Madison Square Park has been a hub of activity and excitement for generations, and 2024 was no exception! Madison Square Park Conservancy hosted more than 260 individual events last year, celebrated the twentieth anniversary of our public art program, and engaged our communities across multiple areas of our work.

Among the unforgettable moments that made 2024 a tremendous year, we:

1. Honored park legends Danny Meyer and Lynden B. Miller

Without the leadership and vision of Danny Meyer and Lynden B. Miller, we simply wouldn’t have the park we all enjoy today, and last April, we recognized their many contributions to its revitalization. In the late 1990s, Danny Meyer spearheaded the $11 million dollar restoration of the then-decrepit Madison Square Park and co-founded the Conservancy in 2003. He tapped fellow honoree Lynden B. Miller, author and renowned public garden designer, to design and restore Madison Square Park’s gardens and landscape.

2. Presented our first joint art exhibition with another NYC park

As part of the twentieth anniversary of MSPC’s public art program, Rose B. Simson’s Seed was on view simultaneously in Madison Square Park and Inwood Hill Park—our first art collaboration in another NYC public park. Through ongoing partnerships with the NYC Parks Department and partners such as the Lenape Center, we are broadening the reach of the Conservancy’s programs.

3. Kept our tree canopy thriving

Despite an increasingly tumultuous and unpredictable climate, no trees had to be removed from Madison Square Park last year. This is excellent news for Manhattan’s only arboretum since our neighborhood has the lowest tree coverage of all 59 NYC community districts. Our team remains constantly vigilant in the face of ecological impacts affecting the park’s trees, continuing to implement our 60-year Tree Conservation Plan.

4. Organized a 7-mile Procession of Angels for Radical Love and Unity

One of four monumental projects commissioned for the twentieth anniversary of the MSPC public art program, María Magdalena Campos-Pons’ Procession of Angels for Radical Love and Unity expanded our public art program’s reach from East Harlem to Madison Square Park. The multigenerational procession peacefully traversed streets and landmarks of Manhattan and ended with a concert and spontaneous dance party in our beloved park. This unforgettable collective journey spread optimism and joy along its path.

5. Spotlighted AAPI communities and cuisines through Taste of Asia

Taste of Asia, a one-of-a-kind fundraiser in Madison Square Park, gathered 40 of the finest restaurants in NYC for a celebration of Asian cuisine and culture. Chaired by MSPC Trustee Simon Kim alongside Wen Zhou, Michael Chung, and Phillip Lim, this fusion of flavor and community proved to be one of New York City’s most delicious events of the year, all in support of the Conservancy and Apex for Youth.

6. Hosted our tallest holiday tree since 1912

The country’s oldest annual tree lighting kicked off the holidays in sparkling splendor with a 47-foot concolor fir—making it one of the largest holiday trees in the city and the largest we’ve hosted since our first in 1912. The tree lighting festivities on December 3rd featured live musical entertainment, including a spirited performance by Sony and Alamo Records singer TheARTI$t. Holiday celebrations continued into December with a menorah lighting and the “Red Chair” selfie contest co-sponsored with Flatiron NoMad Partnership.

7. Celebrated Flatiron NoMad becoming NYC’s first official Green Dining Destination

In September, in collaboration with the Green Restaurant Association and the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, we launched the first Green Dining Destination in New York City. To achieve this recognition, twelve neighborhood restaurants attained Certified Green Restaurant status for championing sustainability and decreasing their environmental footprint.

8. Dazzled visitors with over 10,000 spring bulbs

During perhaps our most vibrant month of the year, 10,000 spring bulbs bloomed across the park in April 2024. Planted by our Horticulture Team, Operations Staff, and many volunteers, a rainbow of flowers welcomed spring in an explosion of color.

9. Introduced two free youth libraries in the park

Thanks to generous donations, two kids’ libraries debuted in the park last year. Penguin Random House hosted a summer Botanical Library on Sparrow Lawn, complete with weekly story hours. Park friend Eloise Hale cut the ribbon on the Little Library she donated just outside the playground, to encourage young park users to borrow a book and leave one for others to enjoy. Please drop off new or lightly used children’s books at the Little Library!

10. Debuted our unique history tour of the park and neighborhood

In response to a call from our community for more history-oriented activities, Holly Leicht, our Executive Director, researched and launched a walking tour of Madison Square Park and the surrounding neighborhood, which has become one of our most popular new programs. Sign up for her tour in 2025 – you may be surprised to learn how many historical figures made their mark on our neighborhood!

As we start the new year, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, trustees, supporters and community members who made 2024 one for the books!

Photo Credits
Rose B. Simpson: Danny Bonilla
Procession of Angels for Radical Love and Unity: Argenis Apolinario
Taste of Asia: Jared Siskin, Eric Vitale
Green Dining: Joseph Englander