10 secrets of Central Park that will surprise even locals
'26.01.2021'
Vita Popova
One of the most famous landmarks in New York is Central Park. It has many secrets hidden in the 340 hectares of land that it occupies. About 10 of them told the publication Only In Your State.
If you are ready to learn a lot of interesting facts about a place that you may have already visited hundreds of times, then here they are:
- First U.S. Landscaping Park
Central Park was the first public park with landscaping created in America. Contribution to its creation was made by the richest New Yorkers. This was preceded by the calls of the people to create something unique and worthy of recognition at the international level in the state.
- Lampposts that will not let you get lost
If you get lost in Central Park, don't worry. There are lampposts on its territory that will show you the way. So, take advantage of this little secret: find the letters and numbers on the poles - they are symbols that will indicate which street is closest.
- Personal bench for $ 10 thousand
Inside Central Park, you will find more than 9000 benches that you need to take care of. But few people know that one of these benches can be ... "adopted"! If you want to partially fund the maintenance of the main facilities of the park, then you can pay for the installation of a personal tablet on one of the benches. True, such a pleasure will cost dearly - at $ 10 thousand.
- The Secret of Belvedere Castle
Not everyone knows, but the beautiful Belvedere Castle did not always look so picturesque. Back in the 1960s and 1970s, the Central Park itself was far from the place you want to visit. And all because of financial fraud and illegal activities. Fortunately, by the 1980s, the residents of the city had come together and decided that this wonderful park needed to save money. Now once graffiti-covered, the castle serves as an excellent center for visitors, because it offers amazing views of the park.
- Flowers in the Shakespeare Garden
It turns out that all the flowers found in the Shakespeare Garden can be found in the works of art by the literary genius of William Shakespeare. Each flower that you can find in this garden was mentioned in one of the plays or poems of the poet.
- Reservoir that is no longer
Once upon a time on the site of the Great Lawn, where many people gather today, there was the Croton reservoir. Although the lawn occupying 22 hectares was not included in the initial plan of the Central Park, today it is one of the most iconic features of the famous landmark of the Big Apple.
- Animal Driven Carousel
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Central Park carousel is rumored to be powered by animals. They were forced to run in circles, making the carousel spin. Presumably, inside the carousel there was a donkey or horse literally driving the ride.
- Strawberry field in the shape of a tear
One of the attractions of the park is the so-called "Strawberry Fields" - a section of Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon. The memorial is named after the song of the same name by The Beatles "Strawberry Fields Forever".
On the subject: 8 Ways to Explore Central Park Without Leaving Home
You may never have noticed, but the field is in the shape of a tear. You can verify this from a bird's eye view.
- The only straight line in the park
On 341 hectares, there is only one straight line inside the Central Park. It houses the Mall of Central Park. All other roads and trails inside the park were originally created curved in order to prevent horse and carriage races.
- Man-made waterfalls
The central park hides magnificent waterfalls. Each of them is hand-made. You can find at least five stunning waterfalls in Central Park.
As ForumDaily New York wrote earlier:
- Central Park is the best place to walk in New York. Why - read in this material.
- For what Siberian Husky erected a monument in Central Park, you can read here.
- About how to get a personalized sign for a bench in Central Park, Read here.
- You can find out how red-eared turtles destroy city parks. in this publication.
