History Of Central Park In 60 Seconds

From secluded waterfalls to a booming birdlife population, New York City’s Central Park is full of surprises. Perhaps the greatest surprise of all is the humble start of the park, which would go on to become a National Historic Landmark, one of the world’s most filmed locations, and the most visited city park in the United States. A classic rags-to-riches story, this Manhattan mainstay is as much of a quintessential New Yorker as many of its visitors.

When architect and landscape designer Calvert Vaux and his junior partner Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition in 1858, New York City culture was forever altered, though no one knew it at the time. The pair, who would design Brooklyn’s Prospect Park years later, revolutionized recreation in the city with its ‘Greensward Plan’.

Strategizing ways of improving and expanding upon 778 acres of city-owned land, this plan is largely responsible for creating Central Park as we know it. Carried out from 1858 through the American Civil War, the Greensward Plan expanded the park to its current 843 acres, established its characteristic naturalistic landscape, and implemented distinct circulation systems for pedestrians, horseback riders and vehicles; innovations which are still in use today.

However, this wouldn’t be a true rags-to-riches tale without a few bumps in the road or, as New Yorkers might say, mountains to climb. Following the death of Calvert Vaux and the disbanding of the Central Park Commission, park maintenance, along with quality, fell into decline. For decades, the once glorious green space withered, and the now-famous park was relegated to mere relic status. This changed in 1934, when soon-to-be New York City icon Robert Moses was tasked with restoring the park. In just one year, Moses revamped the park’s appearance, created the iconic Great Lawn, and transformed the neglected landscape into an urban oasis, complete with 19 playgrounds, 12 sports fields, and more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.