by Adam Wolfson, Sarah Dunford, Michaela McGovern
When I think of Central Park, I think of:
Sunsets
It may seem oddly specific or arbitrary, but some of my most distinct and treasured memories of the park are of sunsets. Sunsets are beautiful — nature’s fireworks and stained-glass windows. The problem is, you can’t usually see them very well in the city because of all the buildings in the way. Central Park is one of the few places where you can see all of the sky.
Adam
Nature
One thing that stands out to me most about Central Park is the juxtaposition of nature and an urban environment. There are places in the park where you can see the New York City Skyline in the horizon, peeking out over the trees — and then there are other places where it is impossible to recognize that you are in a city at all. It’s a stark contrast from most of the city, and it’s very pleasant to spend time there.
Sarah
Beauty
When I think of Central Park, one of the first things that comes to mind is the beauty that the park has to offer. The park is especially rich in natural beauty, whether it’s in the gorgeous colors of the autumn leaves on the trees or a tiny bird’s nest burrowed in the bushes. Not only is the park rich in visual beauty, it also exudes beautiful sounds and smells, like the rhythmic rustling of grass, the music of birds chirping, or the aroma of fresh candied nuts.
Michaela
Walks
Most of the time I’ve spent in the park, I’ve spent walking. I’m not alway the most athletic kind of guy, so a long (~1 mile) walk is my idea of good exercise. 90% of the time, the park is where I’ll take that walk. The scenery is gorgeous, but more than that it’s a peaceful place, especially if you’re lucky enough to be there at a time when there aren’t a lot of other people there. Circumnavigating the reservoir on auto-pilot while just letting your thoughts unravel is one of my favorite experiences of the park, and one I’d recommend to almost anyone.
Adam
Music
Whether under the archway near Bethesda Fountain, by the Imagine mosaic in Strawberry Fields, or in some quiet corner of the park, hundreds of musicians use Central Park as a platform to present their work. These artists are far from mainstream, commercial musicians; many are hidden gems in a city of millions of people. Sitting quietly for half an hour and listening to a stranger sing or play an instrument is one of the most calming, peaceful things to do in this city.
Sarah
Wildlife
Central Park is home to all kinds of animals, all kinds of birds and squirrels. In addition, since it’s such a popular place for people to bring their pets, I always see plenty of gorgeous dogs.
Michaela
Exploring
Yes, we had this one in the presentation, but I think it merits a double mention. Central Park is big, and even if you’ve lived in New York your whole life, there’s no way you’ve seen it all. There’s not much like going to the edge of what you know, going past it, and just seeing what’s there. Take the right tiny, nearly hidden path, and you could find a place the few, if any, other people know about. Try and find Butterfly Meadow, for example. No, I’m not going to tell you where it is. If you find it, then just know we’ve both been there.
Adam
Seasons
Central Park is always changing. I’ve been to Central Park many times throughout my life; I’ve seen the park covered in snow and I’ve seen the park completely in bloom. The changes in weather provide a completely different environment and experience each time I go, yet the park is consistently beautiful throughout the seasons.
Sarah
Home
More than anything else, Central Park makes me think of home. All of its trees, water, and grassy expanses remind me of the parks I go to back home, and I get the same feeling from walking through Central Park that I’d always get from spending time in the parks back home. Being in Central Park eases feelings of homesickness for me, on top of all of the other benefits I get out of the park.
Michaela
