Asphalt Green CEO Jordan Brackett Speaks at Center For an Urban Future’s Recreation Policy Panel
This week, CEO Jordan Brackett represented Asphalt Green at “Putting the ‘Rec’ Back in NYC Parks and Recreation,” a panel discussion hosted by the Center for an Urban Future, New York City’s leading independent, nonpartisan policy organization.
Jordan was joined by new NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura, along with other nonprofit leaders from organizations dedicated to providing athletic and recreational opportunities.
The panel discussed potential solutions to New York City’s most pressing challenges in providing access to recreation, from decades of shrinking recreational budgets, aging facilities, affordability, and more. With an increasing number of New Yorkers facing physical and mental health challenges, the panel shared the importance of exercise as preventative medicine and emphasized the need to make programs accessible to all New Yorkers.
Jordan shared Asphalt Green’s recent achievements in breaking down barriers to recreation. He highlighted our Wave Makers Initiative that is paving the way for universal water safety and swim instruction in New York City, Older Adult Fitness program, and our Recess Enhancement Program (REP), which helps thousands of students get the exercise they need to thrive. Jordan also offered pathways to expand recreation programs to more communities.
Despite the challenges, we were inspired by the success stories of Rising Tide, South Bronx United, The Prescod Institute for Sport, Teamwork, and Education (PISTE), New York Junior Tennis & Learning, and YMCA of Greater New York, who join us in working to create a city where everyone can participate in recreation. The panel made clear that expanding access to sports, fitness, and play will always be a team effort.
Rewatch the event online and visit https://www.asphaltgreen.org/about/ to learn how we transform lives and build community through sports, fitness, and play for all.
