Central Park Conservancy Announces Major Investment in Two of the Park’s Most Iconic Destinations 

Conditions before the Bethesda Fountain restoration project begins in August 2026. Photo Courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water, two of Central Park’s most beloved and heavily-visited landmarks, to undergo restoration and modernization in 2026

The Central Park Conservancy today announced a major investment in two of Central Park’s most iconic and popular destinations: Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water. 

The restoration projects represent a combined $37 million investment to address decades of wear at two iconic locations that have shaped the memories of generations of New Yorkers and visitors alike. Each project carefully balances historic preservation with the needs of a modern public space, combining critical infrastructure and accessibility improvements to ensure these landmarks remain sustainable and welcoming for generations to come. The projects are primarily funded through private contributions, with additional support from the City of New York. 

“There’s a reason people propose at Bethesda Fountain and bring their children to sail model boats at Conservatory Water. These are the places where the beauty of the Park becomes personal. That’s exactly why the Conservancy is making this investment,” said Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy. “We’re preserving the craftsmanship that has defined these spaces for more than 150 years, modernizing critical infrastructure, and ensuring both places are built to serve New Yorkers for another century and beyond. As the stewards of the City’s backyard, we have a responsibility to the millions of people for whom Central Park is essential.” 

“Bethesda Fountain is the heart of Central Park. Our family is honored to help preserve this extraordinary landmark so it can continue to inspire, delight, and remind people of the enduring beauty of Central Park for generations to come,” said Amy Tarr, Bethesda Fountain restoration donor. 

“We are proud to support the Central Park Conservancy’s effort to restore Bethesda Fountain, the iconic and beloved Park’s monument,” said Sofia Segal, Bethesda Fountain Restoration donor. 

Work on Bethesda Fountain is expected to begin in August 2026, and on Conservatory Water in late 2026. 

About the Upcoming Preservation of Bethesda Fountain

Few places in Central Park are as instantly recognizable as Bethesda Fountain. For more than 150 years, the fountain has been the backdrop for marriage proposals, family portraits, first dates, and millions of ordinary visits. 

The fountain’s infrastructure has aged to the point that it now requires a full overhaul. Starting in early August, the fountain will be turned off for approximately one year while crews repair and restore it from the inside out. Bethesda Terrace itself will remain open throughout, so visitors can still walk through, sit, and take in the view; only the fountain will be off and enclosed for construction. 

The project will replace the fountain’s aging mechanical systems with modern equipment that will keep water flowing more reliably and make the landmark easier to operate and maintain for decades to come. The work will also restore the fountain’s water circulation, bringing renewed movement to its iconic cascading pools. At the same time, conservators will recreate missing historic sculptural details, preserving the extraordinary craftsmanship that has made Bethesda Fountain one of New York City’s most beloved landmarks for more than 150 years. 

The restoration will be led by the Conservancy’s in-house design team, the same team responsible for decades of landmark restoration work throughout the Park. They will manage and oversee the contractor executing the designs and plans, ensuring that every detail of the fountain’s historic character is preserved. When the work is complete, Bethesda Fountain will flow smoothly once again, with its craftsmanship and artistic integrity safeguarded for generations to come. 

About the Upcoming Preservation of Conservatory Water

A short walk east of Bethesda Fountain sits Conservatory Water, the storied pond where New Yorkers have sailed model boats since the 1800s and where children have long gathered near the Alice in Wonderland statue. 

For years, the pond has been losing water through cracks in its aging basin. The Kerbs Boathouse beside it (built in 1954 and never substantially renovated) is showing its age as well, with outdated restrooms, cramped concession space, and accessibility barriers. The Conservancy will now rebuild both, in two phases. First, contractors will reconstruct the pond basin with a new waterproof foundation, restoring its ability to reliably hold water while repairing its historic stone walls and steps. Then, the boathouse will undergo its first comprehensive renovation, doubling restroom capacity, creating a more efficient concession operation, and improving accessibility and circulation throughout the site. Behind the scenes, outdated building systems will be replaced with modern electric infrastructure, while new green roofs and landscape improvements will help the building blend more naturally into its surroundings and support a more sustainable operation. 

Construction on the pond will begin in late 2026. Work on the boathouse will begin in spring 2027, and both phases are expected to be completed by spring 2028. When it is done, Conservatory Water will be watertight, more accessible, and ready to host model boat enthusiasts and families for decades to come. 

“Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water are among Central Park’s most beloved treasures, drawing New Yorkers and visitors alike to some of Manhattan’s most iconic public spaces. I’m thrilled that the Central Park Conservancy is making an investment to preserve and enhance these historic landmarks for generations to come,” said Brad Hoylman, Manhattan Borough President. “From restoring the intricate sculptural details of Bethesda Fountain to revitalizing Conservatory Water with improved water circulation and critical infrastructure repairs, this project honors the park’s history while preparing it for the future. I’m especially excited to see the Kerbs Boathouse reimagined with expanded public restrooms, enhanced landscaping, and upgraded amenities that will make this cherished destination even more welcoming for the millions of people who visit Central Park every year.”

“Central Park is one of New York City’s greatest public spaces, and caring for it requires constant attention. Restoring Bethesda Fountain and Conservatory Water is about preserving history while making sure these landmarks continue to serve the millions of people who use the Park every year,” said Gale A. Brewer, NYC Council Member. “I thank the Central Park Conservancy and its supporters for their continued commitment to keeping Central Park beautiful, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.” 

Together, these projects demonstrate the scale of investment, specialized expertise, and long-term commitment required to care for a landmark as complex and beloved as Central Park. They are the latest in the Conservancy’s 45-year history of investing in, preserving and enhancing Central Park, balancing its historic integrity with the evolving needs of its more than 40 million annual visitors. For more information, visit centralparknyc.org/restoration. 

About the Central Park Conservancy

The Central Park Conservancy is a private, not-for-profit organization that manages Central Park and is responsible for raising the Park’s annual operating budget. The Conservancy’s staff of 400 is responsible for all aspects of the Park’s stewardship, from day-to-day maintenance and operations to continued restoration and rebuilding projects. Additionally, the Conservancy operates the Park’s visitor centers, provides public programs, and serves as a resource for other NYC parks and for public-private partnerships around the world. For more information, please visit centralparknyc.org.