Central Park

The Daily Plant : Friday, August 24, 2001

CAREFUL CARRYING THOSE CRAYFISH!

A small army of Urban Park Rangers assembled at the edge of the Central Park Pool on Tuesday, August 7. Wearing waders and clutching a massive net they entered the muck with a mission in mind, the rescue of aquatic wildlife. As a result of years of sediment buildup, the Pool's edges have become muddy and poorly defined. The depth of the water has also been adversely affected. Slow circulation has caused duckweed and algae to build up on the water surface during the summer months, endangering the health of the Pool's inhabitants.

All this will soon change. $1.5 million will be used to restore and improve the Pool so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. The edges will be expanded, and the depth increased. A controlled inflow system will eliminate the circulation problem. The shoreline will be reconfigured to allow non-damaging access. Improvements to the surrounding landscape will include selective clearing of invasive overgrowth, and the planting of native trees and shrubs to create a diverse and scenic setting. The health of the plantings will be supported by a new irrigation system. New asphalt paths, benches, and drinking water fountains will be added as well.

As the first phase, the de-watering of the Pool, begins, the fish and turtles are being removed and temporarily relocated to the Harlem Meer. The estimated population includes 15 to 20 Snapper and Red-eared Slider turtles and 2000 Carp, Bluegills, Large-mouthed Bass, Catfish, 'Shiners', and 'Pumkinseeds'.

For over a century the Pool has provided a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Pool is an original feature of Olmsted and Vaux's Central Park. It was formed from an eastern flowing stream called Montayne's Rivulet. It is a unique body of water in Central Park because it is part of a natural system.

The reconstruction is made possible by a generous donation from the late Thomas G. Labrecque, former Trustee of the Central Park Conservancy, and his wife Sheila, a Board Member and formerly the President of the Women's Committee. Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern and Regina (Bethesda) Peruggi, President of the Central Park Conservancy both spoke at the fish rescue.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Friday, August 26, 1988)

CITIZENS' GROUPS: THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national non-profit organization, acquires and preserves open spaces; helps other citizen groups acquire lands; and pioneers methods of land conservation and environmentally-sound land use. "What sets TPL apart from others conservation groups is that we work to preserve all kinds of open space, from urban gardens to wilderness areas, through real estate transactions," said Robert Feder, Director of the New York City Land Project (NYCLP) for the Trust.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"O hidden under the dove's wing, hidden in the turtle's breast,
Under the palmtree at noon, under the running water
At the still point of the turning world. O hidden."

T.S. Elliot (1888-1965)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center