Park Workers Race Against Time to Preserve NYC Monuments

A small, relatively unknown team of park workers is currently trying to finish essential maintenance on many of New York City’s iconic landmarks before the winter sets in.

Comprising just six individuals, this dedicated crew is responsible for cleaning, repairing, and preserving numerous historical monuments under the city’s Monument Preservation Program. John Saunders, the public art conservator leading the team, emphasized the urgency of their work: “There’s a lot of work to be done,” he mentioned.

The staff is tasked with the regular upkeep of over 800 monuments that face constant threats from weather, pigeons, car emissions, and, unfortunately, vandalism. “It’s not just bronzes and statues. The collection includes the Unisphere, the Washington Square Arch, modern pieces, and more,” remarked some crew members while tending to the Bailey Fountain at Grand Army Plaza.

This fountain is one of over 250 sculptures the team has worked on. Most of these figures, including the Bailey Fountain, undergo annual cleaning and rewaxing to safeguard them against problems like acid rain and exhaust from vehicles, Saunders elaborated.

As Saunders explained, the fresh finish being applied helps stabilize and protect the fountain, which is inspired by ancient Greek designs. Recent efforts to maintain the Bailey Fountain included replacing loose stones; workers even found one stone that was so “chipped” it seemed like it might collapse, despite being nearly a century old.

Jonathan Kuhn, director of art and antiques for NYC Parks, mentioned that the preservation team has created a monthly schedule for site visits that aligns with significant anniversaries, birthdays, and public holidays. For instance, many of the city’s 275 war memorials received maintenance just in time for Veterans Day ceremonies this month.

Looking ahead, the team is preparing for future events such as the commemorations for Flight 587 in Belle Harbor, Queens, and the Sun Yat Sen Monument in Manhattan, which both fall on November 12th. “We want to prevent a cycle of neglect… Our goal is to address minor issues before they escalate, like water infiltration or crumbling stones,” Kuhn noted.

The crew also does its own research, keeping paint and stone samples on hand for potential renovations. Regular cleanings can take a few hours, while some projects may extend on-site for up to a month.

The budget for basic maintenance is around $750,000, but they also utilize dedicated funds for specific monuments. Saunders believes this proactive approach ultimately saves taxpayers, as it prevents “emergency situations” that would lead to costly repairs down the line.

“We keep things in good shape,” he asserted.

This year saw significant renovation efforts, including restoring the Puerto Rican Sun installation in the Bronx, which had fallen into such disrepair that parts were breaking off, leading to its closure in 2024. Saunders mentioned that the original artist, Rafael Ferrer, had signed all the paint meticulously applied according to his specifications.

There were also major funding efforts, like an $85,000 donation to thoroughly clean Victory Memorial Park in the Bronx, in addition to repairs on the Kim Rau Memorial Arch in Chinatown, which has suffered from years of cracks.

As winter approaches, the team will shift focus to other historic items, which include Dutch tombstones from the 1700s, vintage cannons, and even a merry-go-round doll. Minor repairs planned for winter include fixing a bent plate from the 1910s and a destroyed lion’s head spout.

Some larger restorations, such as the multi-year project on the Grand Army Plaza Arch, require additional support from summer interns, especially for work that’s difficult to access. In 2024, for instance, interns were taken 10 stories up to help with the historic horses on this 134-year-old monument.

This year’s interns also completed the restoration of the George Washington sculpture at Valley Forge in Continental Army Plaza and repainted sections of the Shadows and Flags sculpture in the Financial District. “They’re learning how to hot wax, do masonry work, and handle various cleaning and repair tasks,” Saunders concluded. “We take care of so many things.”