Our Planet’s Landmarks Series #35
Central Park New York City
Our planet’s megapoleis are replete with mega parks. London has Kews and Hyde. Singapore has the Botanic Gardens and the Gardens by the Bay. And New York City has the Central Park. During my NYC visit, I chanced by this forest in the city. I did have a plan to visit. But the visit, when it happened, was accidental.
I had gone across to the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the 5th Avenue. It was a Monday. That was their ‘weekly closed’ day (they don’t have a weekly off any more, though). Disappointed, I went around the museum building. At its rear, I realised I was already in Central Park. I took it as a blessing in disguise and decided to check out the park.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
As you enter the park from Met Museum, you hit Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. In fact, you see one of its two pump houses. Built between 1858 and 1862, they decommissioned the reservoir in 1993. There was a growing concern it could become contaminated. But, it still is a part of the NYC water supply. It remains a back-up source of water for drought emergencies.
It may now be a back-up water source, but it remains the crown jewel of the park’s expansive layout. Out of Central Park’s 315 hectares, it covers 43 hectares. Its perimeter is 2.5 kilometres. And given its scenic view, and shaded periphery, it is jogging and biking haven.
In and Around the Central Park
I walked about the reservoir and realised I was actually close to the famed Museum Mile of NYC. My walk took me from Met Museum (82nd-86th Street) to the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum (88th Street). Other museums around the area include Museum of the City, El Museo del Barrio, Jewish Museum, and more.
The park lies between swanky 5th and 8th Avenues, and between 59th and 110th Streets. It attracts 37-38 million visitors every year. It is one of the most filmed locations in the world. Given its pull for travellers, hotels in NYC make a special mention of distance from Central Park. Much like hotels in Mumbai mention distance from Gateway of India.
Among the locals, the park is a popular sports and recreation spot. Besides basketball, baseball and soccer facilities, North Meadow Recreation Centre is also here. You can see its different hues as you walk around. But the only way to see its true vastness is from the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Centre). Or from the Empire State Building.
In 2017, UNESCO placed the Central Park on its tentative list of World Heritage Sites. That, despite it being only the 5th largest park in NYC. The 4 larger parks are:
Pelham Bay Park
Staten Island Greenbelt
Van Cortlandt Park Bronx, and
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Queens.
Considering the park’s pull for travellers, it sure qualifies as our planet’s landmark. Do you agree? If yes, leave a comment.
