The New York City Parks Mounted Unit is a group of private citizens who assist the Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers of the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation. PEP Officers are certified New York State Peace Officers and NYC Special Patrolmen. The unit patrols on horseback in areas inaccessible by vehicle to ensure the safety of park patrons and the preservation of animals, plants, and natural resources. The squadron also represents the PEP in local events such as parades and festivals.
History with the Macy's Parade[]
The NYC Parks Mounted Unit made their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade debut in the 1983 Parade. The cavalry of officers patrolled the Parade route with honor while representing the Parks Enforcement Patrol. Since their Macy's Parade debut, the cavalry made of volunteers have marched their way down the streets of Manhattan nearly every Thanksgiving Day, with the horses donning blankets in the enforcement's signature color of green. Officers on horseback carry flags of the United States of America and the NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol, bringing out the patriot in Parade viewers.
Due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYC Parks Mounted Unit was unable to participate in the reimagined 2020 Macy's Parade, as the number of participants had been cut down by more than 88%.