Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today kicked off a yearlong celebration commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Central Park. Mayor Bloomberg and First Lady Laura Bush are serving as Honorary Co-Chairs of the celebration. Mayor Bloomberg also announced that world-renowned singer Andrea Bocelli will perform a special free concert on the Great Lawn on July 19th. Deputy Mayor for Administration Patricia E. Harris, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Central Park Conservancy Chairman A.J.C. Smith, Central Park Conservancy President Regina S. Peruggi, Central Park Conservancy Board Member Candice Bergen, and MasterCard International North American Region President Ruth Ann Marshall joined the Mayor at the Dairy in Central Park for the kick-off.

"An international tourist attraction, a national historic treasure, and an urban oasis, Central Park is a marvelous public space in the heart of New York City where people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests can enjoy the splendors of nature," Mayor Bloomberg said. "I am very proud to serve as the Honorary Co-Chair of this important and wonderful celebration with First Lady Laura Bush, and I encourage everyone to participate in the countless exciting and enriching events commemorating Central Park's 150 years in New York City history."

"Central Park is an icon of our country, a public space open to and enjoyed by all, and a beautiful haven in the heart of one of the world's pre-eminent cities," the First Lady said. "This anniversary celebrates a milestone in the life of New York City and a treasure for everyone for hundreds of years to come."

"150 years ago, New Yorkers had the foresight to set aside more than 700 acres of open space in what would become the heart of the nation's largest city," Commissioner Benepe said. "Over the last 20 years, the Central Park Conservancy and the City of New York have restored this urban park to be the envy of the world. The events this summer celebrate this park's creation, restoration, and great future."

"Since its inception, the Central Park Conservancy has transformed most of the park's landscapes, funded major capital improvements, created new programs for visitors, and set new standards in park care, " Mr. Smith said.

"The park has accommodated itself to the changing needs of New Yorkers but has always stayed true to the vision laid out by its planners, Frederick Olmsted and Calvert Vaux," Ms. Peruggi said. "For over 22 years, the Conservancy, with the help of generous New Yorkers, has raised $300 million to restore and maintain the park, ensuring its beauty for today and for the future."

"As a New York based organization, MasterCard recognizes there is nothing more priceless than Central Park and we are proud to serve as title sponsor for this special yearlong celebration," Ms. Marshall said.

Central Park will celebrate its 150th Anniversary with numerous commemorative events designed to appeal to people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. These events will include an International Parks Conference, a film festival, classical music and jazz concerts, nature walks, and various educational and sporting events. On July 19th, Central Park will host a daylong celebratory event, culminating with a free concert in the evening by singer Andrea Bocelli on the Great Lawn. On September 15th, Cai Guo-Qiang will stage a spectacular light show extravaganza, featuring fireworks that will illuminate the sky over Central Park, and the Empire State Building will exhibit a green color to commemorate Central Park's 150th Anniversary. On November 20th, the park will conduct a unique auction of park benches specially created by renowned artists, architects, and celebrities.

Central Park, the first major landscaped public park in the United States, consists of 843 acres, and its six-mile perimeter extends from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and from 59th Street to 110th Street. The park possesses 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 150 acres of water, as well as 58 miles of pedestrian paths, 4.5 miles of bridle trail, and 6.5 miles of park drive. In addition, Central Park is home to 51 sculptures, 36 bridges and arches, and 21 playgrounds. Each year, over 25 million visitors enjoy Central Park.

The history of Central Park begins in 1853, when the New York State Legislature authorized the City of New York to purchase over 700 acres of land in the middle of Manhattan and build a great public park. In 1856, the City acquired the site and began clearing land, and in 1857, the City announced a design competition for the new park. The Greensward Plan proposed by architect Calvert Vaux and park superintendent Frederick Law Olmsted ultimately won the competition in 1858. Central Park opened in December of 1858, and construction was completed approximately 16 years later at a cost of $14 million (roughly $260 million today). Out of the rocky, treeless terrain, Vaux and Olmsted created a unique urban oasis, providing enjoyment for millions of people from all over the world for generations to come.

During its rich and illustrious history, Central Park has experienced numerous memorable moments and events, including:

• The dedication of Bethesda Fountain in 1873;
  
• The opening of Heckscher Playground in 1926;
  
• The construction of Wollman Rink in 1950;
  
• The declaration of Central Park as a National Historic Landmark in 1965;
  
• The first celebration of Earth Day in 1970;
  
• The founding of the Central Park Conservancy in 1980;
  
• The concert by Simon and Garfunkel in 1981;
  
• The reopening of the Great Lawn in 1997; and
  
• A twilight memorial gathering and musical performance commemorating September 11th in 2002.