Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of Tricia Shimamura as the city’s new parks commissioner Saturday.
Mamdani made the announcement as snow flurries came down on the Bronx side of Highbridge Park.
Shimamura previously served as Manhattan borough commissioner for the Parks Department, and has experience as a social worker.
Mamdani and Shimamura both vowed to make parks a priority for the new administration.
“In a city where almost everything costs something, our parks are not only a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle, they are also the rare corner of our city that are truly accessible and affordable to each and every person who calls this city home,” Mamdani said.
“As commissioner, I will work to ensure that our parks aren’t just free, but they are engaging spaces that New Yorkers can be proud of. We will hold every park to the same level of significance as our own backyard,” Shimamura said.
Shimamura replaces Iris Rodriguez Rosa who was appointed commissioner last year by Mayor Eric Adams.