Accoya, premium high-performance, sustainable wood supplier, used in restoration of Central Park’s historic Bow Bridge.

After more than 160 years of enduring weather extremes, heavy foot traffic, and countless film productions, the bridge showed clear signs of wear. While it underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2015, by 2024, the Southern Yellow Pine decking required replacement. For this essential upgrade the Central Park Conservancy and New York City Parks chose Accoya for its stability, structural integrity, and sustainability.

“It’s a privilege to contribute to the preservation of such a cherished New York City landmark,” said Sergio Munhoz, sales director for Accsys North America. “Bow Bridge required a material that could offer long-term reliability while respecting its historic character. Accoya’s superior durability, dimensional stability, and sustainability credentials made it the right choice to help ensure this iconic structure continues to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

New York City’s Central Park is one of the world’s most famous urban landscapes. The Bow Bridge spans 87 feet across The Lake, one of the park’s most famous bodies of water, and links the Ramble on the east to Cherry Hill on the west. First constructed in 1860, the Bow Bridge features graceful cast-iron curves, intricate detailing, and sweeping skyline views, and is one of the most photographed and iconic pedestrian bridges in the world.

In addition to the Bow Bridge, Accoya was used to restore the Gothic Bridge, also in Central Park and near the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Running Path.