Central Park

Central Park has a long and varied history. It is located in the center of Manhattan. It was the result of New Yorkers wanting to be able to get away from the everyday work world to a place of relaxation. A tract of land over 700 acres was set aside in the late 1850s for this purpose. Two men, by the name of Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, won a contest in regard to the layout of the park. The plan called for landscaping the whole area.

In order to carry out their plans, quite a number of people had to be displaced. There was a black settlement, a convent and a number of poor people who were living there illegally.  Roads and walkways were constructed for carriages and pedestrians. Monuments, lakes and specially constructed bridges also dotted the landscape.

Not too long after the park was constructed it fell into decline. Lack of care made it prone to vandalism. Much of the park became overgrown with tall grasses. This continued until 1934 when Robert Moses was appointed by the mayor to clean up the park. His work was very successful. However, management of the park could not keep pace with the expansion of many activities during the 60s and 70s, and again the park fell into decline. In 1980 the Central Park Conservancy took over management of the park and slowly began to restore it.
 
Today the park is the most frequented park in the United States. Annually, millions of visitors take advantage of its attractions. There is roller blading, sports activities, children's playgrounds, jogging and walking trails for everyone's enjoyment. It even boasts of having a zoo. Whatever strikes your fancy, you are almost sure to find it in Central Park.