Central Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, October 18, 2000

Ready, Set, Go! Runners Take Off Around The Central Park Reservior To Celebrate A Renovation

Amanda (Greenpoint) Tedeschi

Faithful joggers turn out even when the skies threaten rain. In spite of dark clouds, runners were present yesterday to test out the newly renovated land around the reservoir in Central Park. To punctuate this occasion-the coincidence of a ribbon cutting and a daily jog-the Commissioner sounded an air horn, and the runners set off.

This renovation, funded by the Henry J. Nias Foundation, in partnership with the Central Park Conservancy, reconstructed the landscape around the reservoir between the runner's track and the bridle path. The landscape around the reservoir suffers from the popularity of the track. Runners, equestrians, dog walkers, and pedestrians cross through this area to enter and exit the track. The entrance at 90th Street has been refurbished, and is now a space for runners to gather, stretch and rest. With new benches, a drinking fountain, and information kiosk, this area has become a meeting place and resting area for runners and parks patrons. Parks has also revegetated the area, refurbished the turf and meadow areas, stabilized embankments, and regraded the bridle path.

The reservoir area of Central Park and the track around it are highly used areas in the park. The running track bears the pounding feet of about 5,000 runners a day, and is for many New Yorkers an integral part of keeping fit and healthy.

SUBWAY SERIES!

Guaranteed to be the busiest Parks properties in the Emerald Empire over the next two weeks, Yankee and Shea Stadium prepare to host New York baseball fans of opposing loyalties at the first Subway Series since 1956. This could be the Yankee's fourth championship in the last five years, or the Mets' first since 1986. The phenomenon of two NY teams pitted against each other promises to divide Parkies who normally work side by side in harmony. Who are you rooting for? E mail "Schaffer" (no first name) to cast your vote as a baseball fan and as a Parkie. Results will be recorded in the Plant.

VOLUNTEER AT A GREAT HALLOWEEN EVENT

New Yorkers of all ages will come to Central Park to pick pumpkins, design their own costumes, create arts & crafts, listen to Broadway performances, compete in costume contests, dress their pets, watch children's shows, get spooked in a Haunted House, get their faces painted, and more. We are asking for your help in providing volunteer staff for the event. All volunteers will receive Halloween hats, lunch, and shirts. In turn, volunteers will be asked to staff the venues from 9:45 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. For example, they will help children pick pumpkins, will paint faces, and will assist costume designers. To volunteer, please call Katie Langhammer at (212) 360-1361 or e mail her at catalan@parklan.ci.nyc.ny.us

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT STATEN ISLANDERS BREAK GROUND FOR CLOVES LAKES RESTORATION
(Wednesday, October 21, 1987)

More than 100 community leaders and residents turned out Monday morning to greet Commissioner Stern, elected officials and band members from Public School 45 at a groundbreaking ceremony for the $2 million second phase of a $5 million reconstruction of Clove Lakes Park on Staten Island. "It is obvious that this community is concerned with the preservation of Staten Island parks," said Staten Island Borough President Ralph J. Lamberty. "And our response is to thank you for keeping us focused on the right goals."

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

'Healing,' Papa would tell me, 'is not a science, but the intuitive art of wooing nature.'

W. H. Auden (1907-1973)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center