Cafeteria tables get colorful makeover for city parks

May 28—Beginning in June, visitors to several New York City parks can take a rest or make a picnic on a school cafeteria table and gain some insight into the minds of public school students. The tables — those recognizable, 12-foot long constructions that fold in the middle — have been turned into works of art with messages on issues like teen pregnancy, bullying and climate change. The art works are part of an exhibition in city parks that will run through August.

Ten parks across the five boroughs will each get a table from 10 different schools. With the help of teaching artists, the students worked to hone in on a single topic.