“A miniature pine forest in the heart of Central Park” that’s how many describe the Arthur Ross Pinetum. Today, we are visiting the Arthur Ross Pinetum. It is a special place within Central Park. This four-acre arboretum is northwest of the Great Lawn.
The Arthur Ross Pinetum boasts a collection of 17 different species of pine trees. Arthur Ross established it in the 1970s. The collection is particularly impressive in winter. It brings a welcome swath of green to the Park. It suggests an evergreen forest. Several picnic tables offer visitors additional ways to enjoy the area. There is also the all-ages Pinetum Playground. The playground features several swing sets.
During the 19th century, pine trees were prominent here. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park. They created the Winter Drive. It was a section of the West Drive. It stretched from 72nd Street to 102nd Street. Its edges were planted with pine trees. Other conifers were also planted there. Visitors enjoyed them from horse-drawn carriages in winter. By the end of the 19th century, most of these trees were replaced. Deciduous trees replaced them.
In the 1970s, Arthur Ross set out to return pine trees to this area. Ross was a native New Yorker and philanthropist. He developed an interest in evergreens during his career. He was in the pulp and paper business. Ross also believed the scenic beauty of the Park was marred. Maintenance buildings along the 86th Street Transverse Road bothered him. He hoped to screen them from view.
In 1971, Ross worked with the Parks Department. He funded a planting of native white pines. Over time, he added other species. Some came from Macedonia, Japan, and the Himalayas.
By 1978, Ross convinced officials to authorize an expansion. The Pinetum expanded into a four-acre sanctuary. It is located just northwest of the Great Lawn. He also convinced them to expand the variety of conifers. Today, the Arthur Ross Pinetum consists of conifers from around the world. Upon Ross’s death in 2007, it boasted more than 600 trees.
The Pinetum Playground is located within the Pinetum. It sits on the site of the former Northwest Playground. The Northwest Playground was built in 1936. It was part of the original construction of the Great Lawn. The Northwest Playground originally had a wading pool. It also had playground equipment. By 1971, the wading pool was not operational. But small pieces of the playground area remained. They remained within the Pinetum. During the reconstruction of the Great Lawn in 1997, changes were made. Picnic tables were added to the playground. New playground equipment was also added. This included swings and exercise bars.
The playground does not detract from the scenery. It blends in seamlessly. It is enjoyed by children and adults. The picnic tables and expansive lawns make it perfect for a family picnic. In any season, it’s a beautiful place to relax. In summer, it’s a nice place for a picnic. In winter, its snow-covered boughs make it a winter wonderland. The Arthur Ross Pinetum is a testament to one man’s vision. It is a green oasis. It offers a tranquil escape from the city. It is a place where nature thrives.