The year 2018 marked the culmination of the CGC’s three-year Centennial project in Morningside Park, a historic landmark designed by Olmsted and Vaux in 1873 and so named because it faces east toward the rising sun. 
The picturesque 29-acre park runs from West 110th Street to West 123rd Street along a steep escarpment bordering the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and Columbia University.
As a capstone to its century of supporting horticultural and beautification programs in underserved neighborhoods, The City Gardens Club contributed $150,000 toward the restoration of a dramatic six-acre site around the Park’s pond and waterfall, collaborating in a successful public/private partnership with NYC’s Department of Parks and Recreation. During Phase I (2016) the pond and surrounding area were cleared of invasive species, and a wheelchair-accessible paved viewing area was created along the east edge of the pond. To reinforce the pond’s edges, asphalt was repaired and boulders were added. Fast-growing native trees were planted at the south end of the park to screen out high-rise buildings. Hundreds of plantings, including perennials, shrubs, and many more trees, further embellished the site. During Phase ll (2017) the Parks Department installed both a new pump, bringing life back to the long-neglected waterfall, and a magnificent new lawn and irrigation system. Phase lll (2018), the final phase, included planting an array of new flowers, vines and shrubs attractive to pollinators throughout the perimeter of the site and on the pond’s two islands.
To thank CGC’s donors and community members who contributed so generously to this inspiring project, on June 14, 2018 Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver officiated at a delightful Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. Twenty-two second-grade “butterflies” from The Stem School on West 113th Street proudly distributed programs to over 150 guests, and Isio-Maya Nuwere, a 17-year-old protege from The Harlem School of the Arts, gave a triumphant dance performance of “Phenomenal Woman.” Completing the festivities were garden tours by Mercedes Nunez, Park’s Horticulturalist for Manhattan, accompanied by Bob-the-Birder, and delicious refreshments featuring “Harlem’s Best Rugalach” from Lee Lee Baked Goods.
Before and after photos (click to enlarge), presented in split screens by Julia Boland, show the progress of the CGC Centennial project in Morningside Park.
From its inception, CGC’s project has had a transformative effect on its West Harlem community.
To sustain the project, funds have been set aside for seasonal plantings. Morningside Gardeners, part of the newly formed Morningside Park Conservancy, will help to maintain the site. It is CGC’s hope that our initiative will inspire others to upgrade entry gardens, playgrounds, and barbecue areas, and support additional gardeners and security staff for the Park. The importance of committed community members such as Friends of Morningside Park cannot be overestimated. Just 50 years ago, in 1968, the site received national coverage when riots prevented Columbia University from building a gym in the Park. The hole dug for the intended gym became a pond, now restored, where children can find turtles basking in the sun and both neighbors and visitors can enjoy a beautiful, relaxing oasis.
Map above provided by Peter Eckert, Landscape Architect for Morningside Park Pond Project
Following is a spring 2020 photo album showing the Morningside Park restoration in full bloom and being enjoyed by the community.
Photos by Ben Shupp and Robert McLean
Photos by Marianne F.
