My Visit to NYC

Fourth Installment: Central Park – park of all parks

Central park. I adore Central Park. When you go in, you leave one world and enter an entirely new one. Refreshingly.

As much as I enjoyed the busy streets of the city, it was nice to find reprieve among the grass and trees from time to time. Whenever I go to Manhattan and visit, I always feel happy that New Yorkers have the gift of Central Park. They don’t call Manhattan a concrete jungle for nothing. NYC is that, and central park is a way to escape the jungle and it’s madness for awhile.

Central Park is a mere 843 acres of prime real estate and was designed in the early 1800’s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. During the early 1800’s the population of New York City quadrupled and people were longing for a place to go to escape the noise and chaos of city life. Thus the concept of a central park that would have to be entirely man made.

Central Park has undergone many changes over it’s life time, and today is one of the most beautiful parks to behold, receiving over 35 million visitors annually. I was more than happy to be one of them.

We had perfect weather during my visit, not to hot, not to cold. Strolling through the park was wonderful…

This huge open field of grass is called Sheep’s Meadow. The name is accurate. People everywhere, like sheep grazing in a meadow. Sheep’s Meadow attracts sun bathers by the dozens, lots of Frisbees and a few kites even.

Many statues to see at Central Park, as you enter, as you exit, and all in between.

The site of the murder of John Lennon is the Dakota building (1884) on Central Park West and 72nd Street. On the west side of the park, across the street from the Dakota, you can see this mural on the ground. There was many a viewer here, remembering the famous musician.

One of my favorite things about NYC was all the dogs. Dogs, dogs, and more dogs. Stephen pointed out that there are more dogs in Manhattan that kids. I know he’s right about that. Good thing I like dogs, and Central Park had a higher concentration  than anywhere else. Love! (All the dogs made me miss Winnie though)

The sculptor of this beautiful angle, Emma Stebbins, was the first women to receive a public commission for a major work of art in the city of New York. Stebbins designed her wearing peasant clothing, to the outrage of much of the wealthy in Manhattan. I personally think she’s perfect in her peasant clothes. The Fountain of Bethesda and the pool beneath are named after the famous pool in the New Testament where Christ heals many. The angel atop represents the angel in the Gospel of John, chapter 5 who descends from heaven to bless the pool, giving it healing powers. The four cherubs beneath represent temperance, purity, health, and peace.

Detail on Bethesda Terrace. Central Park, Manhattan.

Visiting Central Park…a highlight of my visit.