What We’re Reading
Take a moment to get lost in nature with these engaging Park-related reads.
Articles
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From the Conservancy's magazine
Dr. Carolyn Finney on the Great Outdoors, Environmental Racism, and Finding Joy Through Storytelling
As our country continues to reckon with the historical and modern-day implications of systemic racism, Dr. Finney asks her readers to consider how public spaces are affected, too. Parks like Central Park provide a sense of community and benefit our physical and mental health, but they aren’t experienced or accessed equally.
Tags: Nature Lovers
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From the Conservancy's magazine
New Yorkers on the Significance of Seneca Village
We asked several New Yorkers—some of whom have been involved in the work to research and share Seneca Village’s stories—what this place and history means to them.Tags: Conservancy Staff / History
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From the Conservancy's magazine
A Need for Trees: How Central Park Cools the (Urban Heat) Island of Manhattan
When the island of Manhattan faces an extreme “urban heat island” effect, Central Park’s 18,000 trees and 843 acres of paths, lawns, and woodlands offer a much-needed reprieve.
Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff / Trees / Nature Lovers
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Town and Country
Central Park Has Always Been Beloved by New Yorkers. Now, It's a Sanctuary.
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet of the New York Philharmonic
Anthony McGill, a world-renowned classical musician, has performed in Central Park multiple times as part of the Philharmonic’s outdoor concert series. -
From the Conservancy's magazine
Before Central Park: Native Americans, European Settlers, Immigrant Communities, and Seneca Village
This slice of Manhattan is unique in both its terrain and history. Native Americans, European settlers, immigrant communities, and Seneca Village residents all traversed here before the creation of Central Park. Here are a few of their stories.
Tags: Park Design / History / Park Experts
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Journalist Anthony Mason
CBS This Morning co-host and Central Park regular Anthony Mason averages four miles a day, mostly spent meandering the hidden paths and trails.
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From the Conservancy's magazine
How Public Health Influenced the Creation, Purpose, and Design of Central Park
The COVID pandemic spurred newfound appreciation for New York City’s parks and the myriad ways they can benefit our health, both mental and physical.
Tags: Park Design
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Cal Jones, Manhattan Borough Historian Emeritus
Celedonia (Cal) Jones, born and raised in central Harlem, talks about his childhood in NYC and how he became involved in telling Seneca Village’s many stories.Tags: History
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Stefan Al, Architect, Urban Designer, and Educator
With summer officially here, we spoke with architect and urban designer Stefan Al, PhD, about how Central Park’s biodiversity will keep us healthy this season.Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers
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From the Conservancy's magazine
How to Engage with the History of Seneca Village
The current movement for racial justice—which includes elevating Black history, culture, and stories—has sparked a renewed interest in Seneca Village, a community of predominantly African-Americans that existed before the creation of Central Park.
Tags: Tips for Visiting / About the Conservancy
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Mary Wittenberg, 10-Year Race Director of the TCS NYC Marathon
Mary Wittenberg, former President and Chief Executive Officer of New York Road Runners, shares her favorite running routes in the Park, NYC Marathon memories, and more. -
From the Conservancy's magazine
Staying Connected to Central Park through History
Discover recommendations from our historian—from books to documentaries—on deepening your insight into the Park.
Tags: History / Park Experts
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From the Conservancy's magazine
5 Questions with Phil Rosenthal, TV Writer and Producer
Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal shares his fondest memories of the Park, his idea of a perfect picnic there, and what he’ll do when NYC opens up after pandemic closures.
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From the Conservancy's magazine
Artifacts and Archives: The Rediscovery and Research of Seneca Village
Learn about the historical research of this community of predominantly African-Americans, many of whom owned property.
Tags: History
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Exclusive to #myCentralPark
Janet Ruttenberg Captures Central Park
Janet Ruttenberg, renowned plein air artist, paints the people and colors of Central Park on canvasses as expansive as the Park that inspires her.
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Patch
SEE: Photo Series Celebrates Central Park As Refuge Amid Pandemic
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From the Conservancy's magazine
See Central Park in the Age of Social Distancing
This is a spring like no other, which photographer Elliot Stern captures in these Park photos from recent weeks.
Tags: Spring
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From the Conservancy's magazine
‘A Sense of Enlarged Freedom’: Central Park as Sanctuary
For many New Yorkers right now, Central Park and the City’s other open spaces are more valuable and meaningful than ever.Tags: History
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From the Conservancy's magazine
How to Explore Central Park from Home
During these uncertain times for New Yorkers, Central Park can still provide comfort and solace from a distance.
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Yahoo News
Central Park, the Calm Amid New York's Coronavirus Storm
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The New York Daily News
Parks are Cathedrals, Especially Now: Appreciating Public Spaces During a Pandemic
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City Limits
Opinion: Don’t Puncture the City’s Lungs By Cutting Park Funds
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6sqft
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Central Park
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AM NY
Central Park Conservancy Invites New Yorkers to Share Their #myCentralPark Story
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The New Yorker
The Coronavirus Crisis Reveals New York at Its Best and Worst
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The New York Times
‘It Sort of Gives You Hope’: One Place New Yorkers Go to Escape Their Homes
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From the Conservancy's magazine
Central Park in Black and White: Classic Films for a Cozy Night
Here are a few mid-20th-century films, all shot in black and white, to watch on a cozy night in—each of which features Central Park.
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From the Conservancy's magazine
Hidden Histories: 6 Little-Known Designs for Central Park
Research into the original drawings and plans created to build Central Park offer hidden secrets from both the built and unbuilt aspects of the Park.
Tags: Park Design
