Central Park Has A New Head Of Maintenance

CENTRAL PARK, NY — The organization that handles the day-to-day upkeep of Central Park has created a new executive position that will focus on park management and maintenance as a record number of people visit the green space each year.

The Central Park Conservancy named Timothy Hassett its new Chief of Park Operations, a position that was created to oversee park maintenance, landscape management, facilities, visitor services and public programs. Hassett has a long background in facilities managements including previous stints in similar positions with Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden and the Meadowlands Sports Complex.

An executive solely focused on maintenance and facilities management was needed because Central Park accommodates more visitors today than at any point in the park's history, and attendance numbers keep growing, conservancy officials said. As traffic in the park increases, so does the stress put on its facilities.

"I’m joining a great team that accomplished one of the most important restorations in New York, bringing Central Park back to life," Hassett said in a statement. "I’m thrilled to be part of the Conservancy for this next, very important chapter."

The Central Park Conservancy was formed in 1980 following a period of economic decline in New York City that took its toll on the park. Over the years, the nonprofit organization has invested more than $1 billion into the park and has overseen its restoration into one of the city's most iconic destinations.

Hassett, who started with the conservancy at the beginning of the month, will report to the conservancy's chief executive Elizabeth W. Smith.

"The increased number of visitors presents a new challenge for the Conservancy to protect our beautiful but fragile landscapes. Tim is joining us at a critical moment as we focus on how to manage the increased use, while protecting the Park experience that New Yorkers have come to rely on for relief from the pressures of city life," Smith said in a statement.