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Greenacre Park Joins National Registry of Historic Places

NY State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey Unveils Plaque at October 2 Ceremony—Beloved ‘Vest Pocket Park’ on Manhattan’s East Side Wins National Distinction

 

New York – Oct. 2, 2018 – New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey, led a ceremony and plaque unveiling at Manhattan’s famed Greenacre Park on Tuesday, October 2 to mark the park’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

Greenacre Park is located at 217 East 51st Street on the north side of the block between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Greenacre Park serves more than 200,000 visitors annually. Opened in 1971, the award-winning 120-by-60- foot “vest pocket park” is owned and maintained by Greenacre Foundation as a private park for public use and was founded by Abby Rockefeller Mauze.

“This beautiful park delivers a connection that builds social bonds with family, friends and community and I congratulate the Greenacre Foundation on this national recognition,” said State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey. “Greenacre Park allows us to maintain a regular relationship with the outdoors, recharges our souls, lifts our moods, lowers blood pressure, reduces stress and raises our self-esteem as it is proven that parks aid in our physical and mental well-being by providing an overall healthier lifestyle.”

“In the late 1960’s my grandmother, Abby Rockefeller Mauze, wanted to give a gift to the city where she was born and raised and lived. She was inspired by what Bill Paley, Founder of CBS, had created with Paley Park and decided to build Greenacre Park as her gift.” said Gail Caulkins, President of Greenacre Foundation. “The trustees of the foundation are committed to keeping the park in excellent condition and providing a respite for tens of thousands of visitors each year.”

“We thank the National Register of Historic Places for this honor, and we are grateful to be joined by Commissioner Rose Harvey as we celebrate this distinction.”

The three-level park is highlighted by a dramatic, 25-foot-high waterfall constructed from huge sculpted granite blocks. Its evergreen plantings, ivy-laced walls, and large urns of seasonal flowers complement the waterfall to create a restful and garden-like setting.

Designed by Hideo Sasaki, Greenacre Park has received many awards for its exceptional concept and design. The Parks Council of New York City, The New York Society of Architects, and The New York State Association of Architects are among the professional organizations that have honored the park’s distinctive contributions to contemporary Manhattan life.

The National Register of Historic Places serves as the federal government’s official listing of American places deemed worthy of preservation because of their historic significance. The registry is managed by the National Park Service, which operates under the auspices of the Department of the Interior. Listed properties may qualify for preservation-related tax incentives.

About Greenacre Park

Opened in 1971, Greenacre Park, located on the north side of East 51st Street between Second and Third avenues, was designed by Hideo Sasaki. The park is owned and maintained by Greenacre Foundation as a private park for public use and was founded by Abby Rockefeller Mauze.

The three-level park is highlighted by a dramatic, 25-foot-high waterfall constructed from huge sculpted granite blocks with a mass of falling water. Open to the sky, Greenacre Park features a central area of twelve mature honey locust trees, russet brick paving, sunlit seating areas with moveable tables and chairs, and an outdoor café.

The park has received a number of awards for its exceptional concept and design. The Parks Council of New York City, The New York Society of Architects, and The New York State Association of Architects are among the professional organizations that have honored the park’s distinctive contributions to contemporary Manhattan life. In 2018 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

More information can be found at www.GreenacrePark.org

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