NYC Officials Consider Opening Schoolyards After Hours

By Idy Perl

New York City officials are considering opening a number of public schoolyards during after school hours and on the weekends but are warning that it could cost taxpayers millions of dollars annually. 

NYC parents struggle with finding safe spaces for their children to play and run around. Although several many schools already open their yards after school, Mayor Adams proposed a plan a few weeks ago to open 11 more, which he says would benefit roughly 20,000 people. City Councilmember Gale Brewer of the Upper West Side is also pushing for legislation to require the city education department to open school yards for public access during after school hours. 

However, a report from the city's Independent Budget Office found that paying custodians to open and close the yards could cost taxpayers $243,000 per weekend day and $91,000 per weekday, or around $49 million a year. 

It remains to be seen if the city can figure out a way to cut those costs and provide more outdoor playing space for local children.