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, Skating Party at Wollman Rink, 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

*Currently on hold during the renovation of The Delacorte Theater

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBER EVENTS

Upcoming Events


The Power of Art: A Panel Discussion on
Landscape, Theater, and Art for All in Central Park
September 10, 2024

Autumn Tree Tours
October 15, 2024 (Morning & Afternoon)

Autumn Tree Tour & Reception
October 16, 2024

Bi-Annual Family Portrait Day
October 26, 2024
Reservations are first come, first served

Central Park in Construction:
Tour of the New Harlem Meer Center
October 2024

Marathon Breakfast
November 3, 2024

2024 Annual Gala: Fortune’s Fête
November 20, 2024
Ticketed benefit event

Holiday Celebration, Hosted by
Board Chair Tom Kempner & Kitty Patterson Kempner
December 2024

Annual Skating Party
February 2025

Virtual Events

We hope you will join us for these virtual events! Invitations will be sent via email.

Art in the Park Lecture with Sara Cedar Miller
September 18, 2024 via Zoom

State of the Park Presentation with Betsy Smith,
Conservancy President & CEO
January 2025 via Zoom

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


*For members at $50,000 level and above


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