The Commissioners' Plan of 1811, the outline for Manhattan's modern street grid, included several smaller open spaces but not Central Park.
1, the oldest extant structure to be built in Central Park, which was erected as part of Fort Clinton during the War of 1812.
Before the unit was established in 1975, the New York City Fire Department Bureau of EMS often took over 30 minutes to respond to incidents in the park. ==History== ===Planning=== Between 1821 and 1855, New York City's population nearly quadrupled.
At the time, the site was occupied by free black people and Irish immigrants who had developed a property-owning community there since 1825.
It is the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors annually , and is the most filmed location in the world. Following proposals for a large park in Manhattan during the 1840s, it was approved in 1853 to cover .
The only remaining surveying bolt from his survey is embedded in a rock north of the present Dairy and the 66th Street transverse, marking the location where West 65th Street would have intersected Sixth Avenue. ==== Site ==== By the 1840s, members of the city's elite were publicly calling for the construction of a new large park in Manhattan.
Dana Discovery Center, Belvedere Castle, Chess & Checkers House, the Dairy, and Columbus Circle. The park has natural-looking plantings and landforms, having been almost entirely landscaped when built in the 1850s and 1860s.
The design was also inspired by Olmsted's 1850 visit to Birkenhead Park in England, which is generally acknowledged as the first publicly funded civil park in the world.
These ordinances were effective: by 1866, there had been nearly eight million visits and only 110 arrests in the park's history. ==== Late 1850s ==== In late August 1857, workers began building fences, clearing vegetation, draining the land, and leveling uneven terrain.
It is the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors annually , and is the most filmed location in the world. Following proposals for a large park in Manhattan during the 1840s, it was approved in 1853 to cover .
In July 1853, the New York State Legislature passed the Central Park Act, authorizing the purchase of the present-day site of Central Park. The board of land commissioners conducted property assessments on more than 34,000 lots in the area, completing them by July 1855.
Before the unit was established in 1975, the New York City Fire Department Bureau of EMS often took over 30 minutes to respond to incidents in the park. ==History== ===Planning=== Between 1821 and 1855, New York City's population nearly quadrupled.
In July 1853, the New York State Legislature passed the Central Park Act, authorizing the purchase of the present-day site of Central Park. The board of land commissioners conducted property assessments on more than 34,000 lots in the area, completing them by July 1855.
Clearing began shortly after the land commission's report was released in October 1855, and approximately 1,600 residents were evicted under eminent domain.
Though supporters claimed that the park would cost just $1.7 million, the total cost of the land ended up being $7.39 million (equivalent to $ in ), more than the price that the United States would pay for Alaska a few years later. ==== Design contest ==== In June 1856, Fernando Wood appointed a "consulting board" of seven people, headed by author Washington Irving, to inspire public confidence in the proposed development.
In 1857, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux won a design competition for the park with their "Greensward Plan".
These ordinances were effective: by 1866, there had been nearly eight million visits and only 110 arrests in the park's history. ==== Late 1850s ==== In late August 1857, workers began building fences, clearing vegetation, draining the land, and leveling uneven terrain.
The park's first areas were opened to the public in late 1858.
Thirty-three firms or organizations submitted plans. In April 1858, the park commissioners selected Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's "Greensward Plan" as the winning design.
A pattern of seasonal hiring was established, wherein more workers would be hired and paid at higher rates during the summers. For several months, the park commissioners faced funding issues, and a dedicated workforce and funding stream was not secured until June 1858.
Work on the Reservoir started in April 1858.
The Lake in Central Park's southwestern section was the first feature to open to the public, in December 1858, followed by the Ramble in June 1859.
It was constructed between 1858 and 1862.
The Lake was among the first features to be completed, opening to skaters in December 1858.
Additional land at the northern end of Central Park was purchased in 1859, and the park was completed in 1876.
The Lake in Central Park's southwestern section was the first feature to open to the public, in December 1858, followed by the Ramble in June 1859.
Dana Discovery Center, Belvedere Castle, Chess & Checkers House, the Dairy, and Columbus Circle. The park has natural-looking plantings and landforms, having been almost entirely landscaped when built in the 1850s and 1860s.
The section of Central Park south of 79th Street was mostly completed by 1860. The park commissioners reported in June 1860 that $4 million had been spent on the construction to date.
