Severe Winter Storm Creates Hazardous Conditions - Fatality in Central Park

February 25, 2010

Following the death of a man this afternoon in Central Park from a falling limb, The Parks Department has advised the public to avoid parks if possible this evening and to use caution near street trees. We recommend that you keep clear of Riverside Park tonight.

Park Conditions
A day-long fall of wet, heavy snow is beginning to bring down large trees and limbs in parks and along streets all across the city. Increasing winds forecasted for tonight could worsen the situation. Parks crews are working to clear paths and fallen trees and limbs. We will keep you advised of further developments.

Again, we strongly recommend that you not venture into Riverside Park or other parks tonight and use great care tomorrow due to the continued risk of falling trees and icy conditions on pathways. Report fallen trees by calling 311.

Tree Care in Riverside Park
Thousands of trees cover Riverside Park’s 340 acres, and Riverside Park Fund works hard to help support their ongoing maintenance and care. The park has lost hundreds of trees in unusually severe storms in the last two years. Through Riverside Park Fund, private support helps offset the costs of storm clean-up, as well as the cost of preventative care and essential pruning and tree replacements.