White Plains · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in White Plains public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ebersol Rink capital improvements and sponsorship legislation
The city partnered with the New York Rangers on a youth hockey program at Ebersole Rink. Council Member Caruso called the rink an underappreciated gem that leverages outside funding well.
Smoking in White Plains parks
The city wants to update its smoke-free rules to explicitly cover marijuana and vaping, and to extend the ban to school district fields and playgrounds the city shares. The pitch is education first — ask people to move along, not write tickets. The council votes September 8.
Rusty cannon ahead of Battle of White Plains 250th anniversary
The Revolutionary War cannon along the Bronx River Parkway is rusted and in disrepair just weeks before the 250th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains on October 28. The cannon sits on county property, and the speaker asked officials to make a call to get it repainted.
White Plains Soccer Fest
The Council's budget tweak funded a second screen on Maple Avenue so Soccer Fest crowds spread out more evenly; the popular summer series continues with events July 9 and July 11.
Senior services funding
A funding mix-up was corrected and the city accepted an extra $20,297.78 from the county, restoring roughly $20,000 to the senior lunch program that serves about 125 meals a week.
Waller Avenue Pocket Park (C5690)
A $745,000 state grant will convert an underused 12-space municipal parking lot at 73 Waller Avenue into a pocket park with shade structures, benches, a water bottle fill station, bike racks and landscaping.
Water Street Connector linear park (C5691)
A $2.25 million state-funded linear park will connect the Hillside Terrace neighborhood to downtown along the old MLK Boulevard right-of-way, with a walking path, playground, dog park and lighting.
Gardella Park basketball league safety
A resident is asking the city to permanently move the Gardella summer basketball league to a larger venue, citing a 50-round shooting at the 2025 semifinals, drug and alcohol use, illegal parking, and families staying indoors after 7:15 on game nights.
Plainsmen hockey league championships
The 10UA and 12UA Plainsmen teams won Hudson Valley Hockey League titles, with a recognition ceremony March 23 at 6:30pm.
New Pre-K camp pilot program
The Recreation Department is launching a Pre-K camp with Amazing Athletes for residents ages 3-5, filling a gap for the youngest kids.
Summer camp demand outpaces supply
Both Camp Condor and Camp Panawok sold out the same day registration opened. Families who missed the January 28 opening may be shut out of summer camp options.
Kittrell Park Outdoor Bathrooms
Design funding was approved for two new accessible family bathrooms at Kittrell Park, with the full project estimated at $450,000.
Display of the Pan-African flag for Black History Month
The White Plains-Greenburgh NAACP asked the city to fly the red, black, and green Pan-African flag during February as a statement of inclusion.
Slater Community Center conditions and playground access
A resident says the Slater Center still needs real investment — outdated restrooms, poor layout, broken dividers, little storage — and recalls the 2023 playground closure that forced kids to walk half a mile to Cattrell Park.
Spring/Summer recreation programs and guide distribution
Spring and summer program registration opens March 16. The guide goes online the week of March 9, with postcards mailed the week of March 2 and printed copies available at six city locations for residents who prefer paper.
Gillie Room capital improvement
The Gillie Room is getting new flooring, improved lighting and a fresh coat of paint — a facility upgrade for users of the recreation space.
Summer camp registration and sibling discount
Summer day camp registration opens online only at 7:30 a.m. on January 28, with phone support available. Families are still waiting to learn whether a sibling discount will be offered — no decision has been made yet.
Recreation and Parks fee schedule effective March 1, 2026
The Council adopted on first reading an updated user fee schedule for city recreation and parks programs starting March 1. That affects what families pay for programs, classes and facility use.