Photo Courtesy of DOT
Approximately 25 new signs have been installed this month by DOT, both along the parkway and at entrance ramps.
By Forum Staff
With the Major League Baseball season in full swing, the City recently announced that it has installed signs along the Jackie Robinson Parkway that for the first time include an image of the Dodger legend himself and unveiled a new Vision Zero marketing campaign that Mets fans will see at Citi Field this season.
The City Department of Transportation produced and installed approximately 25 new signs this month, both along “the Jackie” and at entrance ramps. For the first time, parkway signage features an image of the groundbreaking athlete and civil rights hero, styled after an iconic 1954 photo.
Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) was the first African-American to play major-league baseball – for the Brooklyn Dodgers, from 1947 until 1956. He was also the first to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Following his baseball career, he became a successful businessman and advocate for social justice. Among his many honors, Robinson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. On April 15 each year, all MLB teams celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on the anniversary of his very first game at Ebbets Field, with every player on every squad wearing Robinson’s number 42. The league officially retired the digits on April 15, 1997.
Originally known as the Interboro Parkway, “the Jackie” spans nearly five miles and connects Brooklyn and Queens. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, the State officially renamed the road. The first in a series of new clear and attractive signs being installed on City parkways and other roads, the Robinson sign was the result of collaboration among NYC DOT, NYS DOT, and NYC Parks, according to the administration.
“Seventy-one years ago in the heart of Brooklyn, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and helped change America forever,” said U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Queens and Brooklyn). “He emerged as a hall of fame athlete and tireless advocate for social justice. This new sign will make sure his memory lives on in our great city.”
Additionally last week, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the City will partner with the Mets during the 2018 season for a Vision Zero public-awareness campaign in order to connect with fans attending games. Marketing at Citi Field will include 30-second pre-game ads on Citi Vision, on-field LED and concourse screen displays, and in-game public service announcements featuring Mets players Jay Bruce, TJ Rivera, and Michael Conforto. Vision Zero messaging will be included on more than 500,000 parking receipts issued at Mets games, concerts, and events. During select games, fans may interact with the Vision Zero Street Team and take home co-branded promotional items.
“On the baseball field and at the very vanguard and grassroots of the Civil Rights Movement, Jackie Robinson was both a leader and team player of the highest quality,” noted State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans). “It’s good to know that the parkway named in his honor will be revitalized to serve the public more effectively by including additional Vision Zero components in concert with participation by our Amazin’ Mets in effort to keep everyone travelling to the ballpark safe, secure and well.”
