The pre and post World War II period saw significant changes in the way Central Park was used.  The increased recreational facilities constructed by Robert Moses during his tenure as Parks Commissioner greatly diversified the activities New Yorkers could participate in.  Despite that fact that he was criticized for having wrecked the Central Park envisioned by Frederick Law Olmsted, he transformed the Park into a place of activity with something that appealed to everyones taste.  Moreover, unlike the Park of the earlier years, Central Park users were less divided by class, race or gender, as all were welcome. 

            Although Thomas P.F.  Hoving's tenure as Parks Commissioner in the 1960s was very brief, his initiatives brought thousands of people, both young and old, to Central Park.  Among these popular gatherings were Halloween celebrations, dance competitions, and concerts.  In addition, Hoving created a very relaxed atmosphere in Central Park which greatly appealed to the hippie sensibilities of the 1960s.(33)  The initiatives started by Hoving were continued well into the 1960s by his predecessor, August Heckscher.  In Heckschers Central Park it was not uncommon to see public displays of affection among heterosexuals and homosexuals, nudity, and people openly smoking marijuana.(34)   

            Following the revival of Central Park in the 1960s, the 1970s looked very bleak for Central Park.  The economic crisis of the 1970s resulted in a severe lack of funding for Central Park maintenance.  Consequently, the Park sadly fell into a state of disrepair.  Central Park was overrun with vandalism, graffiti, and garbage, ruining many of the most beautiful features of the Park.(35)  It was not until the 1980s that park preservationists began the daunting task of restoring Central Park.

            With the establishment of the Central Park Conservancy in the 1980s began the mission of reversing the adverse effects years of neglect and deterioration had on Central Park.  Under the direction of then Parks Commissioner Gordon Davis and Central Park administrator Elizabeth Barlow Rogers, a plan was drafted which would restore Central Park using the Greensward Plan as a guide. Although recommendations had been made to remove many of the playgrounds, baseball diamonds, etc. constructed by Moses, they were abandoned due to the large constituency of users.(36)                        

            Since its establishment in the 1980s, the Central Park Conservancy has overseen the running of the Park.  They offer visitors a wide range of activities that differ significantly from the carriage parades and Terrace strolls of Olmsteds time.  These activities include special events such as free outdoor music concerts, walking tours that explore the Park, boat rides, carriage rides, recreational programs such as basketball and baseball tournaments, and a variety of workshops from gardening to photography.(37)  The Park is also used for various athletics such as jogging, Frisbee or even Sunday afternoon touch football.  The tranquil atmosphere created by the lush greenery in Central Park has also made it a suitable location to practice the ever popular meditation, yoga and tai chi.

Not surprisingly, Central Park has also become one of the most frequently visited tourist attractions in New York City.  Tourists visit the Park to see such things as the Central Park Zoo, which is one of oldest zoos in the United States, the lush greenery, and the elaborate architectural elements.  More simply however, tourists go to see one of the largest parks in the United States, which is surrounded by tall and imposing skyscrapers, located right in the center of one of the most populated and busy cities in the country.