NEW YORK CITY — Kids sports leagues can resume playing in New York City parks, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday. 

The New York City Parks Department will begin in September granting permits to youth baseball, softball, soccer, cricket, non-contact lacrosse and flag football leagues, the mayor announced on WNYC's The Brian Lehrer Show.

"The folks from the sports leagues that do so much good with our kids, they’ve been appealing for the ability to open up. We’re going to grant that,” said the mayor.

The mayor initially included adult sports leagues in his announcement, but later rescinded the promise. 

The permits would will be revoked should a league receive at least three health code violations or should the city's COVID-19 testing rate rise above 3 percent, according to de Blasio. 

Other new ssafety rules that will accompany permits: face coverings must be worn by all involved as much as possible, spectators will be limited to two per player, and congregating on the field after the game will not be allowed.

Officials of youth leagues say the are confident they can keep all their players safe.

"We have been keeping the families informed about the guidelines, how we are going to apply them. It just has been a waiting game," explained Noe Canales, the founder at Soccer Kids NYC.

Just a week ago, the parks department announced that no permits would be issued for the fall due to "health and safety concerns." That would have forced youth leagues and teams to compete for the coveted space with other park users.

The decision Friday was a relief for youth organizations and parents.

"It is one more box we can check off now. We have some dedicated space. We know when we show up to a field, that it is going to be there for us," said Jesse Delorenzo, president of Brooklyn City FC, a soccer club.

"Just knowing now they will be able to be a little bit safer and still be able to play sports and see their friends and get all that energy out," added Shines Almeida, a parent of  a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old soccer player.

The reversal follows an outcry by parents, coaches and young athletes, an online petition and a rally. City Councilman Justin Brannan helped to lead the opposition.

"It shouldn't have taken protests and petitions and that kind of stuff. This is a no-brainer. It should have just gotten done. We are happy it got done. Now we need to support the leagues as best we can so they are ready to go," added Brannan.

Young athletes say they have been ready to go for months.

"I'm really excited, it is better for everyone," said Soonhee Delorenzo, a soccer player.

The announcement came after the mayor fielded multiple questions about plans to reopen schools in September and concerns over equity. 

De Blasio criticized a caller named Regina from Manhattan and Lehrer himself for what he called, "cocktail party madness." 

“If you just talk about it, and feel self satisfied god bless you," de Blasio said. "I'm losing patience, respectively, because so many people don't know what they're talking about."

------

Did you know you can now watch, read and stay informed with NY1 wherever and whenever you want? Get the new Spectrum News app here.

------

Looking for an easy way to learn about the issues affecting New York City?

Listen to our "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | RSS

-----

Further Coronavirus Coverage

What to Do If You Test Positive for COVID-19

Who Will Get a Coronavirus Vaccine First — And Who Decides?

How Hospitals Protect Against the Spread of Coronavirus

Coronavirus Likely Spreads Without Symptoms

Coronavirus: The Fight to Breathe

Experts Say Masks Are Still a Must

The Race for a Coronavirus Vaccine

The U.S. May Face a Second Wave of Coronavirus Infections

Cuomo Granted Broad New Powers as New York Tackles Coronavirus