The Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy hosted its Annual Family Party—a beloved afternoon for families to gather in support of the Conservancy’s ongoing care and maintenance of Central Park’s 21 playgrounds. The springtime celebration raised nearly $425,000 in crucial funds to support the Conservancy’s essential work, made possible in part with the generosity of the Premier Sponsor, Macy’s.
Event co-chairs Adrienne Anderman, Amanda Baron, Nathalie P. Danilovich, Marcella Hymowitz, Lucinda B. May, Genevieve Sonsino, and Katie Tochilin, Grandparent Chair, Bonnie Pope, Playground Partners Chair and Vice Chairs Melanie McLennan, Kara Gerson, and Lizzy Quick, along with Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff, and Central Park Conservancy’s President & CEO Betsy Smith, were joined by supporters and friends of the Conservancy and Central Park. Guests included Anna Bender-Zeckendorf, Katherine Gage Boulud, Nell Diamond, Fe and Paola Fendi, Astrid Hill Lloyd, Chloe Malle, Joyce Kwok, Stacey Kwon, Liz Peek, and Lauren Wesley Wilson.
The Park’s 21 playgrounds, which are fully maintained by the Conservancy, embody the highest standards of safety, innovation, and creativity while serving as vital community spaces for children and families year-round. “The Women’s Committee is proud to champion the stewardship of these cherished playgrounds, ensuring they remain welcoming, vibrant, and inspiring places for children to play, explore, and connect,” said Women’s Committee President Tracey Huff.
Each year, Playground Partners raises more than $1 million to help fund playground care, from groundskeepers and playground technicians to specialty materials and equipment, tree pruning, plant materials, and more.
“Generations of New Yorkers have made memories in Central Park’s playgrounds, and we continue to welcome millions of children every year,” said Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Betsy Smith. “Funds raised through the Playground Partners Annual Family Party directly support the Conservancy’s critical work caring for these playgrounds and the Park as a whole. We are deeply grateful to the Women’s Committee, Playground Partners, and all of our supporters for helping ensure these treasured community spaces remain vibrant, welcoming, and accessible.”
Additional event support was provided by Stroller Parking Sponsor Nuna Baby Essentials. Event guests and their families enjoyed an exciting lineup of outdoor activations generously donated by an array of partners, including BonBon, Craft Studio, Fastbreak Sports, Flutter Butter Bakery, iCAMP, Kids in Sports, New York Empire Baseball, PlantShed, Shoott, Soccer Stars & Amazing Athletes, Story Time Chess, Sun Bum, USTA Eastern, Van Leeuwen, and more. The afternoon featured activities suitable for kids aged 10 and under, including arts & crafts, sports relays, STEM programming, and chess. Children had the opportunity to participate in cookie decorating, gardening, fishing, and face painting, alongside magic, stilt walkers, and live performances from the Diller-Quaile School of Music, Little Maestros, and award-winning DJ Annie Red.
Additional highlights included a meet-and-greet with the newly formed Central Park Conservancy Ranger Corps, exploration of the Conservancy’s Park vehicles, and a Playground Partners “Build a Playground” activity. Premier Sponsor Macy’s hosted a birdhouse decorating workshop, kept attendees cool with snow cones, and gave out custom gift bags as guests departed.
Image credit: Deonte Lee/BFA and Matteo Prandoni/BFA
