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The Spirit of
Central Park
WITH A MASTER PLAN FIRST DESIGNED IN 1858, CENTRAL PARK IS ONE OF THE URBAN wonders of
the world, a green oasis in the great concrete, high-rise landscapes of New York City. It is so naturally part
of the Manhattan environment that many people do not realize it is entirely man-made. New Yorkers treat
Central Park as their big backyard and over 25 million visitors play ball, walk their dog, attend a concert, go
for a run, row a boat, swing in a playground, or wander through the 843 acre oasis every year.
Central Park is more beautiful today than ever, due to a public-private partnership between the Central
Park Conservancy and the City of New York. When the state of the Park declined in the 1970’s, a group of
civic-minded New Yorkers dedicated themselves to preserving, restoring, and maintaining the public space.
The Central Park Conservancy is not only a good steward of this great space, but also of the environment.
For example, there are over 120 trees in the Park that date back to the 19th century. A centennial tree has
dispersed enough oxygen in its lifetime for one person to breathe for twenty years. The Conservancy takes
careful measures to care for these trees. Via “The Mount,” most of the Park’s organic waste- logs, branches,
wood chips, shrubbery clippings, and leaf litter – is processed into the top-quality mulch and compost that is
essential for keeping Park landscapes green and healthy. The Conservancy also encourages recycling on
the Great Lawn and at events.
Information about Central Park has been provided by the Central Park Conservancy.
SISTERHOOD
AGENDA
49
SUMMER
2007