A walk through Central Park is refreshing and rejuvenating. Spread over 843 acres, this iconic park extends from its southernmost point, near the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street, to Harlem Meer at 110th Street. The park offers the ultimate mix of natural beauty and hush amidst the vivacious energy of New York City.
Walking into Central Park, as they say, feels like walking into the very heart and soul of New York City. Central Park has always served as a refuge for reflection and rejuvenation. From 2020 to 2024, during my time in Manhattan, I visited Central Park countless times. Each visit was so special, and every time I entered the park, the city’s hustle and bustle seemed to dwindle, replaced by the park’s calming embrace.
Central Park was, in fact, once upon a time home to the Lenape people, the indigenous inhabitants who cared for its natural beauty long before it was revamped by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The far-sighted designers meticulously planned every characteristic of the park, from its hills and rocks to its picturesque vistas. All this for it to appear natural. And it has! Over the years, Central Park has also become a global standard for urban parks, integrating open meadows and water bodies with precision.
Despite its urban location, Central Park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including migratory birds, turtles, and raccoons. The park’s appeal lies in its ability to offer an oasis of wilderness in the centre of one of the most thronged cities in the world.
Each time I visit Central Park, as a film enthusiast, I fondly recall not only iconic Hollywood films like Ghostbusters, Wall Street, Madagascar, and The Avengers but also Indian films shot here, such as Kal Ho Naa Ho and English Vinglish, along with countless other cinematic moments. Central Park’s unique charm can be compared to urban parks in India, such as Nehru Park in Delhi, Cubbon Park in Bengaluru, and Priyadarshini Park in Mumbai overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Here are a few prominent features of Central Park:
1. Running and cycling paths: Ideal for fitness enthusiasts.
2. Free events and tours: Regular concerts, performances, guided tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides with narrations.
3. Open spaces and playgrounds: From East Meadow, a vast grassy lawn, to Heckscher Playground, one of 22 playgrounds spread throughout the park.
4. Central Park Zoo: Showcasing a variety of exotic and local animals.
5. Scenic highlights: The Lake, a picturesque spot for birdwatching and relaxation; cherry blossoms in April; and the stunning fall colours.
While Indian parks could benefit from Central Park’s approach to landscaping, and, more importantly, its consistent maintenance, Central Park, on its part, could take inspiration from the cultural integration of history and nature seen in Indian parks.
A visit to Central Park is a must for anyone travelling to New York. Spending a day here offers a refreshing escape we all need amidst life’s chaos. The park also hosts various events, many of them free, thereby enhancing its allure.
The writer, a medical doctor, lived in Manhattan, New York City, for four years.
