Central Park is one of New York’s most famous landmarks; millions of locals and tourists visit it throughout the year, to explore its zoo, admire its monuments and stroll through its gardens. It was the first ever public park to be established in the USA; the idea for it came from a group of influential landowners and merchants, who had come to the conclusion that New York needed a beautiful public space, if it were to establish a reputation as one of the world’s greatest cities. After a series of delays, the state legislature finally authorised the development of the park in 1853.
Over the years, more and more sculptures, bridges, fountains and monuments were installed here. Bow Bridge is perhaps the best known of these; beginning at Cherry Hill and ending at the Ramble, this cast iron structure spans over 60 feet. Those who regularly visit New York, like Tunde Folawiyo, will probably know that this bridge provides some fantastic views of the surrounding area. The construction of this bridge was completed just nine years after the park itself was formed; its ornate, delicate design was created by Jacob Wrey Mould and Calvert Vaux.
Whilst Bow Bridge remains the most photographed area in the entire park, there are several other famous spots which also attract many people. The Conservatory Water pond, and the statues which surround it, are one such example; to its west lies a statue of the author Hans Christian Anderson, and to the north a large sculptural work which depicts characters from Alice in Wonderland. Visitors can often be seen snapping photos and clambering over this piece.
The Central Park Zoo is often one of the first places which families head to when exploring this area; run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, this attraction serves as a home for more than 130 species, including the Brazilian tarantula and the polar bear. Stretched across five acres, the zoo offers its inhabitants plenty of space in which to roam, and is designed in such a way that it mimics the natural environments that these creatures would normally reside in. In total, there are three artificial habitats here; polar, temperate and tropic. As a conservation enthusiast, Tunde Folawiyo may be aware that, in addition to providing animals with a home, the zoo also works towards the preservation of many endangered species, including red pandas, thick-billed parrots, Wyoming toads and tamarin monkeys.