"This project is symbolic of what we've done over the last 12 years, reshaping the streets and the city," Christophe Najovski, the city's deputy mayor in charge of green spaces, stated during the opening ceremony.
"Car-Free Earth Day is a reminder that we only have one planet-and that our streets play a critical role in our fight against climate change," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn in an official statement.
Sam Schwartz Engineering in 2024 completed a 77-page report for the Central Park Conservancy, which found that 42 million people use the park annually, with pedestrians comprising more than half, including many who sometimes feel unsafe crossing roads. Esteban Doyle, of the Department of Transportation, said the study was done to improve safety and comfort in the park, better allocate space for users, create better separation and improve crossings.