h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

One of the best examples of Urban Parks. You could argue that its is the very definition of urban green space.

A huge rectangle of trees, ponds, play grounds, a small zoo, a famous museum, formal gardens, 'wild' preservations, statues and wondering paths.

Its been called the 'greatest gift New Yorkers ever gave to themselves.' and it certainly could be one of the most expensive, hundreds of prime undeveloped land right in the middle of the most expensive property in the united states. If one even tried to put a value on the land alone, it would be in the many hundreds of billions of dollars.

Some quick facts about central park
When first built, it was north of the developed part of the city, surrounded by farms rather than skyscrapers. Then it was 'north' of the city and hardly 'central' but the city grew north and overtook the park.

Many of the natural rocky outcroppings were covered with small decorative buildings, some purposely had no fixed paths to the top so the patrons would be encouraged to explore their own path to the buildings.

The large lake in the north of the park is really the remains of one of the early drinking water reservoirs that was used before the massive underground aqueducts were built to bring fresh water to NYC from upstate, more than a century ago.

Most of the roads that pass though central park are in deep 'cuttings' to reduce noise and are curvy to reduce speed.

Some of the more interesting status in the park include 'Alice in wonderland' and 'Balto' from the famous Iditarod race

I read recently in one of the English broadsheets that Central park has a problem with a criminal phenomenon whose name I forgot - possibly wilding. It's when a group of men descend en masse upon a victim, strip them of valuables, sexually assault them, and then move on.

What's the story behind that?

Wilding, does happen but its a rare occurrence (There has been only two significant occurrences in central park in the last 10 years) that is one of the reason it makes the news. (Plus the last attack resulted in lots of video tape of naked and nearly naked women, so all the news networks just HAD to play that over and over again). The latest attack was a side effect of the over exuberance from a ethnic parade and lax police control. In the day to day life of Central park, its does not happen.

I'd stay away from inner parts of central park after dark, but even at night it can be safe if there is enough of a crowd around (normal not wild ones) A few years ago when Disney was touring with the old Main Street Electrical parade, I and thousands of others walked though Central Park when it was dark with no ill effects, (other than it was HARD to catch a cab that night)

During the day Central Park is quite safe. I walk though it nearly every day. NY, which despite its nasty reputation is safer than most other large cites. Reasonable awareness of your surroundings and sensible precautions, like keeping track of your wallet and staying in the nicer neighborhoods is all that's required.

Central Park is definitely one of the joys of New York. The Delacorte Theater presents open-air Shakespeare plays summer evenings--for free! The reservoir jogging path is 1.5 miles around and has spectacular views of the skyline. The main loop road is six miles around and has two good hills for skaters and cyclists (and masochistic joggers): Cat's Paw Hill behind the Metropolitan Museum and Great Hill at the north end of the park. Central Park has the Conservatory Garden at 103d St and 5th Avenue, which is a gorgeous botanical garden free and open to the public. It has Wollman Skating Rink at the south end for ice skating in cold weather. On the Great Lawn there are often opera and symphony concerts, and at Rumsey Playfield, near 72d Street, there is Summerstage, which offers really wonderful pop music concerts, also for free. The Central Park website is .

I agree that Central Park is one of the wonders of the world. In a city where real estate is everything and escape from the noise and bustle can be impossible, the park is an amazing and huge oasis.

Don't forget Strawberry Fields. This section of the park on the west side of Central Park at 72nd Street is in memory of John Lennon (whose apartment building, The Dakota, where he was shot, is right across the street). It's a beautiful little portion of the park with a large mosaic on the ground in the middle of the path with one word: "IMAGINE"

A few more interesting trivia items from the Central Park website:

Central Park has:
26,000 trees
275 species of birds
20 million visitors annually
7 miles worth of benches
58 miles worth of pedestrian paths
21 playgrounds
7 bodies of water
843 total acres

only 20 million? That's less than 3 visits per citizen annually! And that's not counting the tourists and upper-west siders who go there every day...

maybe the 20 million doesn't count New Yorkers who aren't really "visitors" since it's really like our backyard...
spaceboy zoom

Or maybe it only counts them once all year, regardless of how many afternoons they can be found sleeping in Sheeps Meadow.

Still the most fascinating activity in Central Park is watching everyone else’s activity. It’s like one huge, animated Brueghel painting. And for this Englishman-in-New-York, the very best possible vantage point is from a trusty steed. There are miles of wonderful bridal paths winding through Central Park. One may rent a very useful mount, for most levels of ability, from the historic Claremont Stables at 89th St & Amsterdam Ave. I have experienced many a happy hour and become part of many a surreal tableau while cantering through this mayhem of urban respite. And while we’re on the subject of horses and art, let’s not forget the beautiful old Carousel. Permanently housed in an rather unappealing red brick round-house, this delightful herd of snarling equines has so far resisted the city’s contempt for history. Take a ride before they’re sent to pasture. That goes for the real one’s, too.