Morningside Park

Community Partnerships at Work

Morningside Park offers a welcome environment for those looking for a place to walk, have a picnic, or shop for fresh fruits and vegetables at the Farmer's Market. The park serves as a "backyard" for many residents of Harlem. Today's Morningside Park is the result of community members working together to improve the open space they value in their neighborhood.

Columbia recently contributed funds to Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell's initiative to improve lighting around the perimeter of the park. Columbia's contribution, added to the $283,000 in Community Capital Assistance Program funding obtained by Assembly Member O'Donnell, will replace the inadequate, forty-year-old lights. In addition, Columbia allocated funds during each of the past two years to finance a Parks Enforcement patrol officer.

The Friends of Morningside Park, a volunteer coalition of residents and organizations founded in 1981 by Columbia student Thomas Kiel, has been instrumental in guiding the park's improvements over the past few years. The Friends group has been working with volunteers and organizations to offer numerous programs and events at the 30-acre park.
Through its Community Service Grants program, Columbia contributes funding to support various programs and events at Morningside Park, including the 2005 summer concert series in the park. Columbia employees assist in coordinating the park's fall festival, Common Ground. Student groups volunteer for other park events, including park cleanups, festivals, and special programs.

Many individuals, groups, and organizations help the New York City Parks and Recreation Department maintain and preserve Morningside Park. Columbia is proud to be one of the many contributors to the programs and events offered at Morningside Park—programs and events that bring families and neighbors together.