Central Park- New York (USA)

You don't need to spend a lot of time on the park to realise why Newyorkers love their park. In a city full of skyscrapers, neons, long avenues, cars, taxis, noise, concrete and more concrete, having the luck of a green cosy and quiet area like Central Park, is a luxury.

When I say quiet I don't mean it's empty or boring. It's just the opposite. There are so many possible activities for kids, grown ups or pets... you won't get bored.

Unfortunately, I could not see the whole part, only a tenth part as I was travelling with people that have already been there and our agenda was quite strict. To be honest, I thought I would have time to go the following day again, but it was not possible. 48 hours are not enough. What a pity, I will have to come to New York again :)!

The park was finalished in 1873, following the idea of the big European parks like Hyde Park in London or Bois de Boulogne in Paris, to provide Newyorkers with an open air and natural space, away from the noise and the concrete. Although this is not the biggest park in the States (843 acres), is the most visited, 25 million people each year, above The Grand Canyon.

When the idea of the big park came up, they designed it with all detail, but for it they had to evict all the population settled in the area.

Architects planned different routes for pedestrians, cars and carriages. Nowadays there are still some roads crossing the park, but they are surronder by bushes and trees, so you won't even notice them. On weekend days the roads are closed to cars and are those walking or riding a bike who enjoy them.

The park is bordered on the North by 110 Street, Eight Avenue by West, by South 59th Street and by East Fith Avenue. The parts of these streets that touch the park are named as Central Park North, Central Park West and Central Park East. Fith Avenue keeps its name.

For some years over its story, the park has been neglected, with no grass on some areas and high rates of crime. But nowadays, it is safer and looked after by Central Park Conservancy, that rellies fully in donations.  

Althought the park looks really natural, it was fully manmade. Even the lakes (there are few!) where made from nothing.

There are over 300 animal species in the park, including turtles, herons, frogs, rabbits and squirrels. Not to talk about the 25.000 plus trees.
There is also a castle and the Strawberry Fields, paying tribute to Jonh Lennon from The Beatles.

Playing sports? There are baseball, basket, tennis, etc fields. Also paths to go for a run or bike is there anything else you can need? Oh, yeah, from November to March there are two iceskating rings. If  you are disabled don't worry, the park is also for you.

If you want to know what  to see (statues, fountains, bridges...), what to do (walks, sports...) or you are looking for a guided visit, all the information is in the park official website. And do not forget to look around while walking or  you will miss all the different bird species and trees and blooms.  If  you are travelling with  your pet, can also enjoy this oasis in the middle of the asphalt.

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