SPOTLIGHT ON: CENTRAL PARK
By Christine Bruzzese
Park has been a part of the New York City landscape since it opened in
1859. Extending over 843 acres, the Park is a refuge from hectic urban
life for both New York residents and visitors. This article features
some resources on Central Park that can be found in the City Hall Library
Report on Survey of Central Park with Recommendations was prepared in
1927 by Hermann W. Merkel for the Department of Parks. This report examines
various issues of concern such as the conditions of lawns, lack of adequate
police presence and administration of parks operations. Recommendations
for improvement are presented.
Rebuilding Central Park: a Management and Restoration Plan with Elizabeth
Barlow Rogers as principal author was published in 1987. The Department
of Parks and Recreation collaborated with the Central Park Conservancy
on this plan to rehabilitate and restore the park. An analysis of conditions
in the park is presented along with consideration of individual areas
for renovation and what steps might be taken to improve them. Maps and
photographs enhance the printed text.
The Central Park Conservancy was established in 1980 as a joint venture
between city government and the private sector. Annual Reports of this
organization document activities and accomplishments. Financial statements
and lists of major contributors are also given. Holdings are from 1981
The Park and the People: a History of Central Park by Roy Rosenzweig
and Elizabeth Blackmar chronicles the history of the park from its beginnings
to the late twentieth century. Included are the story of the creation
and building of Central Park along with political, economic and other
issues involved. The movement to make Central Park accessible to all
people not just the wealthy is discussed as well as the changes that
took place in the twentieth century and new challenges.
Vertical files feature articles and other clippings. Biographical articles
on parks officials are also available.
For more info on the City Hall Library,
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