Free WiFi to Hit Prospect Park

Laptop junkies rejoice – soon you’ll be able to take your mobile workstation to the great outdoors.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Thursday that free Wi-Fi will soon hit Prospect Park as part of a plan to offer internet hot spots in 20 city parks by the end of the summer.

City officials said the move was a logical step in today’s high-speed, high-tech world. It’s part of Bloomberg’s ongoing mission to turn New York into the country’s most plugged-in metropolis.

“New York City has the greatest network of public parks in the world, and we’ve invested heavily to expand and enhance them,” said Bloomberg at an unveiling at Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem.

Bloomberg said AT&T will foot the bill on the five year initiative.

Parks officials couldn't yet say exactly when the service will hit Prospect Park, but it rolled out today in Thomas Jefferson Park as well as Battery Park and Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx.

In Brooklyn, other parks will eventually include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Fort Greene Park, Herbert Von King Park and McCarren Park.

“Today we mark the latest milestone in the City’s strategy to expand public Internet access across the five boroughs through a range of innovative partnerships,” said city Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner Carole Post.  “By providing a geographically-diverse, sustainable technology solution for New Yorkers – at no cost to them – we’re helping keep our parks and public spaces connected in a high-speed age.”

Amy Sara Clark contributed reporting.