Central Park has been New York City’s backyard for 165 years. With more than 42 million annual visitors—almost as many visitors as the top 3 national parks combined—the park is one of the most frequented sites in New York. The renowned cultural landmark is a quintessential gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
But keeping the park a welcoming destination in the heart of Manhattan is an enormous task. That’s where the Central Park Conservancy comes in. As the park’s sole caretaker, this nonprofit organization works year-round to maintain every inch of the urban oasis, ensuring its varied landscapes, historic structures, and imaginative play spaces are healthy, clean, and beautiful.
Its 300-plus employees can’t do it alone, though. The Conservancy depends on everyday New Yorkers to step up and help preserve Central Park as a public treasure.
From donating to volunteering, there are many ways to join the Conservancy’s community—and receive an enriching experience in return. Here’s a look at how getting involved with the Central Park Conservancy has changed the lives of three New Yorkers and helped make the park an iconic greenspace. And if you’re feeling inspired, get in touch with the Conservancy to learn more about how you can become a steward of Central Park.
Giving Back to Yourself Through Volunteering
As a long-time volunteer with the Central Park Conservancy, Martha Dao has undoubtedly made an impact on the park. She regularly takes on shifts as a greeter, offering visitors directions to points of interest and guidance on making the most of their time in the park. She has set up for major community events that the Conservancy annually hosts, like the free Great Jazz on the Great Hill. And as a landscape volunteer, she has lent a hand in all four seasons, from mulching in the fall to planting in the spring.
As much as Dao’s volunteer work has affected the park, it has also enhanced her own life, as well. She takes great pride in seeing…
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