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Creator
New York (N.Y.). Department of Parks
Call number
AZ 25-13
Physical description
3.33 linear feet (8 boxes)
Language
English
Preferred Citation
New York City Department of Parks records, Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy, The New York Public Library
Repository
Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy
Access to materials
Request a research appointment: https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman/milstein

New York City Department of Parks manages the system of parks, beaches, athletic facilities, and playgrounds throughout the city. The department also provides recreational and entertainment programming. The New York City Department of Parks records date from 1949 to 1984 (bulk dates 1950 to 1970) and hold press releases, pamphlets, and other printed matter related to park news, programs, activities, construction, and regulations.

Biographical/historical information

The New York City Department of Parks was formed in 1934, consolidating park commissions for each borough into a central department. The Parks Deparment manages over 30,000 acres of land in New York City, providing access to parks, beaches, playgrounds, athletic facilities, golf courses, nature centers, and community gardens. The Department also maintains monuments and historic house museums, and provides entertainment and recreation programming.

Robert Moses (1888-1981) was the first Parks Commissioner from 1934 to 1960.

Newbold Morris (1902-1966) was Parks Commissioner from 1960 to 1966.

Thomas Hoving (1931-2009) was Parks Commissioner from 1966 to 1967.

August Heckscher II (1913-1997) was Parks Commissioner from 1967 to 1972.

Henry J. Stern (1935-2019) was Parks Commissioner from 1983 to 1990 and 1994 to 2002.

Scope and arrangement

The New York City Department of Parks records date from 1949 to 1984 (bulk dates 1950 to 1970) and details various parks matters, events, and programming. The collection includes press releases, pamphlets, and printed matter issued by the department.

The files are organized by subjects related to departmental matters, including: parks and issues related to specific boroughs; programs and events; sports and activities; construction; and rules and regulations.

The majority of the press releases are issued by Parks Commissioners Robert Moses, Newbold Morris, Thomas Hoving, and August Heckser II. There is one 1984 press release issued by Henry J. Stern.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically by subject.

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Acquisition details unknown.

Processing information

Processed by Christopher Arena in 2026.

Using the collection

Location

Irma and Paul Milstein Division of United States History, Local History and Genealogy
Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, NY 10018-2788
First Floor, Room 121

Access to materials

Request a research appointment: https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman/milstein