrive.
The NY Post reported that critics immediately blasted the proposed cuts, warning that every neighborhood park in the city could feel the impact if the staffing reductions move forward. Adam Ganser, executive director of the advocacy group New Yorkers for Parks, told the outlet the cuts would create major public safety concerns across the city’s park system.
Several City Council members also voiced opposition to the plan. Councilman Phil Wong reportedly argued that reducing park patrols at a time when many parks are already dealing with crime, illegal activity, and growing quality-of-life complaints sends the wrong message to residents.
The concern comes as city data shows more than 1,100 criminal incidents were recorded in New York City parks during 2025. The NY Post also noted that nearly 600 complaints were referred to Parks Enforcement Patrol officers last year through the city’s 311 system. Problems ranged from disorderly conduct and blocked entrances to smoking violations and illegal vending operations.
Some of the city’s busiest parks have already struggled with enforcement challenges. Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem reportedly generated more than 1,700 service calls last year, while other heavily trafficked locations including Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Prospect Park, Fort Tryon Park, and Washington Square Park also saw significant complaint activity.
Residents interviewed by the NY Post expressed fears that fewer patrol officers could lead to increased violence, disorder, and unsafe conditions during the summer months, especially in parks crowded with children and families. Some parkgoers said the visible presence of PEP officers often helps deter fights, loud disturbances, and disruptive behavior before situations spiral out of control.
