How much did it cost to buy Central Park?

Central Park cost about as much money as the entire state of Alaska. Buying the park's 843 acres cost New York State legislature about 7.4 million dollars, total, says Kamil. By comparison, the United States bought Alaska—more than 600 thousand square miles—from Russia in 1867 for 7.2 million.



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Central Park is owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation but has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy since 1998, under a contract with the municipal government in a public–private partnership.

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The Central Park Conservancy is responsible for the management, restoration, and enhancement of Central Park and raises the Park's nearly $74 million annual operating budget. Since its founding in 1980, the Central Park Conservancy has overseen the investment of more than $1 billion into Central Park.

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Established in 1986, the Adopt-a-Bench program has led to the adoption of over 4,100 of the Park's 9,000 benches. The benches can be adopted with a donation of $10,000. In recognition of contributions to the fund, Central Park Conservancy installs a personalized plaque on a park bench of the donor's choosing.

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Hours. Central Park is free and open to visitors 365 days a year. The Park opens at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am.

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