The purpose of the report is to describe the progress of Central Park, combined with additional information including a list of board members, notes from the treasury, descriptions of continuing construction, comparisons to other New York City parks and explanations on the park's drainage system.

Highlighted should be the variety of style in several plates. The non-coloured, and sepia lithographs of distinctive bridges in the Central Park are depicted from several angles, offering a romanticised, peaceful view with well-dressed couples strolling or horse riding. Another special type of plate is worth mentioning: the report includes several folding plates and maps. Especially impressing is "View of Terrace" which overlooks the terrace, a classicist arch structure, and the surrounding ponds and hills, which are filled with joyful people. The plates therefore function as a contemporary marketing strategy in showing the Central Park as a place of leisure, peace and joy.

An impressive, coloured folding map of the entire park "Map of the Central Park Showing the progress of the Work up to January 1st 1860" as laid out by Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, shows all footpaths and carriage roads, topography and elevations, bodies of water, buildings and trees.