Public Plazas and Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS) are open areas located on private property and maintained by private property owners that are required to be open for public use and enjoyment. They may also be known as pocket parks. There are over 550 POPS at over 350 buildings across New York City.
These public areas may contain features such as trees, benches, water features, and other design elements. Some spaces are open to the public 24 hours, while others have been approved to close at night. Public plazas may also include open-air cafes and kiosks that serve food.
Each public plaza and POPS must have a sign posted with the hours that the space is open to the public and a list of the plaza’s features, such as the number of trees and the amount of seating.
You can report a public plaza or POPS that is poorly maintained, not open to the public during posted hours, or has missing or damaged amenities.
Include in your report, if possible:
- The times posted at the plaza
- If it is locked during the times posted
- If there is a fence or gate around the plaza
- If any features are missing or damaged
