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No visit to New York would be complete without a stroll in Central Park. This 843 acre park stretches from 59th St at it's southern most point to 110 St in the north - some 51 blocks! The park like any big city park provides an oasis of peace and quiet sometimes needed in a hectic city. It is only once you are in the park it's self you realize how big it is and peaceful. Only when you look at the tree line do you realize as you see the Skyscrapers peering throw that you are indeed still in a major city. But it definitely offers that much needed tranquility as well as some wonderful sights to see. If you compare it with say Hyde Park in London then it shines out as a park that has something for everyone and you'll understand why New Yorkers are so proud of their oasis in the madness that is New York.

It was way back in 1856 that the New York city council paid some $5million for what was at that point swamp land after many of the city dignities had called for a park to be built on the lines of the great european parks in London and Paris. The park at this point was in an area of Manhattan that was largely unoccupied as most people lived below the 39th St level of Manhattan. Up until the opening of the park most New Yorkers if they wanted to experience a bit of greenery and rural ness took themselves off to the neighbouring borough of Brooklyn, their favourite haunt being the Brooklyn cemetery.

With the approval of the Greensward plans in 1858, the long task of actually building the commenced. During this time some 500,000 cubic feet of New Jersey top soil was used.More than 4 million trees,shrubs and plants were planted - in total 1400 different species which laid the basis for the future. 36 bridges and archways were built along with 4 man made water ways - all linked into the city water supply. In total some 10 million cart loads of goods were hauled into the park. It is no wonder that it took 20 years to complete the oasis that is Ce ntral Park. The park was a picture of grandeur on it's opening.

Unfortunately as with any great park maintaince is the key. The elegance and some what opulent Central park by the 1930's was in a state of great disrepair and in need of a complete over due to neglect. It was only with the election of Mayor laGuardia in 1934 that broke the corruption of New york politics and in away saved Central Park from becoming a wilderness again. LaGuardia appointed the well known Robert Moses to take over the 5 New York park departments. Moses

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