New York Park Association
Encyclopedia
The New York Park Association was formed in 1881 or 1882 (references differ) by John Mullaly
and other citizens. The group was concerned about urban growth. The group lobbied for the acquisition of land to create parks and parkways in New York City
, and was instrumental in the passage of the New Parks Act in 1884.
According to an article in the New York Times, published November 27, 1881, the association was formed at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
on November 26 of that year, with the objective of securing increased park space in New York City
. John Mullaly
was elected the association's secretary. Land suitable for parks could be bought at the time for under $1,000 to $1,500 an acre. It was stated that the parks should be for the use of the people, and not, as Central Park
now is, a great ornamental spot which is practically closed to the public by reason of the many restrictions imposed upon visitors.
The work of the association led to the creation of Van Cortlandt Park
, Pelham Bay Park
, Bronx Park
, Crotona Park
, and Claremont Park.
John Mullaly
John Mullaly , known as Father of the Bronx park system, was a newspaper reporter and editor who was instrumental in forming the New York Park Association. Mullaly Park in The Bronx is named after him. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he worked for the New...
and other citizens. The group was concerned about urban growth. The group lobbied for the acquisition of land to create parks and parkways in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, and was instrumental in the passage of the New Parks Act in 1884.
According to an article in the New York Times, published November 27, 1881, the association was formed at the Fifth Avenue Hotel
Fifth Avenue Hotel
The Fifth Avenue Hotel was a former luxury hotel located at 200 Fifth Avenue in New York City, New York from 1859 to 1908. It occupied the full Fifth Avenue frontage between 23rd Street and 24th Street, at the southwest corner of Madison Square in the borough of Manhattan.- Site and construction...
on November 26 of that year, with the objective of securing increased park space in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. John Mullaly
John Mullaly
John Mullaly , known as Father of the Bronx park system, was a newspaper reporter and editor who was instrumental in forming the New York Park Association. Mullaly Park in The Bronx is named after him. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he worked for the New...
was elected the association's secretary. Land suitable for parks could be bought at the time for under $1,000 to $1,500 an acre. It was stated that the parks should be for the use of the people, and not, as Central Park
Central Park
Central Park is a public park in the center of Manhattan in New York City, United States. The park initially opened in 1857, on of city-owned land. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they entitled the Greensward Plan...
now is, a great ornamental spot which is practically closed to the public by reason of the many restrictions imposed upon visitors.
The work of the association led to the creation of Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park
Van Cortlandt Park is a park located in the Bronx in New York City. It is the fourth largest park in New York City, behind Pelham Bay Park, Flushing Meadows Park and Staten Island Greenbelt....
, Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park, located in the northeast corner of the New York City borough of The Bronx and extending partially into Westchester County, is at the largest public park in New York City. The section of the park within New York City's borders is more than three times the size of Manhattan's...
, Bronx Park
Bronx Park
Bronx Park, laid out along the Bronx River in the Bronx, New York, is the home of the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. Bicycle paths go northwest, north and east, along Mosholu Parkway, Bronx River Parkway and Pelham Parkway respectively...
, Crotona Park
Crotona Park
Crotona Park is a public park in the Bronx, New York City, United States. It covers or one-fifth of a square mile , including a 3.3 acre lake, the Bronx's largest swimming pool, and 28 species of trees...
, and Claremont Park.