The first design in the Central Park Collection is “The Park”. The design features a double edge shield design with rough edges, accompanied by a simple floral, greenery, and roots pattern. Printing options include digital, letterpress, or foil printing. 

Proponents for Central Park wanted a public area similar to those found in London and Paris to help America garner an international reputation. They suggested it would be a healthier alternative to the saloon for Manhattanites seeking recreation. After three years of debate over location and cost of the park, state legistation authorized the city to develop 700 acres in Central Manhattan in 1853. 

In 1857, the Central Park Commission was appointed and a landscape design contest was announced to determine the layout and design for the park. The contest was nationwide and offered a prize of $500 – $2000 to the winner. Contestants were given topographical maps and a small set of parameters. The commission received 33 entries to judge and ultimately chose the 33rd entry known as the “Greensward Plan”, submitted by the superintendent of the park, Frederick Law Olmstead, and English-born architect Calvert Vaux (pronounced Vox). The decision was not only aesthetic, but also political, making it a landmark in the history of Landscape Architecture. 

The beauty of Central Park is celebrated today by millions of visitors each year. Even those who haven’t visited have seen it in countless movies and television shows. Its iconography touches everyone in some way and that is why I chose to honor its legacy as my first stationery collection. I hope that by seeing my designs inspired by this amazing park, others choose to visit or dig deeper into park history, or even just smile when they next see it in film!