Central Park in New York
The leafy Central Park is the green heart of New York City and a significant image of the Statue of liberty and Times Square. It is one of the iconic parks in the US and, of course, the largest. This center of wonders stretches through the middle of helter-skelter Manhattan.
Central Park boasts of excellent heritage landscape architecture designed by the architecture forefathers, Frederick Law Olmstead and his counterpart, Calvert Vaux. The park affords impressive sceneries that are wealthy with heritage design that reflect the contemporary world.
Besides the many captivating attractions, the parks host plenty of recreational activities that you will enjoy. The park has a fantastic network of roads served by public transport and walkways that will enable you to explore the park attractions.
Are you planning to visit this magnificent park that boasts of great species of fauna and flora? In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this grandeur. Indeed, it is worth your next vacation. Keep reading!!!
Central Park History
New York City population increased dramatically in the early 1800s, and as well there were dramatic changes in urbanization. As the city continued to expand, the city elites, including William Cullen Bryant and Andrew Jackson Downing, felt the need for a new and considerably larger recreational park. The idea gained popularity, and the most apparent area was the villages formerly occupied by Irish immigrants and African Americans.
Later in 1856, most of Central Park’s present footage was bought. In 1857, the state legislature passed a bill permitting the appointment of commissioners to exclusively monitor planning and construction.
Law Olmsted, a famous American landscape architect, and British American architect Calvert Vaux won the designing contest. The two were primary designers; however, Olmstead took responsibility for the overall planning, while his counterpart was responsible for finer details. The two forefathers in architecture devised a plan that would extraordinarily preserve and enhance the terrain’s natural features. Their plan was greatly inspired by the pastoral ideals and Birkenhead Park of England.
The construction was a great hassle as the landscape was rocky and swampy. Tons of infertile soil was transported out of the park, and a similar quantity was imported to support the flora. By the use of intelligent machines, the landscape was cleared, and generally, around 20,000 people assisted in constructing the recently magnificent Central Park. During the construction, Olmsted and Vaux resigned twice due to various reasons, including pressure. Their partnership was dissolved in 1872, leaving the park incomplete.
Central Park, which was completed in 1876, was officially opened for the public in the year of completion. Since then, it remains to be one of the most iconic and artificial landscaping most outstanding achievements. There is a notable variation on the vegetation and terrain of the park. The central park boasts of incredible species of flora and fauna, which blends to give the park an astonishing panorama.
You will find the prominent Metropolitan Museum of Art, plenty of athletic fields, a zoo, small lakes, band shells, fantastic fountains, and lots of monuments on the central park floor. Additionally, you will find an excellent network traversing the iconic Central Park
How big is Central Park in New York City?
Central Park has an excellent reputation for being a sprawling landscape and with an endless supply of attraction. The park’s sweeping landscape is a massive emerald stretching 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide through Manhattan. Indeed, there is no other New York’s natural landscape that is as iconic as the central park.
This gigantic park boasts of 842.6 acres, approximately 340 hectares, which is relatively large. It extends from 59th street to 110th street and lies between Fifth and Eighth Avenues. Even though the park boasts of its reputation as the largest in the US, it is pretty small for New York, which is a home of millions.
Central Park Hotels
There are plenty of world-class hotels that will offer you and your family a panoramic view of Central Park and meet your expectations. Be it that you are planning for a family tour or to visit individually, you will find an exclusive hotel offering impressive services at a reasonable cost.
Once you are there, you will want to stay closer to the art that makes the city attractive. For every taste and budget, here are the top 10 iconic luxury hotels.
The Whitby Hotel:
The hotel is located 1585 feet from Central Park. It is also situated near Bergdorf and Fifth Avenue, which is a perfect place to explore the shop.
The Mark:
It is a boutique hotel featuring the Mark restaurant, incredible artistic design, exceptionally spacious guest rooms, and a modest gym. You will get a wonderful experience with close proximity to central park.
Trump international New York:
This 5-star hotel is located in Columbus circle and features gorgeous restaurants and spacious rooms accompanied by stellar services. Besides the fantastic amenities, you will enjoy an excellent skyline view.
Lowell Hotel:
Build in 1927, this incredible hotel is located 1056 feet from Central Park, 528 feet from Fifth Avenue, and Madison Avenue is 164 feet from the property. It offers close proximity to all favorite restaurants, shops, and museums.
6 Columbus:
This hotel is a 5-minute walking distance from Central Park and offers personalized services and exclusively spacious rooms. It infuses the mid-1900’s modernist décor with state-of-the-art style and sensibility.
Chambers Hotel:
The hotel is located three blocks (1585 feet) from Central Park. It features a modern design adorned with decorative art and is set unique for being one pet-friendly.
1 Hotel Central Park:
Everything about 1 hotel is exceptional. Each room is fitted with a seating area and air conditioning and features a restaurant, where you can select vegan and vegetarian foods.
