FRIENDS' testimony:

FRIENDS’ Preservation Committee finds the proposed restorative work to the existing boathouse appropriate. The proposed additions are also appropriate, as they are located at the rear of the boathouse and set into the slope, resulting in minimal visibility from Fifth Avenue.

We commend the Conservancy’s commitment to accessibility and support the proposed measures. However, we urge that these improvements be implemented in a manner consistent with the spirit of Central Park’s naturalistic landscape design and with due respect for the significant mid-century work of Aymar Embury II and Gilmore Clark. We object to the removal of the sandbox, which is an integral component of the recreational and water-oriented vision advanced by Robert Moses and Gilmore Clark. The boathouse was designed to serve children and to provide access to and engagement with the water. We also find the proposed circular planter that would replace the sandbox uninspired and lacking historic precedent.

We further urge the applicant to retain the original hierarchy of park benches, including the historic wood-and-concrete benches and World's Fair benches. These varied bench types were intentionally employed to organize the landscape and remain important contributors to the site's character and historic integrity.

LPC Hearing: June 23, 2026