Central Park

The Daily Plant : Thursday, May 1, 2003

NEW YORK CELEBRATES THE CORE OF THE BIG APPLE

CENTRAL PARK TURNS 150

Central Park was alive with celebration on Tuesday, April 29^th as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg kicked-off the 150^th anniversary of the park. In 1853, the New York State Legislature authorized the City of New York to purchase over 700 acres of land in the middle of Manhattan and build a great public park. Mayor Bloomberg was joined by Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Central Park Conservancy Chairman A.J.C. Smith, Central Park Conservancy President Regina S. Peruggi, Central Park Conservancy Board Member Candice Bergen, and MasterCard International North American Region President Ruth Ann Marshall, who spoke about the park’s history, restoration, and meaning to all its patrons.

"150 years ago, New Yorkers had the foresight to set aside more than 700 acres of open space in what would become the heart of the nation's largest city," Commissioner Benepe said. "Over the last 20 years, the Central Park Conservancy and the City of New York have restored this urban park to be the envy of the world. The events this summer celebrate this park's creation, restoration, and great future."

In 1856, the City acquired the site and began clearing land, and in 1857, the City announced a design competition for the new park. The Greensward Plan proposed by architect Calvert Vaux and park superintendent Frederick Law Olmsted ultimately won the competition in 1858. Central Park opened in December of 1858, and construction was completed approximately 16 years later at a cost of $14 million (roughly $260 million today). Out of the rocky, treeless terrain, Vaux and Olmsted created a unique urban oasis, providing enjoyment for millions of people from all over the world for generations to come.

Central Park will celebrate its 150th anniversary with numerous commemorative events designed to appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. These events will include an International Parks Conference, a film festival, classical music and jazz concerts, nature walks, and various educational and sporting events. On July 19th, Central Park will host a daylong celebratory event, culminating with a free concert in the evening on the Great Lawn. On September 15th, Cai Guo-Qiang will stage a spectacular light show extravaganza, featuring fireworks that will illuminate the sky over Central Park, and the Empire State Building will exhibit a green color to commemorate Central Park's 150th Anniversary. On November 20th, the park will conduct a unique auction of park benches specially created by renowned artists, architects, and celebrities.

Central Park, the first major landscaped public park in the United States, consists of 843 acres, and its six-mile perimeter extends from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and from 59th Street to 110th Street. The park possesses 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 150 acres of water, as well as 58 miles of pedestrian paths, 4.5 miles of bridle trail, and 6.5 miles of park drive. In addition, Central Park is home to 51 sculptures, 36 bridges and arches, and 21 playgrounds. Each year, over 25 million visitors enjoy Central Park.

For a list of events celebrating the 150^th anniversary, please visit the Central Park Conservancy’s website at www.centralparknyc.org.

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