Today, Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Tricia Shimamura as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Shimamura currently serves as Manhattan Borough Commissioner for NYC Parks Department and brings more than a decade of experience advancing major infrastructure projects and working closely with communities across New York City to deliver for working people.
As Manhattan Borough Commissioner, Shimamura expanded community outreach, led the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024, and oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park. Her career reflects a commitment to listening to New Yorkers and delivering results for working people.
As Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, she spearheaded an ambitious vote-by-mail initiative for more than 20,000 students during the CoViD-19 pandemic. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, where she helped advance critical infrastructure projects including the East River Esplanade and Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway.
The NYC Parks Department oversees more than 30,000 acres of land — nearly 14 percent of New York City — providing essential public spaces that millions of New Yorkers rely on every day. Shimamura brings extensive experience managing large-scale public operations and navigating crises.
“Our city’s parks embody the promise of public spaces — they are where childhood memories are formed, where leisure can be found, where I got to hone my soccer skills (or lack thereof) throughout school, and most importantly where the greatness of our city is within so many New Yorker’s reach,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “I am excited to be announcing the appointment of a Parks Commissioner who has spent her career showing up, and listening to, communities across our city. Under the leadership of Tricia Shimamura, our Parks Department will strive to make this a city that every New Yorker can afford to not just live in but enjoy.”
“It is an honor to join Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration. Early in my career as a social worker, I saw firsthand how government fell short for working families and students — and how our public infrastructure too often mirrored those failures,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “I have dedicated my career to building a city that truly serves working people and investing in infrastructure that reflects that commitment. As Parks Commissioner, I will ensure our parks are not only free, but welcoming, vibrant spaces that every New Yorker can be proud of.”
Tricia Shimamura will be the next NYC Parks Commissioner. Previously, she was Deputy Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, working on critical infrastructure projects like investing in the East River Esplanade and completing Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway. Tricia worked as Director of Government Relations at Columbia University, strengthening relationships with the surrounding community boards and other local organizations, as well as spearheading civic engagement initiatives including an ambitious vote-by-mail program for over 20,000 students during the CoViD-19 pandemic. Tricia later joined the Office of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, overseeing the office’s Community Affairs Unit and managing relationships with 12 Manhattan Community Boards. She spearheaded various initiatives such as the Borough President’s Volunteer Corps and the Leadership Training Series and connected with Manhattanites on issues impacting their daily lives.
Tricia has proudly served as the Manhattan Borough Commissioner for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) since March 2024. Under her leadership, the borough expanded community outreach and strategic partnerships, identified creative solutions to longstanding, complex problems, and successfully advocated for millions of dollars of funding for both critical capital projects as well as essential public programs serving tens of thousands of New Yorkers. Tricia also led the borough in adopting more comprehensive data-driven practices and policies related to bloodborne pathogen safety, and she helped lead the agency’s on-the-ground response to the Inwood Hill Park fires in the fall of 2024. She oversaw the reopening of Phase 1 of East River Park, and has continued to guide strategic planning for several resiliency and other major waterfront development projects around the borough.
Outside of work, Tricia and her family have dedicated their time towards supporting women in leadership and running for public office. Tricia continues to serve on the Board of the Vote Mama Foundation, which conducts research on the effectiveness of family policies meeting the needs of working families. Tricia also served on her own community board for several years.
She received her Master’s in Social Work from New York University and her Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College. Tricia lives on the Upper East Side with her husband, Dov, and their two sons, Teddy and Ollie.
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
