New York Park Association facts for kids
| Formation | November 26, 1881 |
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President
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Waldo Hutchins |
The New York Park Association was a group formed in 1881 by John Mullaly and other citizens in New York City. They were worried about how fast the city was growing and wanted to make sure there was enough green space for everyone. This group worked hard to get land for new parks and parkways (roads with green areas) in New York City. They played a big part in helping the New Parks Act become a law in 1884.
Why the Association Started
The New York Park Association was created on November 26, 1881, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Their main goal was to get more park space for the people of New York City. John Mullaly was chosen as the group's secretary.
Leaders and Goals
A booklet from 1882 showed that Waldo Hutchins was the president of the association. At that time, land for parks could be bought for a good price, around $1,000 to $1,500 per acre. The association believed that new parks should be for everyone to use. They felt that Central Park, while beautiful, had too many rules that made it hard for regular people to enjoy. They wanted parks that were truly open and welcoming to all.
Parks Created by Their Efforts
The hard work of the New York Park Association led to the creation of several important parks. These include Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Park, Crotona Park, and Claremont Park. These parks are still enjoyed by millions of people today, thanks to the vision of this association.
