Central Park: Something for Everyone

Central Park is located in the Manhattan Borough of New York City, New York. This park was originally opened in 1859. It is a large park which consists of 843 acres but there are four in the United States which are larger. Central Park is currently operated by the Central Park Conservancy along with the New York City Parks and Recreation Department.

The need for a park was noted some fifteen years or so before the park actually opened. In 1853 the legislature in New York State made for the creation of 700 acres of land for a future park and more land was added later. After the land was designated there was a contest which was held in order to design a landscape for the park. A plan called the Greensward Plan was developed by a writer and an architect and was declared the contest winner.

In order to complete the park, over 1500 residents were evicted from the land they occupied. Even though the park opened in 1859 it was not actually completed until 1873. Beginning in the late 1890's the park began to deteriorate greatly because no one was taking care of the plants or trees or any other upkeep in the park. In 1934 the new mayor began to clean up the area and replant shrubs and trees which were not able to be saved.

Central Park has many activities which are conducted there such as the New York Philharmonic concerts, Summerstage and the New York Classical Theater to name a few. Central park also has areas for rock climbing, playgrounds and areas with sculptures. It is a great place to visit.