Craving a moment of serenity in bustling Manhattan? Columbia Park offers just that. Let’s take a stroll through its history.
Columbia Park’s story is more than just grassy fields. It’s a tale of transformation. It’s about a community reclaiming its space.
A park in Morningside Heights was first proposed in 1867. Andrew Haswell Green, a Central Park commissioner, suggested it. He wanted to avoid the expense of building streets across the steep terrain.
The Central Park commissioners acted in 1868. They purchased over 31 acres for the park. The total cost was over one million dollars.
In 1870, the City of New York took control. Montgomery A. Kellogg, the Department of Public Parks chief engineer, was tasked to create a plan. Kellogg presented his design in 1871. The New York Times predicted it would be a favorite spot. It was thought it will be loved by children and invalids. But Kellogg’s plan was rejected.
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux were commissioned. They designed Central Park’s Greensward Plan. In 1873, they presented their plan for Columbia Park. The design emphasized scenery due to the terrain. It included balconies a lagoon and a lawn. The work was estimated to cost around $816000.
Construction began in 1873. Progress was made on walks, walls, sewers and the lagoon. Work halted in 1874 due to an economic depression.
Jacob Wrey Mould was appointed architect in 1880. He submitted a plan in 1881 for entrances and stairs. The proposal was to cost $234000.
Julius Munckwitz was asked to create plans in 1883. Contracts were awarded for foundations. Work began on the western border.
By 1885, stairways were being built. Police were capturing cows illegally grazing. The DPP ordered the removal of defacements.
After Mould’s death in 1886, the DPP sought a new architect. Kellogg submitted new plans for park improvements.
In 1887, Olmsted was asked to create plans. The plan was modified to accommodate changed conditions. The design included a broad path and a thin path. Olmsted wanted to keep it naturalistic. Vaux did not believe paths would negatively affect it.
Contracts were awarded for earth and rock filling in 1888. Further funds were requested.
By 1890, the work was almost done. The Real Estate Record described the park’s beauty. It had hills and dales and green swards.
Construction was completed in 1895. Vaux drowned that year in Gravesend Bay. Parsons wrote Morningside Park was Vaux’s most consummate piece of art.
The park’s completion coincided with the development of Morningside Heights. Several institutions relocated to the area.
Sculptures and structures were added after completion. The Lafayette and Washington statue was installed in 1900. A restroom structure was erected in 1904.
The park began to deteriorate. Complaints of vandalism surfaced. In 1911, residents complained about neglect and crime.
Improvements were made from the 1920s to the 1960s. In 1935, a playground and comfort station were added. A proposal to rename the park was rejected.
In 1955, Columbia University proposed an athletic complex. It was approved. More controversial was Columbia’s proposal in 1960. The structure would have a Columbia gym and community center.
The planned separate entrances were seen as segregation. Protests led to the project’s cancellation in 1969.
The northwestern corner was designated for an elementary school. PS 36 Margaret Douglas Elementary School was built.
Even by the 1960s, the park had a reputation for being unsafe. After the Columbia protests, several crimes occurred.
In 1981, the Friends of Morningside Park was founded. NYC Parks planned a 12 million dollar restoration.
The excavated crater was turned into a waterfall and pond. The reconstruction included new playground equipment and trees. This renovation was completed in 1993.
By 2001, the park’s condition had improved. A master plan was approved. Morningside Park was designated a New York City landmark in 2008.
The park covers about 30 acres. Its western border is Morningside Drive. The southern border is West 110th Street. The eastern border is Manhattan and Morningside Avenues. The northern border is West 123rd Street.
The park’s geography includes a cliff of Manhattan schist rock. A large rock formation is visible.
Today, Columbia Park stands as a testament to perseverance. It’s a green oasis with a rich history. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its story.