This is a quick overview of many of the attractions that Central Park currently offers. The Park is not only beautiful, but it is also host to many cultural events that enhance the city and the surrounding neighborhood.
What does the Upper East Side look like now?
Mansions like these started to rose up on the wide Fifth Avenue. They were residence of the wealthy. Now, many of them became private entities, like NYU, museums, and other institutions. [1] (See Upper East Side: Context)
Focus on the wide, big doors. The buildings were once garages for carriages. After the wealthy upper class and middle class moved in, the carriage houses also increased in number. [2] (See Upper East Side: Context)
What's it like to live in the Upper East Side?
An article about living on the Upper East Side: [Upper East Side]
The Upper East Side has become the home of the wealthy people of New York, and the world. The exquisite architecture and proximity to Central Park has led to many wealthy inhabitants of the area, where buildings have doormen and the children attend exclusive prep schools. Children get mugged as they are known to be wearing valuable clothing and gadgets, yet their families give back to the communities, realizing that they bear a responsibility to help those less fortunate.
Visiting Central Park Now...
Now, Central Park is one of the places to go in New York City for a peaceful stroll, a fun family day, or an athletic friends gathering. Since it was the first opened, many facilities and activity centers are added on. Here are some of the things Central Park provides to landlocked city residence:
The Bethesda Terrace was part of the original design by Olmsted and Vaux. It stands in Central Park since 1859. The fountain, the Angel of the Waters was created by sculptor Emma Stebbins. It stands in Central Park since 1873.
The current Wildlife Conservation Center, or the Central Park Zoo, opens in 1988. But its history goes back all the way to 1861. The original zoo opened in 1934.
The Reservoir stands in Central Park since 1862. It was an improtant part of New York's fresh water system until a new tunnel opened in 1991.
The Wollman Rink stands in Central Park since 1950.
The Arsenal stands since 1851. Now, it houses New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Central Park Wildlife Conservation Center, and the "Greensward Plan."
The Great Lawn undergone many changes throughout the years. It was the location of Hoovervilles during the Great Depression. Later, the space was filled and planted. It has hosted performances, including musicals.
The Heckscher Ballfield was originally a playground, now turned to a ballfield.
The Lasker Pool was constructed in the late 1960's. It spured up controversy at times because it displaced the Harlem Meer.
The Harlem Meer was once a swamp. Now it is a beatiful landscape.
The Delacorte Theatre was originally built as temporary structure in 1962. It is the home of the annual "Shakespeare in the Park" production since 1957.
The Loeb Boathouse stands in its current place since 1954. It provides dining service and a place for bird watchers.
The Victorian Gardens provides a mini-amusement park within the Central Park for the family.
The current Tennis Center is first used in 1884. It changed from the courts for the upper-class to a tennis court for everyone.
The Ramble is part of the design of the original plan of Vaux and Olmsted. It had been changed constantly in order to keep the original appearance and the natural look of the thirty-six acres Ramble.
The Central Park Conservancy continues to ensure that the park remains true to its historic significance, as the Park is continuously updated and preserved. The Park is an active location where many New Yorkers and tourists enjoy spending their time, and will continue to be a landmark well into the future. Our group recently attended a Parks Committee meeting, where renovations to an the 102nd St. and Fifth Avenue entrance were discussed as well as various beautification measures for the Upper East Side. We learned that the citizens who live there are dedicated to preserving the park the way it is as well modernizing it as necessary for these changing times. They are committed to maintaining the beauty of their neighborhood, the Upper East Side. To listen to the meeting please click here:
