Initially created as a parade ground, Sheep Meadow is a picturesque, pastoral meadow
considered the best example of the pastoral vision that was the backbone of the Greensward
plan.
However, Sheep Meadow was not always the calm, green lawn that it is today. Building it
was the most expensive construction operation in the park.
Originally it was a swampy, rocky
ground that required the blasting of rock outcrops and the installation of four feet of soil to
become what it is today. Then, after a peak in popularity in the ’60s and ’70s plus no
management and bad maintenance, lead to erosion and heavy damage. Restoring it was one
of the first missions of the Central Park Conservancy in 1980. Now, well managed, well
maintained, it is one of the favorite green spots of New-yorkers.