Kellersberger's report, submitted in 1861, stated that the commission's management of the park was a "triumphant success". ==== 1860s ==== Olmsted often clashed with the park commissioners, notably with Chief Commissioner Green.
Built in the 1860s, it contains the Merchant's Gate entrance to the park., and is largest feature is the 1892 Columbus Monument and was the subject of controversies in the 2010s.
Kellersberger's report, submitted in 1861, stated that the commission's management of the park was a "triumphant success". ==== 1860s ==== Olmsted often clashed with the park commissioners, notably with Chief Commissioner Green.
Green finalized the negotiations to purchase the northernmost of the park which was later converted into a "rugged" woodland and the Harlem Meer waterway. When the American Civil War began in 1861, the park commissioners decided to continue building Central Park, since significant parts of the park had already been completed.
By late 1861, the park south of 72nd Street had been completed, except for various fences.
Olmsted resigned in June 1862, and Green was appointed to Olmsted's position.
It was constructed between 1858 and 1862.
In April 1862, the Central Park commissioners adopted a proposal to name each gate with "the vocations to which this city owes its metropolitan character", such as miners, scholars, artists, or hunters.
Though Vaux and Mould proposed 26 statues in the Terrace in 1862, these were eliminated because they were too expensive.
Vaux resigned in 1863 because of what he saw as pressure from Green.
These ordinances were effective: by 1866, there had been nearly eight million visits and only 110 arrests in the park's history. ==== Late 1850s ==== In late August 1857, workers began building fences, clearing vegetation, draining the land, and leveling uneven terrain.
Park patronage grew steadily: by 1867, Central Park accommodated nearly three million pedestrians, 85,000 horses, and 1.38 million vehicles annually.
Construction commenced on Belvedere Castle, Harlem Meer, and structures on Conservatory Water and the Lake. ==== 1870–1876: completion ==== The Tammany Hall political machine, which was the largest political force in New York at the time, was in control of Central Park for a brief period beginning in April 1870.
Subsequently, Olmsted and Vaux resigned again from the project in November 1870.
The park's sheepfold (now Tavern on the Green) and Ladies' Meadow were designed by Mould in 1870–1871, followed by the administrative offices on the 86th Street transverse in 1872.
Even though Olmsted and Vaux's partnership was dissolved by the end of 1872, the park was not officially completed until 1876. ===Late 19th and early 20th centuries: first decline=== By the 1870s, the park's patrons increasingly came to include the middle and working class, and strict regulations were gradually eased, such as those against public gatherings.
After Tweed's embezzlement was publicly revealed in 1871, leading to his imprisonment, Olmsted and Vaux were re-hired, and the Central Park Commission appointed new members who were mostly in favor of Olmsted. One of the areas that remained relatively untouched was the underdeveloped western side of Central Park, though some large structures would be erected in the park's remaining empty plots.
By 1872, Manhattan Square had been reserved for the American Museum of Natural History, founded three years before at the Arsenal.
The park's sheepfold (now Tavern on the Green) and Ladies' Meadow were designed by Mould in 1870–1871, followed by the administrative offices on the 86th Street transverse in 1872.
Even though Olmsted and Vaux's partnership was dissolved by the end of 1872, the park was not officially completed until 1876. ===Late 19th and early 20th centuries: first decline=== By the 1870s, the park's patrons increasingly came to include the middle and working class, and strict regulations were gradually eased, such as those against public gatherings.
Additional land at the northern end of Central Park was purchased in 1859, and the park was completed in 1876.
Even though Olmsted and Vaux's partnership was dissolved by the end of 1872, the park was not officially completed until 1876. ===Late 19th and early 20th centuries: first decline=== By the 1870s, the park's patrons increasingly came to include the middle and working class, and strict regulations were gradually eased, such as those against public gatherings.
Because of the heightened visitor count, neglect by the Tammany administration, and budget cuts demanded by taxpayers, the maintenance expenses for Central Park had reached a nadir by 1879.
A onetime apprentice of Calvert Vaux, Parsons helped restore the nurseries of Central Park in 1886.
The first official list of birds observed in Central Park, which numbered 235 species, was published in Forest and Stream in 1886 by Augustus G.
By the 1890s, the park faced several challenges: cars were becoming commonplace, and with the proliferation of amusements and refreshment stands, people were beginning to see the park as a recreational attraction.
More infamously, Eugene Schieffelin released 100 imported European starlings in Central Park in 1890–1891, which led to them becoming an invasive species across North America. Central Park has approximately ten species of mammals .
