John Mullaly

Who was John Mullaly?

John Mullaly, known as Father of the Bronx park system, was a newspaper reporter and editor who was instrumental in forming the New York Park Association. Mullaly Park in The Bronx is named after him. He was born in Belfast, Ireland. After coming to the United States, he worked for the New York Herald, the New York Tribune, and the New York Evening Post. He was the editor of the Metropolitan Record, published by the Catholic Church in New York City.

He held public office, including serving as the New York Commissioner of Health, and serving on the board of tax assessors.

On August 19, 1864, John Mullaly was arrested for inciting resistance to the draft.

In 1887, he published a book with the impressive title, New Parks beyond the Harlem with Thirty Illustrations and Map; Descriptions of Scenery; Nearly 4000 Acres of Free Playground for the People; Abundant space for a Parade Ground, a Rifle Range, Base Ball, Lacrosse, Polo, Tennis and all athletic games; picnic and excursion parties and nine mile of waterfront for bathing fishing, yachting and rowing. Scanned images and full text of this book are available on-line.