History

Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, a lifelong New Yorker and midtown resident, wanted to give back to the city she loved. Inspired by the creation of Paley Park and motivated by the lack of parks in the midtown area, she founded the Greenacre Foundation in 1968. She aimed to create a space where people could find a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of city living. Her vision materialized when Greenacre Park officially opened on October 14, 1971.

Greenacre Park stands out as a remarkable example of a pocket park. Pocket parks grew in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, challenging contemporary conceptions of parks as large venues for active and passive recreation. Many American cities had urban centers that were too densely developed to construct large parks. Pocket parks emerged by redeveloping small available lots into quiet, verdant parks.

Greenacre Park’s design reflects the broader pocket park movement’s ideals: it offers a peaceful, intimate environment with surrounding buildings acting as the park’s walls and a canopy of leaves as its ceiling. Today, Greenacre Park remains a cherished public space, owned and maintained by the Greenacre Foundation, continuing to serve as a serene retreat in the heart of New York City.

The Greenacre Foundation has long been at the forefront of efforts to protect sunlight and open spaces in the city. Read more about the “Fight for Light” efforts here.