NEW YORK, NY (Oct. 24, 2019) — The Open Space Institute (OSI) has presented its annual Land Conservation Award to Diana Taylor, honoring a ground-breaking champion of environmental causes and organizations including a transformative public park planned for the west side of Manhattan.
More than 300 people gathered at OSI’s Annual Luncheon, held at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, to honor Taylor, who was introduced by former New York State Governor George Pataki. Tatiana Schlossberg, former New York Times Science reporter and author of the new book Inconspicuous Consumption, delivered the keynote address.
“Across our communities, parks are critically important as sources of pride, vitality and economic strength,” Taylor said. “Park accessibility is absolutely essential to the public psyche. I thank the Open Space Institute for this award, and for recognizing, expanding, and supporting parks within our society.”
“Diana Taylor has had an inestimable impact on the lives of countless individuals throughout our city and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to providing access to a range of recreational experiences and environmental education is laudatory,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s president and CEO. “We are honored to present the OSI Land Conservation Award to our friend, Diana Taylor.”
Taylor today serves as Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust. In this role, Taylor is instrumental in spearheading a partnership between New York State and the City that will result in the design, construction, and operation of a four-mile park in New York City — the largest open space project to undergo construction in Manhattan since the completion of Central Park.
In addition to the Hudson River Park Trust, Taylor services on charitable boards including Accion and Hot Bread Kitchen, as well as the boards of Citigroup, Brookfield Asset Management, and Sotheby’s. Her other board memberships include the Mailman School of Public Health and the International Women’s Health Coalition.