Mitchell J.

Silver, FAICP
Commissioner, NYC Parks
www.nyc.gov/parks

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2016
No. 34

NYC PARKS AND AT&T EXPAND FREE PUBLIC WI-FI AND SOLAR MOBILE CHARGING IN
PARKS AND AT BEACHES CITYWIDE
Free Wi-Fi Available at 27 Locations and 21 Parks
Thirty Four Free AT&T Street Charge Units Located at 15 Parks and Beaches
NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FACIP, today joined AT&Ts New York President Marissa
Shorenstein, Bronx Borough President Rueben Diaz, Jr. and community members to announce a deal
to extend free public AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks for an additional five years. The free Wi-Fi is available,
regardless of wireless carrier, to parkgoers at 27 locations in 21 parks across the five boroughs. The
collaboration increases the number of free solar mobile charging stations to 34 units at 15 parks and
beaches; and four new parks will receive the popular AT&T Street Charge unitsQueens Flushing
Meadows Park at David Dinkins Circle and Ederle Terrace, Brooklyns Sunset Park and Prospect Park
at the LeFrak Center and Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx, where the announcement was made.
Launched in 2011, the Wi-Fi in the Parks initiative was the Citys first free public Wi-Fi program that
allows all smartphone and tablet users to connect. Through the program there have been 8.6 million
connections.
The renewal of our partnership with AT&T, expanding free Wi-Fi and charging stations to more of our
parks this summer and fall, furthers Parks commitment to utilizing technology to serve parkgoers city
wide, said Commissioner Silver. Through amenities like Wi-Fi and charging stations in parks, we
help increase technological access, while gathering insights into how our visitors engage our green
spaces; insights that strengthen our strategic approach to building a better park system for the future.
Over the past five years, millions of visitors to New Yorks parks and beaches have connected over
Wi-Fi in the Parks and charged their devices at AT&T Street Charge units, said Marissa
Shorenstein, AT&Ts New York State President. Its been exciting to watch these programs become
proof points for how a city can leverage advances in technology to keep its citizens connected. AT&T is
excited to continue working with the de Blasio administration to offer these free services and support
New Yorkers on the go.
This agreement will serve communities throughout the five boroughs, and provide internet access to
more New Yorkers than ever and that can only be a good thing as we move further into the 21st
century, said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. Im especially proud that were
extending this initiative to Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx, which is in my district. Id like to thank the de
Blasio Administration, the New York City Parks Department, and AT&T for prioritizing technology and
internet access, and I look forward to expanding access even further in the future.
"We welcome the expansion of free wireless services in twenty four of our public parks across the city
and the increment on the number of free solar mobile charging stations," said Bronx Borough
President Ruben Diaz Jr. "I want to thank AT&T for enhancing the park experience for our residents
by increasing the access of Wi-Fi services throughout city parks; and for their efforts to expand park
amenities, as well as for helping our residents to stay better connected and helping getting people
outdoors."
Reliable wireless internet service has become a basic utility that we depend upon for safety,
navigation, and useful information in our fast-paced city, said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L.
Adams. Brooklynites are always on the move, and we want to remain connected wherever we are in
the borough. AT&T's free Wi-Fi and charging station program offers a critical resource to park visitors
from Bedford-Stuyvesant to Brooklyn Heights, particularly those who lack access to a quality
connection at home.

The Prospect Park Alliance is delighted to partner with AT&T and NYC Parks to continue to provide
free technology amenities to park visitors, said Sue Donoghue, president of the Prospect Park
Alliance, the non-profit that manages the park in partnership with the City. The LeFrak Center at
Lakeside, which opened just over two years ago and now sees hundreds of thousands of visitors per
year, is one of the most popular destinations in Prospect Park. With the LeFrak Centers new AT&T
Street Charge stations, community members can enhance their experience at the roller skating rink,
Splash Pad, and bike and boat rentals, and stay connected with the new Prospect Park mobile app
launching this summer.
Thanks to AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks and AT&T Street Charge, Queens residents and visitors dont have
to choose between staying connected or enjoying some time at one of our beautiful parks,
said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. NYC Parks and AT&T deserve to be commended for
extending the AT&T Wi-Fi in the Parks program for five more years and for increasing the availability of
AT&T Street Charge units. This modern technology allows our parks to be even more fun to visit.
Wireless internet is the key public utility for the digital age, said Manhattan Borough President Gale
A. Brewer. By making wi-fi access available in our public parks, AT&T is doing a tremendous service
both for residents and visitors to our city, and they have my thanks.
The free Wi-Fi and charging stations provided by AT&T and City Parks are welcomed by Staten
Islanders and support our lifestyles in 2016, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors and all these parks have
to offer while staying connected, said Borough President James Oddo.
AT&T Street Charge units were introduced in 2013 in response to power and connection issues New
Yorkers experienced in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The solar-powered units operate in all weather
conditions and are available throughout the summer and fall in the five boroughs.
Park visitors can enjoy free AT&T Wi-Fi at the following locations throughout the city:
Manhattan:
Marcus Garvey Park
Thomas Jefferson Park
Tompkins Square Park
The Battery (Bosque Area and Ferry Landings)
Central Park (Rumsey Playfield, CP Zoo, Mineral Springs and Tavern on the
Green)
Thomas Paine Park/Foley Square
Holcombe Rucker Park
The High Line
Brooklyn:

Prospect Park Picnic House

Herbert Von King Park
McCarren Park Field House
Brooklyn Bridge Park (Piers 1, 5 and 6)
Fort Greene Park

Queens:

Astoria Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park (Queens Zoo)
MacDonald Park

Staten Island:
Clove Lakes Park

Ocean Breeze Park

Joyce Kilmer Park

Devoe Park
Hunts Point Riverside Park

Bronx:

AT&T Street Charge units are at:

Manhattan:
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street, Albany Street, Coenties)
Union Square Park (17th and Broadway, 15th and Union Square West)
Marcus Garvey Park
Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Bridge Park (Carousel and Pier 1)
Dumbo Heights Plaza
Prospect Park (Lefrak Center and Vanderbilt Playground)
Sunset Park
Coney Island Boardwalk (Luna Park and Aquarium)
Queens:
Flushing Meadows Park (David Dinkins Circle and Ederle Terrace)
West Side Tennis Center
Rockaway Beach (107th, 97th, 86th Streets)
Corona Plaza (Roosevelt and 104th)
Staten Island:
South Beach
Midland Beach
Bronx:
Joyce Kilmer Park
Orchard Beach Promenade
Governors Island:
Yankee Pier
Ball Field
AT&T Wi-Fi and Street Charge locations can be found citywide.
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Contact:
Crystal Howard
pressoffice@parks.nyc.gov
(212) 360-1311