As of Sept. 1, 2009
A large area of the Great Hill after Conservancy-led teams cleared away the damage caused by the storm. The Conservancy now moves into the next phase of restoring the areas.
Answers on Storm Damage
The Central Park Conservancy has received a host of questions since the severe storm on the night of August 18 ripped through the north end of the Park. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’ve received about the storm damage, the cleanup and restoration effort, and what you can do to help.
Which areas of the Park were hardest hit?
The entire Park north of 90th Street was severely impacted. Particularly hard hit was the area from the Great Hill to the Pool, near the west side of the Park between 100th and 106th Streets. The North Woods, North Meadow, and landscapes around the Tennis Center, the West 100th Street Playground, the bridle trail, and the Reservoir all suffered significant damage.
Unfortunately, many large and specimen trees were affected, including London Plane, American Elm, Black Locust, Linden, Ash, Gingko, Horse Chestnut, and varieties of Oak.
How many trees were damaged?
Nearly 1,000 trees experienced storm-related damage, with more than 500 of those requiring removal. Many of the trees removed were among the tallest, largest, and finest specimens in Central Park.
What was the oldest tree lost?
A 156-year-old Turkey Oak tree at West 100th Street was the oldest tree lost in the storm.
What was the largest tree lost?
An 84-year-old Pin Oak near West 100th Street was the largest tree lost in the storm. This Pin Oak was over 100 feet tall and had a diameter of 42". The trunk of that tree alone weighed 16,000 pounds (about 8 tons).
How long did the storm last?
The storm lasted just about 30 minutes but left damage that will take weeks to clear, and months—even years—to restore
Was the Park struck by a tornado?
No. There were heavy rains and intense winds, but they were not circular in nature. Winds blew in heavy gusts, downward and sideways from west to east, at more than 80 mph.
How long will it take to clean up the damage?
The impact of the storm on this area of the Park was devastating. We aim to have all the major paths and drives reopened by the end of the day Friday, August 28. Determining the extent of the damage is an ongoing effort, however, and tree work will continue over the next several weeks.
Two of the Park's playgrounds will remain closed until the Conservancy can perform necessary repairs: the West 100th Street Playground and the East 110th Street Playground (directly adjacent to the Dana Discovery Center).
How much will the cleanup cost?
Storm cleanup and restoration will be a major expense. The Conservancy was already operating under a reduced budget, and the storm damage will incur expenses above and beyond what we have planned for in our annual budget. We will need the support of everyone who uses and cares about the Park.
Can I purchase or use the wood from the downed trees?
No. The Park is in a quarantine zone imposed to prevent the spread of the Asian Longhorned Beetle; cleanup and wood-chipping must be done in strict compliance with USDA guidelines. Most wood will be turned into chips and used throughout the Park; some may be incorporated as lumber into restoration and repair projects in the Park. The Conservancy will also work with the Parks Department and other city agencies to ensure that the wood chips are put to good use.
Will new trees be planted to replace the ones that were lost?
Yes. Many individual specimen trees, such as the Tulip trees and the Yellow Buckeye at West 100th Street, will be replaced. But repairing the damage will require more than replacing individual trees; many landscapes were severely impacted and will therefore require a more extensive restoration approach.
What can I do to help?
You can make your much-needed donation directly to the cleanup efforts. Tell friends and family about the damage, and that the Central Park Conservancy needs their help, too. You can also volunteer your time to clearing pathways, raking and picking up litter by participating in the Pitch In, Pick Up! program at your nearest Central Park Conservancy Visitor or Recreation Center. Finally, you should stay clear of downed trees and limbs, as well as work areas and equipment.
How can I donate to the effort?
Donations to the Storm Damage Fund can be made directly through our website at www.centralparknyc.org/stormdamage