More sculptures were added through the late 19th century, and by 1890s, there were 24 in the park. A number of the sculptures are busts of authors and poets, located on Literary Walk adjacent to the Central Park Mall.
Built in the 1860s, it contains the Merchant's Gate entrance to the park., and is largest feature is the 1892 Columbus Monument and was the subject of controversies in the 2010s.
To preserve the park's character, the citywide Parks and Playground Association, and a consortium of multiple Central Park civic groups operating under the Parks Conservation Association, were formed in the 1900s and 1910s.
The plaza contains the William Tecumseh Sherman statue, dedicated in 1903. Duke Ellington Circle, at the northeastern corner, forms the junction between Fifth Avenue and Central Park North/110th Street.
The 1904 opening of the New York City Subway displaced Central Park as the city's predominant leisure destination, as New Yorkers could travel to farther destinations such as Coney Island beaches or Broadway theaters for a five-cent fare. In the late 19th century the landscape architect Samuel Parsons took the position of New York City parks superintendent.
To preserve the park's character, the citywide Parks and Playground Association, and a consortium of multiple Central Park civic groups operating under the Parks Conservation Association, were formed in the 1900s and 1910s.
He was removed in May 1911 following a lengthy dispute over whether an expense to replace the soil in the park was unnecessary.
The 1913 USS Maine National Monument is just outside the park entrance. The square Grand Army Plaza is on the southeastern corner, at the junction with Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.
Its largest feature is the Pulitzer Fountain, which was completed in 1916 along with the plaza itself.
Balto (1925), a statue of Balto, the sled dog who became famous during the 1925 serum run to Nome, is near East Drive and East 66th Street.
A third group, the Central Park Association, was created in 1926.
The Central Park Association and the Parks and Playgrounds Association were merged into the Park Association of New York City two years later. The Heckscher Playground—named after philanthropist August Heckscher, who donated the play equipment—opened near its southern end in 1926, and quickly became popular with poor immigrant families.
After a period of decline in the early 20th century, New York City parks commissioner Robert Moses started a program to clean up Central Park in the 1930s.
The other improvements outlined in the report, such as fences to mitigate plant destruction, were postponed due to the Great Depression. === 1930s to 1950s: Moses rehabilitation === In 1934, Republican Fiorello La Guardia was elected mayor of New York City.
The receiving reservoir was drained starting in 1930, and the dry reservoir bed was temporarily used as a homeless encampment when filling stopped during the Great Depression.
Ladies' Pond, spanned by two bridges on the western end of the Lake, was infilled in the 1930s. Directly east of the Lake is Conservatory Water, on the site of an unbuilt formal garden.
The other improvements outlined in the report, such as fences to mitigate plant destruction, were postponed due to the Great Depression. === 1930s to 1950s: Moses rehabilitation === In 1934, Republican Fiorello La Guardia was elected mayor of New York City.
The Hallett Sanctuary was closed to the public from 1934 to May 2016, when it was reopened allowing limited access. The Central Park Conservancy classifies its remaining green space into four types of lawns, labeled alphabetically based on usage and the amount of maintenance needed.
The Great Lawn was completed in 1937 on the site of the reservoir.
Moses removed Sheep Meadow's sheep to make way for the Tavern on the Green restaurant. Renovations in the 1940s and 1950s include a restoration of the Harlem Meer completed in 1943, and a new boathouse completed in 1954.
Moses removed Sheep Meadow's sheep to make way for the Tavern on the Green restaurant. Renovations in the 1940s and 1950s include a restoration of the Harlem Meer completed in 1943, and a new boathouse completed in 1954.
King Jagiello Monument (1939, installed 1945), a bronze monument, is at the east end of Turtle Pond.
The other improvements outlined in the report, such as fences to mitigate plant destruction, were postponed due to the Great Depression. === 1930s to 1950s: Moses rehabilitation === In 1934, Republican Fiorello La Guardia was elected mayor of New York City.
Moses removed Sheep Meadow's sheep to make way for the Tavern on the Green restaurant. Renovations in the 1940s and 1950s include a restoration of the Harlem Meer completed in 1943, and a new boathouse completed in 1954.
The western section of the Pond was converted into Wollman Rink in 1950. == Wildlife == Central Park is biologically diverse.
It was named for Douglass in 1950.
