In this time when modern landscape architecture falls prey to the wrecking ball, largely the results of deferred maintenance, two vest pocket parks set a standard for ongoing care. As a result these future National Historic Landmarks still serve and delight New Yorkers and will continue to for generations to come.
Greenacre Foundation
In recognition of the iconic import and revolutionary impact of Greenacre Park, 217 East 51 st Street, New York City, NY, to the fields of landscape architecture and urban design. Abby Rockefeller Mauze, 1903-1976, the oldest of John D. Jr.'s six children, was the park's philanthropist. As a result of the superb ongoing care and management provided by the Greenacre Foundation, the original design intent of the 1971 design by Sasaki, Dawson and DeMay (with consultant Harmon Goldstone), a vest pocket park on three levels with its signature 25-foot high waterfall, remains beautifully intact today. Presented to Gail Caulkins, President.
The Greenpark Foundation, Inc.
Paley Park, located at 5 East 53rd Street, just east of Fifth Avenue, "has become one of Manhattan 's treasures, a masterpiece of urbanity and grace. memorable because it makes no effort to be so" (Alan Tate). The first vest-pocket park in the world, the park was designed by Zion & Breen Associates and opened in 1967. The park sits on a parcel of land that is 42x100 feet and is surrounded by high rise buildings on three sides. William S. Paley was the park's philanthropist who wanted to make the park as a memorial for his father. William H. Whyte completed a time-lapse photo analysis of park users during which time he concluded that the park was the most heavily used open space, on a square-foot basis, in all of New York City. The maintenance and perpetual care of the park was arranged by the William S. Paley Foundation in memory of Mr. Paley's father. Presented to Amanda Burden, stepdaughter of William S. Paley and City Planning Commissioner.
Adele Chatfield-Taylor & The American Academy in Rome
Under the leadership of its President, Adele Chatfield-Taylor for the past 19 years, the American Academy in Rome has embraced their landscape architectural legacy. First, by fully endowing two fellowships in landscape architecture, the Academy has insured that landscape architecture will forever be present in the Academy community.
Second, beginning in 1986, the Academy's Board of Trustees launched a campaign to restore the gardens and counteract the general decay of the landscape, caused primarily by the changing environment in the city of Rome. The implementation of the resulting Landscape Master Plan (produced by Laurie Olin) began in 1990 and continues today. The Academy's two main gardens, both restored and rehabilitated, include the grounds of Villa Aurelia and the Mercedes and Sid R. Bass Garden behind the McKim, Mead & White building.
Rich Haag, Cheryl Trivison + Friends of Gas Works Park
