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ABOUT FRIENDS OF MORNINGSIDE PARK

WHO WE ARE

We are a volunteer led organization founded in 1981. Our mission and purpose is to be a catalyst for the rehabilitation and maintenance of Morningside Park in accordance with the ideals of its original designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and its well deserved status as a Scenic Landmark of New York City.

We work with the New York City Department of Parks to promote responsible use of the park. In 2000 we commissioned a Master Plan for Morningside Park which was based on extensive community input. We continue to work to raise private funds and advocate for public funds to implement capital improvements called for in the plan. Our Upper Park Initiative seeks to clear sight lines, and bring capital improvements and programming to the upper level of our 30 acre park.

We promote the enjoyment and responsible use of the park through an extensive set of programs which over the years have included arts and cultural festivals, a farmers market, film screenings, public art displays, musical and theatrical performances, sports tournaments, community picnics, park cleanups and plantings, tree lightings and holiday events.

OUR HISTORY

In 1981 Tom Kiel a Columbia University undergraduate saw the deteriorating condition of our historic park. He began organizing meetings and park cleanups. At the time, the Parks Dept. was getting ready to implement large scale changes to the park which would have obliterated much of the remaining Olmsted design. Along with several other Columbia students, Tom formed the Friends of Morningside Park with an aim to halt these changes and fight for park restoration in keeping with Olmsted's design principles. Incorporated in 1982, the core mission of the Friends of Morningside Park has not changed to this day.

Although the world lost Tom Kiel in 1996, his work continues and we are proud and very fortunate to have members of his family, and volunteers from our early years still working with us.

We maintain an archive of photos and articles about Tom and the early work of our organization. Please contact us for access to the archives.

OUR STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS, OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

  • Satrina Boyce - Co-Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee

  • Edythe Feaster — Vice President and Secretary; Chair, Engagement Commitee

  • Caroline Geiger- Co-Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee

  • Jannie Green — Treasurer; Chair, Finance Committee

  • Annie Loo

  • Rick Miller

  • Fred Scott

  • Dan Seltzer

  • Brad W. Taylor — President and Board Chair; Chair, Development Committee

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