My first Magazine MercyFirst: Community Portrait_2016 | Page 8

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Protective factors (Social Network & Resources):
The public library is an important institution since
it is public space where people of the community
gather, meet one another and freely access com-
munity resources that may be helpful in building
community cohesion and social network. Youth
living outside home could benefit by participating
in activities, volunteering for events and accessing
resources at the public libraries.
The number of library staff is double in Port Rich-
mond, Stapleton & Mariner’s Harbor than in Bay
Ridge & Dyker Heights.
Heights
Public Library:
Social relationships and networks that support healthy development is essential for all young people.
Positive connections in the family and community are associated with lower level of unhealthy risk
taking behavior and good social support network can increase the resilience of children and families.
# of Library Staff Library Budget
48 $4,371,884
24 $4,698,954
Public Parks:
Public parks not only promote increased physical activity but also a place for social networking, personal recreation
and other activities that create social bonds between individuals and groups, specially for children and youth.
Parks and Recreation:
Land use for public parks, open space and recreation is higher in Bay Ridge & Dyker Heights (29.9 percent), compared
to Port Richmond, Stapleton & Mariner’s Harbor (15.3 percent). Although residential areas in both the community
districts is comparable (51.2 and 50.8 percent).
Port Richmond, Stapleton &
Mariner’s Harbor
Bay Ridge & Dyker Heights