Every year millions of visitors enjoy the Park’s free, open greenspaces, and the Conservancy takes tremendous pride in maintaining and caring for beloved areas like the Great Lawn, Sheep Meadow, and the Great Hill. Over time, however, heavy usage can cause soil compaction that makes these landscapes susceptible to erosion and weeds. The Conservancy’s Landscape Management team consistently monitors the Park’s lawns. When we identify locations with worn out and compacted soil, we remove existing turf and install new sod to establish healthier, more sustainable grass and prevent weed invasion.
Please mind the fences and refrain from walking on the lawn as we carry out our work. Together, we can keep this vital greenspace healthy and available for all to enjoy.
Why Was the Great Lawn Closed?
The Great Lawn was substantially damaged by the concert held on September 23, 2023, in the rain. The impact of heavy equipment and intense foot traffic in the saturated conditions damaged a large portion of the lawn and fully destroyed a third of it.
The Conservancy seeded and aerated the lawn, where possible. This required time for the seed to germinate and establish itself. Approximately three acres sustained such significant damage that seeding was not a viable solution and sodding was necessary. The sod needed several months to establish itself before it could withstand the heavy athletic and recreational use the Great Lawn typically receives.
Find out how the Central Park Conservancy Turf Care team took action to repair this iconic landscape.
Why are Lawns Closed in the Winter?
Grass stops growing in the cold weather, causing active use from visitors to rub it away (which would significantly impact the lawns come spring, summer, and fall). The one exception is when it snows. The Conservancy opens lawns when they're covered with at least six inches of snow because it protects the grass from use, heavy winds, bright sun, and other elements that can harm it.
Upcoming Restorations
In spring 2024, select lawn areas by the Giuseppe Mazzini monument (west side at 67th Street), Cedar Hill (east side between 76th and 79th Streets), south of Dalehead Arch (west side at 64th Street), and Bethesda Terrace (mid-Park at 72th Street) are being restored. During this time the Conservancy will install temporary fencing, remove the existing turf, and install new sod.
Resources
To learn more about how we care for the lawns, check out these helpful resources:
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About the Conservancy
Where the Grass is Greener: What to Know About Central Park's Lawns
Central Park contains a variety of landscapes—from meadows to woodlands to gardens—and lawns are an important part of the mix.
Tags: Summer / Conservancy Staff / Park Design / Spring / Fall / Tips for Visiting / Winter / Nature Lovers
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Park Information
A Reflection of Nature Itself: The Different Landscapes of Central Park
With their soft, comfortable, and beautiful green surfaces, lawns provide an optimal space for sunbathing, picnicking, casual lawn games, and making memories in the Park. But turfgrass also serves essential functions for the Park and is a vital component to the health of this urban greenspace. Healthy lawns can reduce noise, mitigate flooding by slowing water’s horizontal movement, decrease urban heat, and prevent erosion.Tags: Trees / Nature Lovers / Lawns / Landscapes
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Video
Behind the Park: Maintaining Central Park's
Have you ever tried to maintain a lawn? With over 42 million annual visitors, Central Park’s lawns and meadows need a lot of care to stay green and healthy. Hear from Gary Gentilucci, Director of Landscape Management, and get an insider’s view on all the work that goes into caring for Central Park’s lawns, meadows, and turf. -
Tips for Visiting
A Guide to Getting Involved in Central Park’s Care
As much as we all need the Park—for recreation, rest, and renewal—the Park needs us, too! Here are some easy ways to get involved in keeping the City’s 843-acre oasis clean and green.
Tags: Staff Picks