Moses removed Sheep Meadow's sheep to make way for the Tavern on the Green restaurant. Renovations in the 1940s and 1950s include a restoration of the Harlem Meer completed in 1943, and a new boathouse completed in 1954.
One of the more controversial projects proposed during this time was a 1956 dispute over a parking lot for Tavern in the Green.
Demolition work commenced after Central Park was closed for the night and was only halted after the threat of a lawsuit. === 1960s and 1970s: "Events Era" and second decline === Moses left his position in May 1960.
Several unrealized additions were proposed for Central Park in that decade, such as a public housing development, a golf course, and a "revolving world's fair". The 1960s marked the beginning of an "Events Era" in Central Park that reflected the widespread cultural and political trends of the period.
During the late 1960s, the park became the venue for rallies and cultural events such as the "love-ins" and "be-ins" of the period.
Its influence earned Central Park the designations of National Historic Landmark in 1963 and of New York City scenic landmark in 1974.
Demolition work commenced after Central Park was closed for the night and was only halted after the threat of a lawsuit. === 1960s and 1970s: "Events Era" and second decline === Moses left his position in May 1960.
By comparison, there were 25 million visitors in 2009, and 12.3 million in 1973. The number of tourists as a proportion of total visitors is much lower: in 2009, one-fifth of the 25 million park visitors recorded that year were estimated to be tourists.
A 1973 report noted that the park suffered from severe erosion and tree decay, and that individual structures were being vandalized or neglected.
Its influence earned Central Park the designations of National Historic Landmark in 1963 and of New York City scenic landmark in 1974.
Before the unit was established in 1975, the New York City Fire Department Bureau of EMS often took over 30 minutes to respond to incidents in the park. ==History== ===Planning=== Between 1821 and 1855, New York City's population nearly quadrupled.
In 1979, Parks Commissioner Gordon Davis established the Office of Central Park Administrator and appointed Elizabeth Barlow, the executive director of the Central Park Task Force, to the position.
The first structure to be renovated was the Dairy, which reopened as the park's first visitor center in 1979.
The Central Park Conservancy was founded in 1980 as a nonprofit organization with a citizen board to assist with the city's initiatives to clean up and rehabilitate the park.
By then, the Conservancy was engaged in design efforts and long-term restoration planning, and in 1981, Davis and Barlow announced a 10-year, $100 million "Central Park Management and Restoration Plan".
The long-closed Belvedere Castle was renovated and reopened in 1983, while the Central Park Zoo closed for a full reconstruction that year.
To reduce the maintenance effort, large gatherings such as free concerts were canceled. On completion of the planning stage in 1985, the Conservancy launched its first campaign and mapped out a 15-year restoration plan.
Real estate developer Donald Trump renovated the Wollman Rink in 1987 after plans to renovate it were delayed repeatedly.
Until 1987, it was known as Belvedere Lake, after the castle at its southwestern corner. The Lake, south of the 79th Street transverse, covers nearly .
The following year, the Zoo reopened after a $35 million, four-year renovation. Work on the northern end of the park began in 1989.
The 22nd Precinct has a lower crime rate than in the 1990s, with crimes across all categories having decreased by 81.2% between 1990 and 2019.
Some of the more famous birds include a male red-tailed hawk called Pale Male, who made his perch on an apartment building overlooking Central Park in 1991.
A $51 million campaign, announced in 1993, resulted in the restoration of bridle trails, the Mall, the Harlem Meer, and the North Woods, and the construction of the Dana Discovery Center on the Harlem Meer.
The Upper Reservoir was decommissioned as a part of the city's water supply system in 1993, and was renamed after former U.S.
It was decommissioned in 1993 and renamed after Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis the following year, after her death. The Turtle Pond, a man-made pond, is at the southern edge of the Great Lawn.
Macaulay Honors College found 571 total species, including 173 species that were not previously known to live there. ===Flora=== , Central Park had more than 20,000 trees, representing a decrease from the 26,000 trees that were recorded in the park in 1993.
Lasker Rink is above the mouth of the Loch where it drains into the Harlem Meer. South of Harlem Meer and the Pool is Central Park's largest lake, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, known as the Central Park Reservoir before 1994.
This was followed by the Conservancy's overhaul of the near the Great Lawn and Turtle Pond, which was completed in 1997.
It contains the Duke Ellington Memorial, dedicated in 1997.
Central Park is owned by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation but has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy since 1998, under a contract with the municipal government in a public–private partnership.
