Chairman’s Circle

Chairman's Circle members help ensure that visitors of all ages and walks of life will forever enjoy the Park as we know it today — an urban oasis for relaxation, recreation, and learning in the heart of New York City.

This dedicated group of supporters are the life-blood of Central Park, providing a significant portion of the Conservancy's annual funding through unrestricted gifts of $25,000, $50,000, and more.

See Chairman's Circle Members

Message from Thomas L. Kempner, Jr., Chair

  • The Chairman’s Circle is the philanthropic leadership of the Central Park Conservancy. Members of this extraordinary partnership understand what the Park means to our 42 million annual visitors and to the economic vigor of New York City. I am most grateful to this committed group of Park benefactors whose generosity ensures the current and future well-being of this American treasure.

Chairman's Circle Member Benefits

  • Private tour with Conservancy President & CEO, Elizabeth W. Smith

  • Invitation to an exclusive annual holiday party at the home of the Conservancy Chair

  • Invitation to a private dinner in Central Park, for members at the $50,000 level and above

  • VIP reserved seating at Shakespeare in the Park and pre-performance cocktails and picnic dinners*

  • Invitations to signature gatherings such as: Conservatory Garden Cocktail Party, New York Philharmonic reception and reserved seating, Annual Skating Party, Private behind-the-scenes events featuring Park experts and special guest lecturers

  • Advanced access to tickets for The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, the Women’s Committee’s signature annual event

  • Complimentary tickets for official Central Park tours and programming

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Celebrate Spring Tour & Reception
April 16, 2026

Panel Conversation: Cultivating Resilience
In partnership with the World Monuments Fund
April 22, 2026

Bi-Annual Family Portrait Day
May 2, 2026 (Rain Date: May 3)
Reservations are first-come, first-served

Chairman’s Circle Starlight Dinner in the Park*
May 18, 2026

Playground Partners Annual Family Party
May 20, 2026
Ticketed benefit event; invitation sent to Playground Partners members.
Please reach out for more information

Taste of Summer
June 3, 2026
Ticketed benefit event

New York Philharmonic Pre-Performance Reception with Preferred Seating
June 10, 2026

Shakespeare in the Park: Romeo & Juliet
Tickets & Pre-Performance Reception
June 16, 2026

Shakespeare in the Park: Winter’s Tale
Tickets & Pre-Performance Reception
August 12, 2026

Conservatory Garden Party
September 8, 2026 (Rain Date: September 10)

Central Park Conservancy Film Festival with Preferred Seating
October 6, 2026 – October 9, 2026 (4 days)

Marathon Breakfast
November 1, 2026

2026 Annual Gala
November 18, 2026
Ticketed benefit event


*For new members and members at the $50,000 level and above

To learn more about the Chairman's Circle, please contact Nora Weingardt at 212.310.6657 or [email protected].