Central Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, June 19, 2001

THE SHEEP MEADOW TO BE WATERED WITH A NEW SPRINKLER SYSTEM

When the first pipes were installed under the Sheep Meadow in 1928, the grasses were watered to feed a grazing flock of Southdown and Dorset sheep. Today it is millions of human visitors whose eyes feed on the meadow's lush grasses. A new sprinkler system, dedicated June 13 by Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern; Regina (Bethesda) Peruggi, Central Park Conservancy President; and Doug (Brigadier) Blonsky, Central Park Administrator will keep those grasses alive and thriving.

The new system includes 300 sprinkler heads. Its main extends for 3,000 linear feet, and its lateral pipe extends 1,500 feet. At night, 75 targeted locations on the Sheep Meadow, the Lilac Walk, and the landscape adjacent to the Bowling Green will be automatically watered, and quick coupler valves will allow the park's zone gardeners to hand water those areas that need it. The system has pumps that regulate pressure and new electrical valves and wiring. The operation of the sprinkler is relatively simple and requires little in the way of maintenance.

With the Aqua Turf Irrigation Specialists, the Conservancy used special trenching machines whose tires tread lightly on the delicate grass. They trenched, installed pipe, wires, and valves, and then filled in the holes behind them. When the installation was complete, the Conservancy began an emergency turf restoration effort. Thanks to their work, the Sheep Meadow reopened this May to millions of enthused New Yorkers. As children splash in fountains and spray showers this summer, the grasses of the Sheep Meadow will likewise enjoy a cool and nourishing rainfall.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, June 21, 1988)

PARKS PREMIERS FREE "PERFORMANCES BY THE POND"

Parks' free weekday lunchtime series, "Performances by the Pond," opened last Thursday before about 100 brown-baggers at the Pond in Central Park, between 59th and 62nd Streets off Fifth Avenue. The preview featured a showcase of dancers, musicians, comedians, and others who will perform every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at noon throughout the summer.

"I know that the pond is a favorite lunchtime spot for many New Yorkers," said Deputy Commissioner for Operations Robert Russo, master of ceremonies at the preview performance. "I'm sure that 'Performances by the Pond' will enhance summer lunchtime even more."

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"The mountain sheep are sweeter,
But the valley sheep are fatter;
We therefore deemed it meeter
To carry off the latter."

Thomas Love Peacock (1785-1866)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center