Contact: Sunny Mindel (212) 788-2958
Edward Skyler (212) 788-2969
"The expansion of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza completes the master plan of the United Nations, creating a majestic approach to the world's most important diplomatic arena," Mayor Giuliani said. "The United Nations' address is one of the elements that define New York City as the Capital of the World. With the expansion of Dag Hammerskjold Plaza, visiting dignitaries, tourists and Turtle Bay residents now have a first class park to enjoy. I would like to thank State Senator Roy M. Goodman, Assembly Member Ravitz and Commissioners Stern and Eristoff for their efforts to see this project realized."
The half-acre area that abutted the existing park has been transformed into an inviting public space; enhanced with new trees, a steel lattice dome, decorative paving, new seating and lighting. The entrance pavilion now functions as a stage for performances and the adjacent steps provide amphitheater-like seating. The new park visually links the plaza with the United Nations lawn and promenade and is a versatile public space able to accommodate all types of park users. The expansion was funded jointly by the Mayor, the City Council and the Manhattan Borough President.
"This is a great example of cooperation that exists between the City and its various communities. It has taken years to achieve this result and it was made possible by the Mayor's efforts to move the bus route away from the park. The Turtle Bay community will now be able to safely enjoy this important public space," said Commissioner Stern.
"As the saying goes, 'all good things to those who wait' and for a community that waited almost twenty years; the wait was certainly worth it. I was proud to work with the community, particularly the Turtle Bay Association and the Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, in making this park a reality. I also want to thank the Mayor for showing his leadership and determination to deliver a park worthy of its namesake," Assembly Member Ravitz said.
The park was originally built in 1947 as the gateway to the United Nations, and was named after the former Secretary General in 1961-- the same year he died and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize posthumously. Due to its proximity to the United Nations, the park is the site of many rallies regarding international affairs.
In 1997 the original park underwent a $1.5 million reconstruction which culminated in the dedication of the Katherine Hepburn Gardens. The renovation emphasized the themes of peace and tranquility and included the addition of granite seating walls, cast iron fountains within reflecting pools, steel lattice pavilions and colonnade, and decorative fencing. Over 500 evergreen shrubs, birch and dogwood trees were planted throughout the site, greening the park significantly.
Last fall, Mayor Giuliani dedicated Hope, a monument to Raoul Wallenberg, which stands at the traffic triangle just east of the park. A Swedish diplomat who worked tirelessly to save Hungarian Jews from Nazi persecution during World War II, Mr. Wallenberg is credited with saving nearly 100,000 lives before his disappearance in 1945.