Carnegie Hotel:
This intimate boutique hotel gives you an opportunity to explore midtown Manhattan as you enjoy the finely designed Italian furniture. It is just steps from Central Park and Carnegie Hall.
The Quin Central Park by Hilton Club:
This is an excellent hideaway from the Central park with exceptional amenities and gorgeous rooms. The boutique hotel is 541 feet from the park and features an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
The Manhattan Club:
This is an all-suite hotel and is three blocks from Central Park and one block from Carnegie Hall. Services here are elegant at a reasonable cost.
Things to do in Central Park in New York
The lush Central Park packs lots of entertainment regardless of the time of the year you are visiting. However, the perfect time to visit and see most wonders is during fall and winter. There are plenty of attractions, including fountains,
Belvedere Castle, Central Park zoo, picnic spots, impressive statues, playgrounds, and walking paths. Besides, the park hosts lots of events, including concerts, festivals, and theater performances.
#1 Playgrounds
On the iconic Central Park floor, you will find plenty of natural spaces where you and your children can enjoy playing. You can slide, swing, crawl, or climb, depending on what is your favorite. Most visitors and local tourists enjoy spending the priceless sessions when climbing the great rocks of Heckscher playground and playing favorites on Billy Johnson’s playground.
#2 Horse Rides
Most horseback enthusiasts come to Central Park to seamlessly enjoy riding on horses. Horseback riding is well-known in the park and has been a tradition since it was opened to the public.
Indeed, it was meant to be perfectly explored from horseback. For instance, the bridle path adjacent to the reservoir is perfect for horseback because it packs hard dirt.
One great benefit of horseback riding in this sweeping landscape is that it is allowed throughout the year. You will find various options that blend with your budget while offering an incredible experience.
#3 Picnics
Looking for a perfect place to picnic with family or friends? On the floor of this park, you will find great places where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your moments.
Some of the quiet and great picnic destinations where you can relax as you sunbathe while enjoying a bite include:
Belvedere Castle
Strawberry fields
Seep Meadow
Great Lawn
Great hill
#4 Biking in central park/ bike rental
If you love cycling, then you will enjoy a great view of the park within a shorter time. Rent a bike and enjoy biking as you explore the many attracts packed on Central parks. Witness the gorgeous and lush scenes while pedaling comfortably at your own pace. Remember to bring your camera to shoot the attractions as you get rejuvenated by the breathtaking view of the park.
#5 Jogging/ Running in central park
What is more compelling than enjoying the scenic beauty while getting fit? Central Park offers you an opportunity to satisfy the tourist and runner in you. Fit Tours are a perfect and must-do thing in Central Park for those who want something more than a treadmill.
Enjoy a breathtaking view as you jog-run along the paths of Central Park under the guidance of certified fitness trainers. If you are a casual jogger or a road warrior or just want to stretch your legs as you enjoy the intriguing scenes, Central Park has something to offer and give you an unforgettable experience.
#6 Central park zoo
A few yards from Fifth Avenue, you will find the place where most visitors, particularly the animal lovers, flock every year. The Central Park Zoo is an ideal home of over 130 species, including the snow leopards, sea lions, polar bears, and the tropical birds.
When you visit, save time to watch the monkeys leap playfully from rock to rock. Walk around the 6.5-acre zoo and set eyes on various habitats that are designed to be the natural environment of different animals.
#7 Central Park statues
Central Park is one of New York City jewels, and within is a set of incredible works of art. Within the parks, you will find 29 statues and lots of monuments that reflect the beauty of the iconic park. The statues are strategically positioned, and you will just meet them even without necessarily hunting.
Some of the many gems include the famous Bethesda Fountain, Alice in Wonderland, and the Three Dancing Maidens.
History has really decorated the park, and it remains to be a great work of art. Some of the statues you may not want to miss include
Columbus Statue
Balto Statue
Alexander Hamilton statue
King Jagiello Statue
Hans Christian Anderson Statue
Simon Boliver Statue
William Shakespeare statue
#8 Central park pond
Few feet from Fifth Avenue, you will find the picturesque pond that offers visitors a quiet escape in the middle of Midtown.
The scenic pond, which is the home of turtles, birds, and other wildlife, was designed to rejuvenate visitors as they set foot on the park’s landscape.
In the mid-1900s, the winter season offered visitors an opportunity to ice-skate. Currently, the pond is a site of contemplation and sanctuary despite having a center of vigorous athletic pursuits.
#9 The Mall and Literary Walk
The Mall is a lush walking area running beneath a sexy canopy. Give yourself a peaceful retreat by strolling along the Mall and seeing the statues of literary giants like Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns.
#10 The Conservatory Garden
Near the northern corner of Central Park, you will find a fantastic garden. It is an intriguing work of art styled in Italian, German, and English.
Conclusion
Central Park is a great place to explore and spend your precious moments. Regardless of what you like most, you will find a fascinating thing to do in Central Park. Plan your tour and discover the endless beauty of what this vast iconic emerald has for you.