Central Park

The 19th century New York grows very fast but in a chaotic manner. The city lacks places where the citizens, regardless of their financial statues, age, or race, could spend their time off. The city authorities decide to create a park in the very heart of Manhattan.

A single person, Robert Moses, was entrusted by the mayor Fiorello La Guardia with the task of saving the untended green spaces in New York. Olmsted vision of the Park dating back to 1858 was rather distant from the changes introduced in the following 30 years by Moses for whom public utility mattered much more than English landscapes.

From 1960 on a twenty year long period of neglect begins. Marches, demonstration, and concerts organized on the grounds leave their mark. Rare species of trees and bushes, lawns tended for years grow wild and wilt. Lamps and benches are destroyed by vandals and the homeless looking for firewood. Almost all the stone figures and bridges are covered with graffiti.

The year 1980 proves a turning point in its history. The City Council and the newly established organization jointly restore the Park. The City finances the most important works while the Central Park Conservancy collects private funds to supplement the activities of the city.