Morningside Park
After leading intensive discussions with community groups and NYC Parks & Recreation, QRP developed a comprehensive master plan for the reconstruction, restoration and rehabilitation of 30-acre Morningside Park. The plan achieves a balance between the recreational needs of community residents and the desire of the city and local interest groups to restore the park to its original 1887 design by Olmsted and Vaux.
The first phase of the project, completed in 1988, focused on the south end of the park. The work included a new pond and dramatic waterfall at the rock outcrop where, in 1968, Columbia University abandoned construction of a large gymnasium, leaving a gaping pit in the ground. Also included were a large lawn area with two softball fields and a renovated field house and reconstruction of the park’s walkways at the southern portion of the park and new plantings.
The work will be financed through a combination of public and private funding, and the Plan has been successful in helping Friends’ of Morningside Park to secure funds for several of the proposed projects which have now been completed, including renovation of steps and paths, and a major renovation of the 116th Street Playground funded by the City Council.
QRP has continued to be involved in the rejuvenation of Morningside Park by updating their master plan and preparing a tree evaluation and maintenance guide for the upper Park for the Friends of Morningside Park and participating in informal consulting with on-going maintenance and care of the pond and assisting with preparation a user survey to guide future efforts.
Location
Manhattan, NY
Client
NYC Parks
Role
Prime Consultant
