To escape the sensory overload of New York City, the first option is to turn deeper inside, to the center of the island of Manhattan and Central Park. Here you can get a taste of nature at whatever scale you'd like. You can completely lose yourself in the park's rambles and trees, or you can relax within sight of the skyscrapers that tower all around you.
The feeling of oasis is Central Park's greatest appeal.
Even on a weekday the park is filled with a mix of Americans who make New York City home or are just visiting. Runners, walkers, and bikers take up the main ring road around the park. School children, families, musicians, dog walkers, and bird watchers are among the other visitors.
When you consider the real estate market of New York City, the park's greatest wonder might be that it exists at all. There must have been tremendous pressure at different points in the city's history to do something more profitable with this 800+ acres. But instead, a competition was held to design and create a great public space. One of the biggest in the entire country.
The winning designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (mostly Olmsted it is believed), drew up a space that would provide surprise and different experiences around every turn. Small architectural pieces, hidden pathways, large open fields, water, and astounding views that became more astounding as the city grew around the park.
Following the initial success of Central Park, Olmsted and Vaux made a career of designing public spaces across the country. In that way, the park is not confined to the center of Manhattan. The experience can be shared in almost any American city you visit. Your favorite park starts in this one.
Central Park - Central Park Conservancy
For more stories visit ThisDecisiveMoment.com
© Dean Pagani 2022
Credits:
© Dean Pagani 2022