Central Park Reflection

My Reflection On Central Park Imagine a topographical view of Manhattan in the early 1800’s; all you see is squares and streets. This was Clinton’s Commissioner Plan- to level all of Manhattan to make way for streets and buildings. However, what were not taken to account were parks and recreational areas. This would all change in the 1850’s as landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted architect Calvert Vaux won the right to build their project- the Greensward Plan (CentralParkHistory). This plan would become Central Park, which spans two and a half miles from 59th Street to 110th Street and half a mile from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue. For my second New York City trip, I decided to visit Central Park- one of the largest park’s in New York City. Firstly, the thing I noticed prior to the entrance of the park was the entrance itself. There are many entrances in Central Park. The one I used was the 59th Street and 8th Avenue entrance. There stood a beautiful monument dedicated to the heroes who died on the battleship Maine. Throughout the visit there are other monuments and sculptures of many historic figures-many of them being symbolic. As you walk in the beautiful park, a new feeling fills the soul. You forget the concrete jungle and all of its problems and enter a natural utopia. All the trees are fully grown and very lush. Most, if not all, the trees in Central Park did not come from Manhattan. In fact, Manhattan was cleared of most of its trees and plants. Central Park is now filled with 26,000 trees, covering 31 families within the deciduous and coniferous classes of trees, 71 genera, and 152 species (Central Park Conservancy). Talking about how New York City is so diverse with people and culture, it is also diverse with different trees, plants and shrubs. Central Park was landscaped so people can escape the city and its problems. Throughout out the years, Central Park was able to do so. With its curvy walkways and paved streets, one can seem to forget the â€Å"Grid System† of the city. Moreover, the streets that cars drive through central park are on lower ground compared to the landscape. In other words, if you look straight into Central Park you will not be able see cars driving because they are on lower ground. Moreover, Central Park offers â€Å"pedicab† and horse carriages as means of transportation around the vast and limitless park. It is a great way of getting around Central Park and having your own private tour guide of the panoramic landscape. What is amazing about central park is it has something for everyone. Baseball fields can be found throughout the park, including on the Great Lawn and the North Meadow. In addition to housing America's pastime, the park is home to a number of basketball courts, jogging paths and a swimming pool. One of the park's most popular attractions is its zoo, which survives as the nation's second-oldest publicly owned zoo. It features a petting zoo complete with pigs, goats and sheep. It also features the Wollman Memorial Skating Rink which is covered in ice for most of the year. In the summer it is the location of numerous theatrical performances. It hosted man bands, plays, and movies throughout the year. A trip to Central Park can make everyone who enters it jubilant. God’s gift to humankind is nature but, Man’s gift to New York City is Central Park. My journey through Central Park was breathtaking. One can throw all his worries and problems from the city and enjoy the natural life Central Park has to offer. Whether you go there to relax, exercise, play, or watch a concert, Central Park has something for everyone. Work Cited Unknown, â€Å"Central Park History. † Andrew Green and the Model Park. Web. 31 Oct 2009. . Unknown, â€Å"The Trees of Central Park. † Central Park Conservancy. Web. 31 Oct 2009.