Chairman’s Circle

Chairman's Circle members help ensure that visitors of all ages and walks of life will forever enjoy the Park as we know it today — an urban oasis for relaxation, recreation, and learning in the heart of New York City.

This dedicated group of supporters are the life-blood of Central Park, providing a significant portion of the Conservancy's annual funding through unrestricted gifts of $25,000, $50,000, and more.

See Chairman's Circle Members

Join the Chairman's Circle

Message from Thomas L. Kempner, Jr., Chair

  • The Chairman’s Circle is the philanthropic leadership of the Central Park Conservancy. Members of this extraordinary partnership understand what the Park means to our 42 million annual visitors and to the economic vigor of New York City. I am most grateful to this committed group of Park benefactors whose generosity ensures the current and future well-being of this American treasure.

Chairman's Circle Member Benefits

  • Private tour with Conservancy President & CEO, Elizabeth W. Smith

  • Invitation to an exclusive annual holiday party at the home of the Conservancy Chair

  • Invitation to a private dinner in Central Park, for members at the $50,000 level and above

  • VIP reserved seating at Shakespeare in the Park and pre-performance cocktails and picnic dinners*

  • Invitations to signature gatherings such as: Conservatory Garden Cocktail Party, New York Philharmonic reception and reserved seating, Annual Skating Party, Private behind-the-scenes events featuring Park experts and special guest lecturers

  • Advanced access to tickets for The Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, the Women’s Committee’s signature annual event

  • Complimentary tickets for official Central Park tours and programming

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Spring in the Sanctuary Tour & Reception
April 8, 2025

Davis Center Opening Day Community Event
April 26, 2025

Central Park Documentary Sneak Peek & Reception
May 14, 2025

Chairman’s Circle Starlight Dinner in the Park*
May 15, 2025

Biannual Family Portrait Day
May 17, 2025
Reservations are first come, first served.

Playground Partners Annual Family Party
May 21, 2025
Ticketed benefit event; invitation sent to Playground Partners members.
Reach out for more information if interested.

New York Philharmonic
with Pre-Performance Reception
June 4, 2025

Taste of Summer
June 11, 2025
Ticketed benefit event

Conservatory Garden Party
June 24, 2025

Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
August 2025 (TBA)

Shakespeare in the Park
Tickets & Pre-Performance Reception
TBD

*For new members and members at the $50,000 level and above

Virtual Events:

Secrets of Central Park:
Virtual Tours led by Conservancy Guides
Weekly on Zoom

To learn more about the Chairman's Circle, please contact Mary Van de Graaf at 212.310.6608 or [email protected].