The Central Park Pathways Initiative
Paint every pedestrian pathway in Central Park in Chromatic Society Pink (CS-107). 58 miles of paths. A three-year, peer-reviewed research study. The largest color intervention ever attempted in an urban public space.
The Project
The pathways will be painted using a durable, non-toxic, permeable surface coating developed in partnership with Hartwell Paints’s industrial research lab — designed to last 3–5 years and to meet all NYC Parks Department surface safety and environmental standards. The specific shade, Chromatic Society Pink (CS-107), is a warm mid-tone pink with spectral properties identified through 15 years of intervention research.
The painting is the intervention. The study is the reason.
The Study
Lenox Health is the lead research partner, with secondary partnerships at Kessler School of Public Health and Breitman Institute. The study will measure:
Pedestrian behavior: volume, dwell time, and route selection via automated counters and trained observation.
Psychological impact: self-reported mood and perceived safety via intercept surveys (target n=10,000/year).
Physiological markers: cortisol and heart rate variability via wearable sub-study (n=500).
Social interaction: frequency and duration measured by trained observers using established protocols.
Community impact: 311 complaints and crime data in park-adjacent areas; economic activity in park-adjacent commercial corridors.
Public perception: media and social media sentiment analysis.
Three-year study period. Full IRB approval. Independent external evaluation by Meridian Research.
The Campaign
| Category | Goal | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lead gifts | $3,000,000 | Two prospects in late-stage conversations |
| Major gifts ($100K–$1M) | $4,000,000 | 8 prospects identified; 3 solicited |
| Corporate partnerships | $3,000,000 | Hartwell Paints $1.2M committed; Whitmore Capital $500K committed |
| Foundation grants | $3,000,000 | Applications pending: Harmon, Brecker, NYCF, Aldrich |
| Events (Pink Party gala + smaller) | $1,500,000 | Pink Party gala targeting $800K net |
| Individual / community giving | $1,000,000 | Community campaign launching with Pink Party |
| Government (NYC Parks, DOHMH) | $500,000 | In discussion |