Central Park Conservancy in the News

The damage at Central Park is currently being tallied in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and the number of fallen "mature trees" alone is hovering around 250 at press time. The Central Park Conservancy—who prepared for flooding with placement of sandbags in low-lying areas—also tells us that infrastructure, like fencing and benches, has been damaged throughout the park.

The gift comes as Central Park is at a high point, after decades of improvements and restorations — of intricate stone bridges and historic buildings, great lawns and bodies of water — undertaken by the conservancy, the nonprofit group that manages it on behalf of the city, since its formation in 1980. The park, by all accounts, has not looked this good since the landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux created it in the mid-19th century from an 843-acre rectangle in the center of Manhattan. But the conservancy’s leaders note that the park’s future success was never assured, citing past periods of decline, particularly the nadir of the 1970s. The $100 million donation should change that.

The Central Park Conservancy is improving and relaunching the official Central Park App, which enhances users’ exploration of the most-visited New York City site by putting all 843 acres at their fingertips. The original version cost $1.99 to download. The new and improved app is free for new and existing users.

It's that time of year again! The Central Park Conservancy celebrates the dogs - and their owners - who enjoy everything Central Park has to offer.

The Department of Transportation, Parks Department and Central Park Conservancy are partnering to reduce the number of vehicle lanes to make more room for runners and bicyclists on Central Park's drive.

Central Park makes Time Out New York's Top 50 list - twice! At #17, take in the City's extraordinary fall foliage in the Ramble of Central Park; at #39, visit the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to check out the Conservancy's new Woodlands exhibit (opening October 18) and go for an urban hike in the nearby woodlands afterward.

THIRTEEN interviewed Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Doug Blonsky about one of New York City's most significant economic and cultural treasures: Central Park. Blonsky discusses the Conservancy’s role in transforming Central Park over the past three decades and how the Park and the city impact one another.

Guest of a Guest chose the Central Park Conservancy as one of its 14 favorite New York City charities, urging New Yorkers to support our cause.

Maria Hernandez, the Central Park Conservancy's Director of Horticulture, talks about her history of gardening in Central Park, the hidden gardens that visitors shouldn't miss, and how New Yorkers can get their 'gardening fix' by volunteering with the Conservancy.

Doug Blonsky, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, talks about the best ways to enjoy Central Park this August: visiting its North End, fishing, free Conservancy programs, cultural events and sports are among his many suggestions.

Time Out New York visited the Central Park Conservancy to find out what's involved with taking care of the Park, and what it's like to work for this cool NYC company.

In September, the Central Park Conservancy will launch a nine-month restoration of the East 110th Street playground and the shoreline of the Harlem Meer. This project marks the first major restoration of the Park's northernmost playground, which was constructed in the 1930s.

Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Doug Blonsky discusses Central Park, its history and its inspiration to writers on The Leonard Lopate Show with author Adam Gopnik and editor Andrew Blauner.

Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Doug Blonsky talks to Maria Bartiromo about the 'Central Park Effect' and the Conservancy's three-decade role in bringing an essential part of New York City's economic engine back to life.