Central Park’s Great Lawn Shut Down Following Damage at Global Citizen Festival 2023

In a surprising turn of events, the expansive 12-acre Great Lawn of New York City’s beloved Central Park has been temporarily closed to the public until April. The reason behind this unexpected shutdown? None other than the aftermath of this year’s highly anticipated Global Citizen Festival, which left a considerable mark on the iconic greensward, as reported by The New York Times.

The custodians of Central Park, the Central Park Conservancy, have attributed the decision to close the Great Lawn to a combination of factors, primarily the immense foot traffic and the use of heavy machinery during the festival. What’s even more astonishing is that approximately one third of the Great Lawn fell victim to the wear and tear brought on by these circumstances, exacerbated by a heavy rainstorm.

In a rather candid acknowledgment of the situation, the Central Park Conservancy expressed their deep disappointment at having to close the Great Lawn during what should be a vibrant and enjoyable fall season for New Yorkers. It’s akin to temporarily depriving Gotham’s denizens of a cherished green oasis, and that’s no small matter!

Global Citizen, the organization responsible for the festival, did not shy away from shouldering its share of responsibility. They have publicly committed to covering the costs of repairing the damage inflicted upon this urban green jewel. It’s a gesture of goodwill that demonstrates their dedication to not only putting on a great show but also making amends when things don’t quite go as planned.

In their statement, Global Citizen emphasized their collaborative efforts leading up to the event, highlighting their close cooperation with various government entities and the Central Park Conservancy. This year’s festival was particularly weather-challenged, and as such, it required even closer alignment with city agencies and stakeholders. Their commitment to working hand-in-hand with the NYC Mayor’s Office, the Department of Parks & Recreation, the Office of Emergency Management, the NYPD, FDNY, and the Central Park Conservancy underscores the complexity of staging such a massive event in the heart of the city.

Furthermore, Global Citizen pointed out that, beyond their annual fee for using the park, they have a longstanding partnership with the Central Park Conservancy to assess and cover the costs of any damage incurred during the festival. This commitment isn’t something new; it’s been in place since 2012 and was communicated both before and after this year’s event.

However, not everyone is satisfied with this arrangement. Councilwoman Gale Brewer, whose district includes Central Park, has voiced concerns and sent a letter to Mayor Eric Adams urging him to reconsider allowing Global Citizen to use the park in the future. Brewer’s concern is not just about financial compensation but also about ensuring that the park remains accessible to all New Yorkers.

Turning our attention back to the festival itself, it was a star-studded affair that saw performances from legendary artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill, who graced the stage for a memorable Fugees reunion, and the ever-energetic Red Hot Chili Peppers. Notably, Megan Thee Stallion opted out of the event but made waves by performing in Houston alongside Beyoncé during the same weekend.

Beyond the musical festivities, the Global Citizen Festival has always been about raising awareness for critical global issues. This year was no exception, with a focus on topics such as extreme poverty, the climate crisis in the Global South, the global hunger crisis, and the myriad challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. A significant highlight was the announcement by Emmanuel Macron, President of France, pledging a substantial $240 million from France and Norway to the International Fund for Agricultural Development to combat global hunger.

In essence, the Global Citizen Festival is not just about the music; it’s about using the power of music and collaboration to shine a light on some of the world’s most pressing problems. While the Great Lawn may be temporarily off-limits, the impact of this festival will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the confines of Central Park.

As New Yorkers patiently await the reopening of their beloved Great Lawn next spring, it’s clear that the spirit of Global Citizen, its commitment to making positive change, and its ability to bring people together for a common cause remain undiminished.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Central Park Closure

More about Central Park Closure

• The New York Times
• Central Park Conservancy
• Global Citizen Festival
• NYC Mayor’s Office
• NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
• Office of Emergency Management
• NYPD
• FDNY
• President Emmanuel Macron’s Announcement
• Central Park Access