We, the undersigned New Yorkers, represent the hundreds of communities, in all five boroughs, that cherish New York City's parks and open spaces. We call on Mayor de Blasio to pledge that all of our beloved parks, gardens and playgrounds will be protected, and accessible to all.

Throughout the past twelve years, far too many of this city's open spaces have been sold off to the highest bidders, as if those green oases of fresh air and sunlight don't belong to all of us—a public trust that must now be respected and restored.

We therefore hail Judge Donna Mills’ decision, handed down on Jan. 7, that officially declared three Greenwich Village parks to be “official” City parkland, thereby blocking NYU's relentless drive to wipe them out in order to expand its campus.

We see Judge Mills' decision as a turning-point not only for the Village but for every neighborhood in New York City; and so all of us New Yorkers stand together in the firm belief that our officials, both elected and appointed, have a sacred duty to ensure that every park, garden, playground and other open space remains within the public trust; and to make every effort to increase such green and open space throughout our City, for the good of all.

(We also encourage everyone to not only sign our petition, but to call City Hall directly to ask that they preserve and expand NYC's parks, gardens and open spaces; no more giveaways to the highest bidder! In NYC, dial 311 and ask for the Mayor's office.)