Tennis bubbles pop up in the press, on the radio

Hyper-local news site DNAInfo.com is spreading the word that our online petition to protect Central Park from a proposal to install four 35-feet-high bubbles over tennis courts has rapidly gathered over 1,200 signatures ... and shows no signs of slowing!

The online article, which touches upon the broad support this "movement" has garnered, comes on the heels of a broadcast just yesterday (Wed., Apr. 14) of NPR's The Brian Lehrer Show.  On air, Lehrer interviewed NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, along with the Asst. Commissioner for Revenue and Marketing Betsy Smith.  The discussion was titled "Money for Parks" and framed as a look at how the city funds our public open space.  But "Money from Parks" seems a more apt titling.  Hourly rates of up to $100, and revenue goes to the General Fund, not even back to the park?

Central Park is not for sale!  Listen to the show, read more and call us to find out how you can help (212) 496-8110.

NYC Parks Commissioner talks $$$

Today on WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show, NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, along with Assistant Commissioner for Revenue Betsy Smith, talked shop.  Specifically, our parks and how we fund them.

This broadcast comes just a month after the Upper West Side learned of a proposal by Parks to install four 35-feet-high bubbles over existing tennis courts in Central Park.  Bubbles (accompanied by generators and diesel fuel and ... golf carts?) which would degrade the integrity of this Scenic Landmark's design; bubbles which would effectively privatize public space; bubbles that would pose an environmental threat to an urban oasis.  Find out more here.

Do New Yorkers--and all 25 million people from around the globe who visit Central Park every year--see our public parks as cash cows?  Leave your comments here, and sign the online petition! 

Check out the comments at WNYC, and stay tuned for audio and/or transcript copy!