The Conservancy took over the park's management duties from NYC Parks in 1998, though NYC Parks retained ownership of Central Park.
The Conservancy assumed much of the park's operations in early 1998. Renovations continued through the first decade of the 21st century, and a project to restore the pond was commenced in 2000.
The Central Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with a citizen board, was founded the following year. ===1970s to 2000s: restoration=== Under the leadership of the Central Park Conservancy, the park's reclamation began by addressing needs that could not be met within NYC Parks' existing resources.
The Conservancy assumed much of the park's operations in early 1998. Renovations continued through the first decade of the 21st century, and a project to restore the pond was commenced in 2000.
Nannarrup hoffmani, a centipede species discovered in Central Park in 2002, is one of the smallest centipedes in the world at about long.
It started refurbishing the ceiling tiles of the Bethesda Arcade, which was completed in 2007.
The park contained snakes in the late 19th century, though Marie Winn, who wrote about wildlife in Central Park, said in a 2008 interview that the snakes had died off. == Landmarks and structures == === Plazas and entrances === Central Park is surrounded by a , stone wall.
By comparison, there were 25 million visitors in 2009, and 12.3 million in 1973. The number of tourists as a proportion of total visitors is much lower: in 2009, one-fifth of the 25 million park visitors recorded that year were estimated to be tourists.
Though the 2010 United States Census recorded 25 residents within the census tract, park officials have rejected the claim of anyone permanently living there. ===Visitors=== Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States and one of the most visited tourist attractions worldwide, with 42 million visitors in 2016.
Built in the 1860s, it contains the Merchant's Gate entrance to the park., and is largest feature is the 1892 Columbus Monument and was the subject of controversies in the 2010s.
The 2011 Conservancy report gave a similar ratio of park usage: only 14% of visits are by people visiting Central Park for the first time.
The final feature to be restored was the East Meadow, which was rehabilitated in 2011. ===2010s to present=== In 2014, the New York City Council proposed a study on the viability of banning vehicular traffic from the park's drives.
The center of the circle contains a memorial to Frederick Douglass, dedicated in 2011. ===Structures=== The Dana Discovery Center is at the northeast section of the park, on the shore of the Harlem Meer.
Soon after, the Central Park Conservancy began restoring the Ramble and Lake, in a project that was completed in 2012.
A 2013 survey of park species by William E.
The final feature to be restored was the East Meadow, which was rehabilitated in 2011. ===2010s to present=== In 2014, the New York City Council proposed a study on the viability of banning vehicular traffic from the park's drives.
Though the 2010 United States Census recorded 25 residents within the census tract, park officials have rejected the claim of anyone permanently living there. ===Visitors=== Central Park is the most visited urban park in the United States and one of the most visited tourist attractions worldwide, with 42 million visitors in 2016.
The Hallett Sanctuary was closed to the public from 1934 to May 2016, when it was reopened allowing limited access. The Central Park Conservancy classifies its remaining green space into four types of lawns, labeled alphabetically based on usage and the amount of maintenance needed.
Subsequently, in June 2018, the remaining drives south of 72nd Street were closed to vehicular traffic. Several structures were renovated.
Belvedere Castle was closed in 2018 for an extensive renovation, reopening in June 2019.
Later in 2018, it was announced that the Delacorte Theater would be closed from 2020 to 2022 for a $110 million rebuild.
A mandarin duck nicknamed Mandarin Patinkin received international media attention in late 2018 and early 2019 due to its colorful appearance and the species' presence outside its native range in East Asia.
The 22nd Precinct has a lower crime rate than in the 1990s, with crimes across all categories having decreased by 81.2% between 1990 and 2019.
The precinct saw one murder, one rape, 21 robberies, seven felony assaults, one burglary, 37 grand larcenies, and one grand larceny auto in 2019.
Belvedere Castle was closed in 2018 for an extensive renovation, reopening in June 2019.
A mandarin duck nicknamed Mandarin Patinkin received international media attention in late 2018 and early 2019 due to its colorful appearance and the species' presence outside its native range in East Asia.
Later in 2018, it was announced that the Delacorte Theater would be closed from 2020 to 2022 for a $110 million rebuild.
The Central Park Conservancy further announced that Lasker Rink would be closed for a $150 million renovation between 2021 and 2024. == Landscape features== ===Geology=== There are four different types of bedrock in Manhattan.
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