Parks Department Did A Sheepshead Bay Promo?

When I talk privately with friends about Sheepshead Bay’s recreational fishing industry (and other summer activities), I often say the city government ought to do more to promote the area for local tourism. Sure, it ain’t South Street Seaport, but it’s one of the nation’s oldest fishing villages, and there’s nowhere else like it in the five boroughs.

Not to mention, the city spent $13 million renovating the waterfront in the 1990s. Wouldn’t you want to max out that investment?

But, little did I know, the city’s Parks Department did put a little bit of effort into promoting the neighborhood.

Time warp back to 2006! The video above was shot for It’s My Park, a government produced television series that features parks and park-related activities around the city. The show airs on NYC TV Channel 25 on Tuesdays at 10:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5 p.m.

Yes, it’s a little cheesy (just listen to that gawd awful music). But it’s a good example of what the city should do more of to promote neighborhood commerce. At the moment, a search for “sheepshead” on NYCgo.com – the official website for NYC tourism – has 13 results. Most of which are irrelevant or decidedly un-touristy business listings (Kings Plaza Macy’s, anyone?).

But NYC is a big city, and I’m sure most neighborhoods are clamoring for more tourist love. So the downtown bigwigs that run the show have their job cut out for them. Maybe what they need are some creative ideas from locals.

So – how can New York City do a better job promoting our neighborhood as a summer tourist destination?