The development of public parks is a priority for the Bloomberg administration, from Brooklyn Bridge Park to Governor's Island. But along with idyllic quietude there are massive concerts, helicopter traffic and Mister Softee trucks.

In this installment of our monthly series “Sound Off,” we examine how the sounds of nature can mingle with music and other manmade noises in parks in New York and beyond. Joining us is Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and Arline Bronzaft, chair of the noise committee of the mayor’s Council on the Environment.