The New York Park Association was formed in 1881 or 1882 (references differ) by John Mullaly and other citizens. The group was concerned about urban growth. The group lobbied for the acquisition of land to create parks and parkways in New York City, and was instrumental in the passage of the New Parks Act in 1884. The work of the association led to the creation of Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Park, Crotona Park, and Claremont Park.