or..if it’s not Central Park what else could it be…I ask.
Yes, friends, 843 acres running 2.5 miles long and a half mile wide is that glorious part of the City starting at 59th Street and ending at 110th with pure magic in between…Central Park!
Now where to begin on my walks through the Park? A walk to the Boat Basin or to Belvedere Castle or to Strawberry Fields or to the Zoo or to the famed Carousel with the 57 hand carved horses? What to do, what to do.
I made the decision (not quickly) for this first post on the park, to write about my most frequent walk, which is to enter on East 66th Street and wind my way over to the exit by Tavern on the Green to Central Park West. (I miss, by the way, that gaudy shiny Crystal Room at Tavern even if the food and service were not so great).
Now before I go any further, just wanted to say, you probably know much of what I’m writing, but if, like me, sometimes a different perspective brings about some kind of awakening to something new. Even doing my research for my posts, I always have a discovery (e.g.The Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks The Institute teaches park users and managers to care for urban parks everywhere. ) Didn’t know that.
So let’s get started
If you’re going to the park for any reason, take the time to just enjoy! Wear comfortable shoes, take water, snack, hat and maybe a sweater, throw an umbrella in just in case, a blanket and a book and crossword puzzle if you’re so inclined. Much of the walkways and paths are good but there are interesting paths and trails that are unpaved and often muddy.
The East 66th Street Entrance
Here’s one of the frequent sites seen everywhere in the park- people reading. Those readers could be on benches or on the grass or even on the rocks. I’ve done it many times myself or should I say I’ve tried to do it, but it’s not easy to stay focused when there is always so much to see and hear. Must admit weekdays is an easier time of it because it’s quieter, but even then, the birds chirp, people talk, interesting people talk, tours come through, children laugh and I’m very easily distracted . No, I don’t use a headset. One reason is “my hearing is definitely not what it used to be” plus I like the sounds and often a musician or group of musicians are playing. Love that!
As I walked down the small slope and past the children’s playground, I saw the usual puppeteer with his egg pu
ppet to the delight of the kids. And just a little further up the hill is the popular Balto statue, the famed sled-dog who saved children’s lives in Alaska in 1925.
The Mall – the American Elms – Wow!
As I walked up the hill through the arch and up to one of my favorite places in the park The Mall, of American Elms It’s just so beautiful (by the way, how many times can I use “beautiful” in a blog…a lot when describing the park, but I’m going to try to use other adjectives, I promise. It’s gorgeous in the spring, summer, winter and fall.
And here we are: the single walkers, the bikers resting on the bench, the couple holding hands, the stroller in the distance, all under those magnificent elms. (saving for another post the section of The Mall called Literary Walk with statues of prominent writers.
Ahead of me was Sheep Meadow
- FROM THE CENTRAL PARK WEBSITE: The fifteen-acre meadow holds true to this intention today as Central Park’s largest lawn without ball fields and as a designated quiet zone. No organized sports or gatherings are allowed on Sheep Meadow to preserve the space for quiet picnicking and relaxation.
It certainly is, trust me on this one
Sheep Meadow Is a wonderful place to stop, bring a blanket, a book, a snack, a hat and spend the morning or afternoon or day. (restrooms and cafe close by). With kids? Yes, bring balls.
And now I’m getting close to Central Park West, I stopped to rest on a bench and watch the action as people went by on bikes, some built for two, scooters, pedi-cabs, horse and carriages, piggy backers, strollers and the most popular…walking!
THANK YOU SAILORS FOR YOUR SERVICE!
As I write this Memorial Day weekend, it brought back to mind my last post on Fleet Week. I’m sitting looking around when these handsome sailors (told you I loved men and women in uniform) came by and cheerfully let me take their photo! What a great way to end this post on this Memorial Day! A thank you to all who served and serve!
LOVE THIS CITY!
KAY’S NOTES:
Important to know: Go to the Parks website – everything you ever wanted to know about this magical 843 acres! http://www.centralparknyc.org/
Disclaimer: I try for correct info on my posts, but no guarantees people.
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