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New York Park Association
The New York Park Association was formed in 1881 or 1882 (references differ) by John Mullaly and other citizens. The group was concerned about urban growth. The group lobbied for the acquisition of land to create parks and parkways in New York City, and was instrumental in the passage of the New Parks Act in 1884. According to ''The New York Times'', the association was formed at the Fifth Avenue Hotel on November 26, 1881, with the objective of securing increased park space in New York City. John Mullaly was elected the association's secretary. Land suitable for parks could be bought at the time for under $1,000 to $1,500 an acre. It was stated that the parks should ''be for the use of the people, and not, as Central Park now is, a great ornamental spot which is practically closed to the public by reason of the many restrictions imposed upon visitors''. The work of the association led to the creation of Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Park, Crotona Park Crot ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
John Mullaly
John Mullaly (1835–1915), known as father of the Bronx's park system, was a newspaper reporter and editor who was instrumental in forming the New York Park Association. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he worked for the New York Herald, the New York Tribune, and the New York Evening Post. He was the editor of the Metropolitan Record, published by the Catholic Church in New York City. He held public office, including serving as the New York Commissioner of Health, and serving on the board of tax assessors. In 1887, he published a book with the impressive title, ''New Parks beyond the Harlem with Thirty Illustrations and Map; Descriptions of Scenery; Nearly 4000 Acres of Free Playground for the People; Abundant space for a Parade Ground, a Rifle Range, Base Ball, Lacrosse, Polo, Tennis and all athletic games; picnic and excursion parties and nine mile of waterfront for bathing fishing, yachting and rowing''. War resister Mullaly was a cont ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
