Int. No. 918
By Council Members Stewart, Comrie, Gonzalez, James, Nelson, Mark-Viverito and Avella
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the surface areas of playgrounds and playing fields.
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Title 17 of the administrative code of the city of New York is hereby amended by adding a new section 17-193 to read as follows:
§17-193 a. The department, in conjunction with the department of parks and recreation, shall conduct a review of the surface areas of playgrounds and playing fields under the jurisdiction of any City agency to determine the most appropriate materials to be utilized on such areas in order to minimize any potential health and/or safety risks. Such review shall include (i) an evaluation of rubber mats, artificial turf and other surface areas utilized at playgrounds and playing fields; and (ii) an assessment regarding whether or not such materials may present any health or safety risk, including whether and which such materials retain high levels of heat or contain known carcinogens.
b. On or before September 1, 2009, the department, in conjunction with the department of parks and recreation, shall make recommendations to the Council regarding the most appropriate materials to be utilized on the surface areas of playgrounds and playing fields in order to minimize any potential health and/or safety risks.
§2. This local law shall take effect immediately.
LS#3603
DB/LF
12/31/08