Prospect Park Boss Appointed To Lead City's Parks Department

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — Prospect Park's leader was tapped to oversee all of New York City's greenspaces.

Susan Donoghue, who's served as president of the Prospect Park Alliance since 2014, was appointed as the city's new parks commissioner on Friday by Mayor Eric Adams.

A Park Slope resident herself, Donoghue told the Prospect Park community that she's "honored" to take on this citywide role but will "continue to cherish and support Prospect Park as a neighbor and park advocate."

During her tenure as the so-called boss of Prospect Park, Donoghue helped secure millions in funding for major projects and spruce up historic and overused parts of the greenspace.

As NYC Parks Commissioner, Donoghue said in a news release that she is committed to carrying out Adams' vision for a "safe and equitable" parks system, despite existing disparities in park access on the basis of race and class, a recent study found.

Neighbors and local leaders who've worked closely with Donoghue during her tenure as the Prospect Park Alliance president issued a vote of confidence on her behalf in the news release.

Comptroller Brad Lander, who previously represented Park Slope in the City Council, said that during the pandemic Donoghue "leaned into making the park more inclusive and accessible," especially with a robust volunteer program.

Lander's successor, Council Member Shahana Hanif, echoed his sentiments, noting that Donoghue has a "stellar track record" of "ensuring the park is an inviting space to all New Yorkers" through accessible upgrades, like the recently-restored (and award-winning) Endale Arch.

In addition to carrying out meaningful infrastructure projects, Dany Cunningham, who chairs the Prospect Park Alliance's Community Committee, said that the incoming Parks Commissioner is adept at engaging with park users and stakeholders. "She always listened to our concerns," he said.

Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, who currently serves as the Bronx Borough Parks Commissioner, was appointed as the NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner alongside Donoghue.