In 2017, the city’s Parks Department issued 8,100 athletic permits for 877,000 hours of athletic time on DPR’s 800 ballfields—satisfying most but nowhere near all the demand for space. There are indications that pressures around parks permits are increasing.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation will hold the 10th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium, with 100% of funds raised directly supporting innovative cancer research. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for cancer research. The Runyon 5K is the only event of its kind held inside the iconic stadium. The course winds through the ballpark’s concourses and ramps, and upstairs between levels. The 2018 Runyon 5K is presented by MetLife Foundation.
Leagues from the northwest Bronx to Brooklyn and Staten Island report fielding 50 to 70 percent fewer players this year as other sports, longer school days, rising fees and other factors squeeze the game.