To live around Central Park New York is the dream of many Americans. If you ask an American friend why they would tell you that it to breath fresh air is their topmost priority in life after the hustle and bustle of a busy life. The Central Park is one of the poshest location just in the heart of Manhattan. This urban Park attracts about twenty five million visitors on a yearly basis.The park opened in 1857 starting with a 770 acres of city owned land. The Park as it is situated in a strategic location is flanked by the West 110th Street on the North and the South of the park runs parallel to the West 59TH street.The posh locality of 5th avenue lies on the East of the park.This public Greenpace was designated as a National historic landmark. Take a look at the many fountains, tennis courts,base ball fields and play grounds. The Central Park zoo is another feather in the cap of the park.
The history of the place is as interesting as the place itself. It is said to be the origin of the Senecan Village where the first of the African American settled in New York and continued living from 1825 through 1857. In the 1870’s it was more multi ethnic than African American with Irish, and German immigrants, and also few of the Native Americans.The swamp area was converted to lustrous greenery by the designers.Thousands of trees were planted here, huge network of roads constructed, bridge built. The whole whole area got a facelift- a makeover and it took 15 years to complete this magnificent piece of greenery and art. Frederic Law Olmstead’s- the visionary with the park objectives and design had revolutionary yet extremely innovative idea about the park. He wanted it to be a sort of meeting place for both the upper echelons and the lower strata of society. This way he was bridging the gap in his own way, the gap that is always so startling anywhere else in the world but New York.It was a place where people could relax and meditate.
It is highly recommended that you visit the park during springtime just at the onset of March and before the surrounding snow of winter completely melts down. Just a faint whisper of winter yet not chilly. The entire site is a spectacle in daffodils and tulips. As the seasons advance the park gets a new lease. In April it is more of cherry blossoms and magnolia flowers. Take the trail towards the North of the Park of the Sheep Meadow to the Mineral Springs. This trail is lined with a host of purple, pink and white lilac from all around the world. You should just wait for them to bloom and then it is when the magic happens. It is more a feeling of indolence coupled with colorful visual representation. This walk was conceptualized and financed by Nell Singer. Around May again it is the cherry blossoms . A major portion of the park looks red due to these n Oriental plants blooming in full glory.
If you are tired after a vigorous exploration then you can take breather by the pond. It is example of inspired landscaping at its best by Olmsted and Vaux. Crocuses, daffodils, foam flowers, forsythia, and tulips line the pathways. The beautiful Shakespeare Garden is a must see. It is styled according to Victorian rock gardens and is commemorated to the genius that is Shakespeare. Columbine, primrose, wormwood, quince, lark’s heel, rue, and eglantine create an atmosphere of age old Victorian scenery. For those Romantic souls it is the perfect place for a rendezvous with your partner.
If you want to see one of the most cultured of Gardens in the world, then Central Park New York has the best specimen for you. Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue and 105th St. is a treasure trove of the most rare and cultivated roses and common wild flowers at the same time. The Garden has tree zones namely the French Garden, the Italian Garden and the English Garden. The last one can be enjoyed throughout the year but is best viewed during the Spring. A reflecting pool is the home to many gold fishes swimming amidst a wide mass of water lilies.
