<P> Under the leadership of the Central Park Conservancy, the park's reclamation began with modest but highly significant first steps, addressing needs that could not be met within the existing structure and resources of the parks department . Interns were hired and a small restoration staff to reconstruct and repair unique rustic features, undertaking horticultural projects, and removing graffiti under the broken windows theory . The state of the park has improved since the 1970s, according to Conservancy president Douglas Blonsky: </P> <P> Graffiti doesn't last 24 hours in Central Park; visible litter gets carted off by 9 each morning and throughout the day . Our workers empty trash receptacles daily (at least) and maintain lawns with tremendous care . Broken benches and playground equipment get fixed on the spot . </P> <P> By 1980, the Conservancy was also engaged in design efforts and long - term restoration planning, using both its own staff and external consultants . It provided the impetus and leadership for several early restoration projects funded by the city, preparing a comprehensive plan for rebuilding the park . The restoration was accompanied by a crucial restructuring of management, whereby the park was subdivided into zones, to each of which a supervisor was designated, responsible for maintaining restored areas . That year, the Dairy (which was originally designed as a refreshment stand and rest spot) was transformed into the park's first visitor's center, with the Conservancy using it to revitalize public interest in the park through exhibits, music series, and children's programs . The first landscape to be restored was the Sheep Meadow, primarily with funds provided by New York State . During the next few years, Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Belvedere Castle, and the East Green were restored . </P> <P> Bethesda Fountain, which had been dry for decades, was restored in 1980--81 and the Terrace was restored a year later, its stonework disassembled, cleaned, deteriorated surfaces removed, restored, patched, and reset . Resodding, and fifty new trees, 3,500 shrubs and 3,000 ground cover plants specified by Philip Winslow followed in 1986, most of which, having matured into dense blocks, were removed in 2008, to make way for plants native to the United States . Around the same time, the Belvedere Castle, which had been closed for many years, was renovated and reopened on May 1, 1983, as the Henry Luce Nature Observatory . </P>

Where does the water in central park come from