The History of Central Park in New York

One of the greatest parks in the United States is Central Park in New York City. Its size is 853 acres and it is over 150 years old. The park is entirely manmade.

Over the years, the park has had its ups and downs. Originally, the park was an idea of several wealthy gentlemen who gathered in a home to discuss the real need of "green space" in the overcrowded city during the mid-1800s.

In 1853, the New York Legislature designated 700 acres from 59th to 106th Streets on Manhattan Island for a park. A landscape design contest was held, which was won by writer Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Calvert Vaux with their "Greensward Plan." Residents had to be evicted, "500,000 cubic feet of topsoil brought in, and ten million cartloads of material" removed. Four million trees, shrubs, and plants were added at a complete cost of 10 million dollars.

Later on, more land was purchased, and a total of 843 acres were developed. Years of political mismanagement caused overgrowth and under-manicured lawns. In 1934, LaGuardia became Mayor of New York and a plan to clean up the park was instigated. Robert Moses cleaned it up in one year and the park was beautiful again. It continued an upward maintenance until the 1960-70's when it again became misused and damaged. A Central Park Conservatory was appointed, and the park began another reconstruction. The park is now maintained by the Conservatory and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. New enhancements are being developed constantly.

More than 25 million visitors come to Central Park each year. It offers something for everyone with the various facilities to enjoy, from museums to recreational areas. There are 57 miles of pathways to walk.