Central Park Summit Rock

As the highest natural elevation in Central Park, Summit Rock towers above the surrounding west side landscapes, providing a quiet retreat and stunning views of Central Park West and its skyline. As the Chief of Design for Central Park, Laura Starr oversaw the restoration of Summit Rock, a site that, despite its views and historical significance, had been poorly neglected. The restoration included the removal of dilapidated pavement that crowned the site, replacing it with a new green lawn and a rustic stone amphitheater with benches overlooking the wooded slopes. Leading up to the landscape, a serpentine stairway carved into the bedrock was recovered and an improved path system encouraged park visitors to walk to the top of the hill.