A Titan for Parks

Marian S. Heiskell, 1918-2019

The staff of the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy and our Board of Directors honor the memory of our longtime chair, co-founder and friend, Marian Heiskell.

Mrs. Heiskell, among her many accomplishments, was a former newspaper executive, lifelong conservationist, and a leader in numerous philanthropic activities.

She was a citizen founder of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1972 and for over 40 years, through her leadership, energy and imagination, she paved the way for millions of New Yorkers to experience the great outdoors in their own backyards.

Her stewardship of numerous nonprofit organizations, transformed the civic and cultural life of this city.  She was chairman of GrowNYC and of The New 42nd Street, Inc. She was also a member of the board of Audubon New York, the 42nd Street Development Corporation and a lifetime trustee of the New York Botanical Garden.

We will forever miss her wisdom, grace and candor. May we all remain inspired to become better stewards by her example. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

Read more about her amazing life and accomplishments in the New York Times.