CB2 calls for stepped-up mask outreach and crowd-management as Hudson River Park use rises

Community Board 2 members on May 19 discussed Hudson River Park enforcement, mask distribution and concerns about crowding on the park's paths as outdoor activity increases.

Dan, summarizing a recent Hudson River Park advisory meeting, said the park has a new safety officer who is coordinating with the NYPD to hand out masks and encourage compliance. "They use the dog run as an example. They opened up the dog run last week, and no one was wearing masks. And within 2 days, everyone was wearing masks because it was understood that this was the right thing to do," Dan said.

Speakers praised the distribution efforts but warned of possible hotspots. Committee members described mixed observations: some weekend and evening periods have dense gatherings where masks are infrequently worn, while other visits showed comfortable spacing. Several members observed that people exercising do not consistently wear masks and noted questions about feasibility for runners and others.

The committee also discussed the riverfront piers. Members noted that Pier 45 has limited outdoor seating and that concession plans and liquor-service proposals could produce crowding; there was no formal action but the topic was flagged for continued monitoring. Dan said Pier 40 remains under construction and not available for public use in the short term.

Board members raised a further concern: if subway ridership stays low, more visitors may travel by car from nearby counties, potentially increasing vehicle traffic near park entrances and affecting neighborhood quality of life. Dan said an advisor (Jeffrey) warned of rising private‑vehicle use and recommended coordination with neighboring community boards to plan mitigation.

What’s next: the Parks and Waterfront liaison will coordinate follow-up with Hudson River Park staff, the Police Department and neighboring community boards to clarify enforcement plans, signage and potential volunteer or city staffing options for mask distribution and crowd management.