|
The Town of Rye acquired Crawford Park in 1974 upon the death of Mrs. Edna Crawford. Originally, the park was named Shanarock Farm and was the main family home of Edna and Everett Lake Crawford. They purchased the 35.6 acre estate soon after the turn of the century. The house was constructed before 1910 and meets the National Register criteria as a distinctive twentieth century house. It is an example of the big house of the period. The house reflects an eclectic combination of Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts and English Country house styles. It was one of three family homes; the others located in Aiken, South Carolina and Millbrook, New York.
The grounds were replete with extensive landscaping, manicured gardens and various out buildings. Today, the landscape consists of mature trees scattered along the perimeter and clumped around the grounds. Only two other buildings remain on the grounds. There is a two-story stucco and wooden shingled caretaker’s cottage located along Lincoln Avenue. The other building is a white wood shingle colonial saltbox box style house located next to the Ridge Street entrance to the park. This house along with the surrounding 1.04 acres was carved out of the estate and is the private residence of one of Mrs. Crawford’s daughters.
The Crawford's had decided as far back as 1955 to donate their estate to the Town of Rye after their deaths. They watched many houses go up around their property and became concerned over the years that the community was not providing enough open space. The Crawford's, in their modesty, requested that this wonderful gift remain a secret until after their deaths.
Presently, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including baseball and soccer fields, picnic pavilion, playground, and open fields for free play. These are all surrounded by a mature estate landscape setting. The mansion is used for a multitude of community functions from the senior’s meetings and various social functions to organized recreational programs in the summer for local children.
The Rye Town Council has clearly demonstrated its commitment to Crawford Park. The Council has directed resources to maintaining the park and mansion well while pursuing ways to expand the property’s value to the community. Under the leadership of Joseph Carvin, the current Rye Town Supervisor, a vision for the future of this park is being developed through a model plan. The plan, with input from the community, elected officials, management and staff will continue to breathe life into this dynamic and very special public resource.
Visit the Friends of Crawford Park web site:
|
|
Phone: 914-939-3075 Fax: 914-939-1465
E |
|
Crawford Park Town of Rye |
