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A Walk in the (Central) Park: the Legacy of Olmstead and Vaux



Autumn in New York

I think one of the archetypal scenes of New York is Central Park in the autumn. Immortalized in movies, it's earned a place high on the list of places to visit during a trip to New York. Its 843 acres are set in the middle of Manhattan and form a serene center to the activity around it. Central Park was the first landscaped public park in the United States, authorized in 1853. It was designed by landscape designer, Frederick Law Olmstead and architect, Calvert Vaux.


There are summer Philharmonic concerts, Shakespeare performances and miles of jogging paths to enjoy. On a sunny afternoon -- these pictures were taken in November -- it is a beautiful place to enjoy what endless expanses of grass and trees, even in the biggest city in America.
 

Central Park is bordered on the east by Fifth Avenue and on the west by Central Park West, where I took these pictures. A fascinating added stop while you're visiting Central Park is the New York Historical Society, at Seventy-Seventh Street and Central Park West. It's one of my favorite museums, with a great restaurant and fun gift shop. I've enjoyed watching a featured movie on the history of New York, seeing the permanent collection, as well as the varied exhibitions. This poster advertises last fall's exhibition on the Battle of Brooklyn.  

If anyone notices I'm combining "O" for Olmstead and "P" for Park into one post for today's  A to Z Blogging Challenge. It's not quite the letter of the Challenge, but it is the spirit. I had trouble downloading some of the photographs I intended to use for "O," but I hope to do my original O post at a later time.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!
 

7 comments

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I always love seeing your photos. It amazes me that you are right in the city, walking around places that are familiar to us from movies and books. Enjoy your weekend! Hugs!

Karen said...

I really enjoyed this. I have flown over and seen Central Park from the plane. It is such a large area!

Melinda said...

Looks great.
As we have sais, this year's challenge has been
so different and frankly hard.
The last two posts I have done have 0 comments and only
about 30 readers. So frustrating.
I think blogging is on the way out--which is sad.

Happy weekend!

M : )

TARYTERRE said...

I think there is nothing more beautiful than a park in the autumn. LOve these photographs.

Barbara In Caneyhead said...

Did you know Olmstead had wanted the park to be more natural and less landscaped? He did the landscape for the worlds fair in Chicago as well. Just read a book about it. I think it is wonderful that New York had the forethought to put a large park in its center!
Perspectives at Life & Faith in Caneyhead

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Central Park is the true gem of the city.

Christine said...

I bet Central Park looks beautiful in every season! Thanks for the info on the
Historical Society Museum.
Enjoy your weekend!