About the Central Park Conservancy

The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 that manages Central Park under a contract with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Central Park is a completely artificial landscape — an artistic composition of meadows, lakes, and woodlands supported by a complex system of underground infrastructure that transformed the original rocky, swampy site. The unique and fragile landscape requires intensive management and maintenance.

Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, corporations, foundations, and the City of New York, the Conservancy has invested more than $500 million to date into the Park, making it a model for urban parks worldwide. The Conservancy provides 85% of Central Park's $27 million operating budget.

About Appleseed

Appleseed is a New York City-based consulting firm that provides economic analysis and economic development planning services to government, non-profit and corporate clients. The firm was founded in 1993 by its president, Hugh O'Neill. Prior to starting Appleseed, Mr. O'Neill served as Deputy Secretary for Economic Development under New York Governors Hugh L. Carey and Mario Cuomo, and as Assistant Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Additional information is available at http://www.appleseedinc.com/.