The event honored two longtime champions of New York City parks and public spaces — Edward Skyler, Head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs at Citi, and Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse — while raising critical support for MPA’s growing Teen Leadership Program.
Attendees packed the venue, creating a lively and welcoming environment that underscored the strong sense of pride surrounding Brooklyn’s largest park and the organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing it. “This park thrives because of people like you who support our work,” said MPA Executive Director Scott Middleton, who welcomed guests and highlighted the organization’s continued growth and expanding impact throughout southern Brooklyn.
Middleton noted that the MPA, once entirely volunteer-run, has already doubled its staffing in 2026 with the addition of Program and Communications Manager Elliot Ma. He also emphasized the organization’s growing footprint, sharing that MPA contributed more than 5,000 hours of stewardship work to NYC Parks in 2025 while serving over 8,000 park visitors through free cultural, environmental and volunteer programming.
The evening brought together an impressive coalition of civic, environmental and community leaders, including former NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, District Leader Frank Seddio, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Randy Peers and representatives from numerous organizations across Brooklyn. The speaking program featured remarks from Brooklyn Borough Parks Commissioner Martin Maher, Middleton, pledge drive emcee Alan Zarrow, and honorees Skyler and Narcisse, and concluded with closing remarks from MPA board member Karen Eichel.
A major focus of the gala was the MPA Teen Leadership Program, which provides local high school students with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, volunteer coordination and public programming throughout Marine Park.
During an energetic pledge drive led by Zarro, guests learned that the program’s 16 teen leaders are contributing more than 1,600 volunteer hours this school year while helping lead volunteer projects, environmental initiatives and community events throughout the park. “These teens are not just participants,” Zarro told the audience. “They are the backbone of this organization’s work.”
The gala also recognized the accomplishments and service of the evening’s honorees. Skyler, in addition to his leadership role at Citi, served as former Deputy Mayor for Operations under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Speaking from the podium after receiving his award, he reflected on his early career with NYC Parks and Marine Park’s unique place within NYC’s park system.
“Marine Park plays a very special role,” Skyler said. “It combines natural areas with incredible recreational opportunities, and it represents what happens when communities, nonprofits and government work together.”
He praised the ongoing preservation of waterfront and natural areas throughout the city and commended the MPA for continuing that mission in southern Brooklyn.
Narcisse received applause as she spoke passionately about the importance of parks to public health and community well-being.
“If we’re talking about healthcare and not talking about parks, that’s a problem,” Narcisse said. “Many people in New York City don’t even have a backyard. Parks are where families come together, where people relax, where health and community meet.”
Narcisse, who represents the 46th Council District and serves on the City Council’s Parks Committee, praised the MPA’s leadership and commitment to youth engagement, calling the organization “one of the best park organizations in New York City.”
Throughout the evening, guests participated in raffles, a silent auction and fundraising efforts featuring donations from dozens of local businesses, restaurants and other organizations, including the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York Giants and New York Knicks. Auction supporters ranged from neighborhood favorites such as Applebee’s, Buckley’s Restaurant, Michael’s Restaurant and Oasis Diner to major retailers and attractions including Target, Trader Joe’s, the Intrepid Museum and the Wildlife Conservation Society. All funds went to support future park programming and youth initiatives.
The gala was made possible through the support of sponsors including Citi, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Con Edison, the Carro-D’Alessandro Family, Ciardullo Architecture & Engineering, Soltage, the Marine Park Lions Club, Mount Sinai, DoorDash, JoMart Chocolates and the Marine Park Golf Course. Entertainment was provided by Joe Pianos and Paolo Buffagni.
As the evening concluded and the rain continued outside, guests departed with a renewed appreciation for the park, its supporters and the next generation of community leaders working to preserve one of Brooklyn’s most treasured green spaces.
