Parents in Manhattan are voicing serious concerns after reports of rats infesting the Tarr-Coyne playground in the northwest section of Central Park. Witnesses say rodents have been spotted jumping onto baby strollers and lurking nearby while feeding, creating fear and frustration in a space designed for children’s play and safety.
Public Health Concerns
Although New York City has expanded rodent-control measures in recent years, families point out that this particular playground lies outside the city’s official pest-control zones. Parents warn that this gap in coverage poses potential health risks for children, citing the possibility of exposure to rodent-borne diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella.
Families Speak Out
Residents report that rats are increasingly visible during the day and appear unafraid of human presence. “We expect playgrounds to be safe for our kids, not places where we have to worry about rats around strollers,” one parent told local media. Many parents say they are reconsidering visits to the park unless the issue is addressed quickly.
City Response
Officials have acknowledged the complaints and confirmed that pest-control teams are evaluating an expansion of operations in Central Park. The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Health are currently reviewing whether more resources should be allocated to manage infestations in areas not yet covered by existing rodent-control programs.
A Persistent Problem for New York
Rodent infestations remain a longstanding challenge for the city. Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has recently committed additional funding for rat-reduction projects, but experts note that parks and playgrounds remain highly vulnerable, as they provide both food sources and nesting areas for rodents.
Next Steps
Community leaders and parents are now urging the city to take immediate action at the Tarr-Coyne playground. Without intervention, they warn, families may begin avoiding the area altogether, undermining one of Central Park’s most valued recreational spaces for children.
