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we were told that the large black lumps of volcanic rock that interspersed this side of the park were from the original Manhattan Island itself whilst the trees that dominated the vista had been imported specially for Central Park including some 175 different species making up the 26000 or so trees that live in the park. The most popular trees are the black cherry followed closely by the American elm and pin oak. The trees are under constant surveillance for disease, in particular, Dutch Elm disease as the trained conservationists undertake an ongoing vigilance to maintain the tree population. My 9-year-old boy certainly enjoyed climbing all over the rocks and we have some wonderful photos of my two children on top of original Manhattan lava rock with the resident skyscrapers in the background.

My kids loved the freedom to run around, as do millions of others every year. We made our way to the The Carousel, Mid-Park at 64th Street and 5th Avenue. Featuring some of the largest hand-carved horses in the US, The Carousel has been present since 1871 although it is just that a carousel. There were a few food stalls and stands outside which we duly bought some popcorn and a drink from although we didn't actually go on the ride itself even though it was only 90 cents each. I do recall calling my mom on my mobile to tell her I was actually in Central Park, the scene for numerous movies over the years and now I was there too!

After our stop at The Carousel we made our way to The Dairy, mid-park at 65th Street and 5th Avenue. This is a 19th century style building overlooking The Wollman Rink. Within there is a reference library and an exhibit about the history and design of the park. To tell the truth it wasn't too exciting and I seem to remember there being a shop selling souvenirs of the park although the proceeds did go to the park conservation fund. It was too early in the day to part us from yet more dollars although the kids did their best to try and get us to buy something.

We didn't actually go into The Wollman Rink although it was an impressive site with lots of people ice-skating in March. Found at Prospect Park, Ocean Avenue entrance, the Rink provides ice-skating facilities during winter whilst in summer it reverts to a boating lake where pedal boats can be hired. At 2475 sq.m it can accommodate plenty of people whilst being the home to the Brooklyn Blades amateur men's and women's ice hockey teams. The rink was finished in 1960 and cuts a dashing site to those

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