Residents and officials call on city to increase patrols at Bensonhurst park over safety concerns
It comes months after a 22-year-old was stabbed at the park. News 12 also previously reported residents complaining about reckless moped drivers there.
More Stories
Local officials and Bensonhurst residents came together in a rally on Friday to call on New York City Parks to increase patrols at Seth Low Playground.
It comes months after a 22-year-old was stabbed at the park. News 12 also previously reported residents complaining about reckless moped drivers there.
Local Imam Maaz Ali says people shouldn't have to deal with these dangers.
"These are things that should not be happening in communities. We want to make sure that everybody can come to the park. They can use it. They could benefit from it. They could have fun in the park. Safety should not be a thought," said Ali.
The park is also near schools. Parents like Alina Lewis say she's worried about her child's safety.
“We don't have a like big recess yard at the school. And so this is the kids' recess yard. Our seventh- and eighth-graders eat lunch out here every day. It's really, really important that kids have physical activity and fresh air every day," said Lewis. "And our principal was debating at the start of this school year not having our kids eat lunch out here because he was worried for their safety."
Councilwoman Susan Zhuang is calling on the city to ease these concerns.
"We want to see more parks police come here to patrol and to prevent this harmful crime," said Zhuang.
City sources tell News 12 they increased patrols following complaints earlier in the year, but will continue to increase patrols and work with the NYPD. They also say more parks patrols will be added across the city as part of the 2026 fiscal budget.
