Mapping for Equity: Mapping NYC’s Public Amenities in NYC Council District 26 with BetaNYC

BetaNYC is a nonprofit civic organization that focuses on improving lives in New York through civic design, technology, and data. We help all New Yorkers access information and use technology for the public interest.

We are partnering with New York City Council Member Julie Won’s Office on a Mapping for Equity event in Council District 26, to take place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 3pm-5pm at Big Bush Playground in Woodside. 

Help us create open data about communities! Council Member Julie Wpn and BetaNYC invite you to map Big Bush Playground and learn about our Mapping for Equity project.

This activity will be in two parts: the first event will be learning how to collect public realm data and mapping Tompkins Square Park outside using field papers; the second event will be learning how to input the data onto OpenStreetMap with the appropriate tags. You do not need to attend both events to participate. Join us for one or both!

First event: Field Mapping – Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 3pm-5pm at Big Bush Playground & Park. 

RSVP here < beta.nyc/e250806-rsvp > for the first event by 3pm on Tuesday, August 5

Audience: Open to the public and the general community, the more the merrier! We can share an event flyer, registration page, and more info as we dial in on the date and time.

About Mapping for Equity: A Mapping for Equity on OpenStreetMap (OSM) event is a community engagement event that teaches the public how to use OpenStreetMap to collect geographical open data to create more accurately represented spaces. If successful, public spaces will be better reflected in community conversations and in open data with their amenities and accessibility features open to all. 

We will teach people to contribute public realm data to OSM, including:

• Doing fieldwork: learning how to map and upload data on their own
• Creating knowledge and a shared practice around community mapping
• Identify areas that are underserved and less accessible
• Engage neighbors in identifying needs and use data to advocate for change

These events will be delivered in English and all ages are welcome to attend (provided that anyone under 18 years old is present with a parent or guardian). Plan on wearing appropriate footwear and environmental attire as the field mapping event takes place outside.  If you have any needs or accommodations, please email events@beta.nyc.