Boston Harbor Now and partners hosted a symposium on how to realize our greatest opportunities for waterfront public spaces, successful water transportation, a strong working port, and long-term climate resilience. New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver delivered the keynote address.
**Mitchell J. Silver** became Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in May 2014. Commissioner Silver is also the immediate past president of the American Planning Association (APA). He is an award-winning planner with more than 30 years of experience and he is internationally recognized for his leadership in the planning profession and his contributions to contemporary planning issues. He specializes in comprehensive planning, place making and implementation strategies. As Parks Commissioner, Mitchell Silver oversees management, planning and operations of nearly 30,000 acres of parkland, which includes parks, playgrounds, beaches, marinas, recreation centers, wilderness areas and other assets. Photo: [NYC Parks](https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/people/nyc-parks-commissioner "Mitchell J. Silver at NYC Parks")