When America was barely out of colonizaion and still considered a questionable "upstart", immigrants-turned-New Yorkers set a course of history and politics that went into shaping life as we know/see it today. Wanting a grand park to rival London's Hyde and those of other European cities, a contest was held to design one for New York. Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux submitted the winning "Greensward Plan" after initial turmoil of politicians deciding where the land would come from for the park. The current space was deemed the "least loss" for future real estate development and was acquired in 1857 displacing many poor Irish and German immigrants who were "squatting" within the boundaries as well as All Angels - the area's first black community.

With construction beginning shortly after, the Park was built by the poor for the rich to enjoy who still lived a long carriage ride away; the city hadn't passed beyond the 30's. By 1866, 20,000 immigrants were working 10-hour construction days for 90-cents to $1.50. From the beginning, nearly 2.5 million cubic yards of stone/earth were excavated, moved or brought in by horse-drawn cart...enough to raise the level of a football field 80 stories! Yet with progress, the wealthy and politicians continued to manipulate development in ways that made or broke careers including eventually those of Olmstead and Vaux.

The Park officially opened in July, 1859 with a concert attended by 4000+ people in The Ramble, the first completed area. However, first "unofficial" park frolickers were in December, '58 when about 300 people congregated to ice skate on the newly formed boat pond. Word spread, and more than an estimated 10,000 showed up the following Sunday. Not long after, the politicians/wealthy "closed" the Park on Sundays to officially keep out the poor who worked six days a week. Rioting ensued until access "for all" was permitted and the victory is still celebrated as New Yorker's definitely have to have "park" on Sundays; what I've referred to as likely the most devout and widely practiced pagan religion of the city.

OTHER NOTABLE FACTS - The proposed "wasteland" which became Central Park cost NYC $7,389,727.96. Year's later, the U.S. paid $7.2 million for 600,000 square miles...which became Alaska.

166 tons of gunpowder (more than used at the Battle of Gettysburg) was used for blasting more than 300,000 cubic yards of Gneiss rock veined with granite; much of which can still be seen within the park today.

In 1860, 2.5 million people visited Central Park. Over the next decade, attendance more than tripled growing 15 times faster than the city's population; almost 900,000 by this time.

Central Park was created in spite of the politicians, though their commotions at the Local, State & National levels did create a model for what the National Parks System was/is built on including the NPS and Yellowstone which didn't come about until 1872.

Most locals consider northern sections of Central Park "off limits" based on close proximity to surrounding Harlem or, at best an after thought (much as park developers did). The area between 106th-110th St. wasn't added until 13 years after original property acquisition and budget overspending on southern portions never allowed further development of the opposite end. This 140+-year old oversight has served in adding diversity and unique atmosphere you'll quickly detect if you dare venture this far up.

If not taking a cab, by far the quickest/easiest/cheapest way to arrive is by the red-2/3 express subway lines exiting at 110th & Lenox/6th Ave. which puts you at the Park's northern boundary. You'll immediately see the Harlem Meer (both Dutch words; Meer = Lake). I'll detail what you'll see by taking a left or right.

To the left at the Meer, you'll find a remodeled building known as Dana Discovery Center. I suggest picking up additional Park/Nature info brochures...and if you've urge to join many locals fishing, simple pole/line/hook fishing rods with doughball bait are issued free; a great experience for kids! There's an enjoyable walking path around the lake lined with benches filled with locals and "my/our" kids cutting classes. While most expect Blacks & Hispanics, ethnic diversity has greatly changed; especially with the new Parkview Hotel across the street which draws many foreign students.

Near the brick snack kiosk on the southern edge of the lake is a side entry to the Conservatory Gardens; something I highly recommend and reviewed seperately. On the SW-side of the lake is Lasker Recreation Center - a swimming pool in summer and ice skating rink in winter.

I've no qualms recommending safe parts "left" of the Park entry. "Right" is a naturally beautiful/secluded experience not for the timid or adventureless. Walking around the lake to the east, look back to the west and find an American Flag flying up in the woods. It marks the remains of a bunker from the War of 1812; the "oldest structure" standing within the Park. Cross the looping thoroughfare and find one of the pathes heading up the hill through the woods. There's historical facts/info boards at the Blockhouse bunker. The park has done wonders for cleaning up/policing this area, but you're still likely to see "strange types" out and about. DON'T be here after dark!

From here, you're best bet is to come back the way you came and head south on the loop towards the Recreation Center. When coming to the bridge, take a side trail down on the right which puts you on a path which follows The "Loch" waterway through the ravine and up to The Pool, another small lake. This is an easy trek for anyone looking to get away or nature lovers (remember this area's not developed!) From the pool area, you'll see the western boundary wall; beyond it is Central Park West Ave. where you can catch a local B/C train back to where you came from.

Originally coming from the midwest, I'm well aware of America's perception of Central Park - "It's a crime waiting to happen"! But would you believe that this vast area has the lowest crime rate of the entire city reported annually by it's own Police Precinct which patrols the Park!?! So what about the terrifying headlines which make the National News...maybe once a year? These same acts of crime occur daily in other parts of the city you'll never know OR hear about. Yet, everyone knows and has heard of Central Park. Its headlines capture your attention...just as your safely being able to fully experience it will, too!

NYPD heavily and frequently patrols the park by car/motorcycle/cabbed scooters/bicycle/horse and on foot. You can't go far without seeing an officer to report any legitimate problem encounter you might have.

Common sense and confidence is all it takes to ensure a safe, memorable visit. Without these two, those who victimize easy prey will spot you a mile away which makes you no safer here than anywhere else in the city, or world for that matter. And for those who go looking for trouble, you'll likely easily find it, too!

Unless you've a specific destination already in mind, or interested in one of my activity suggestions, you'll probably have no need to venture far passed the 72nd St. area which brings you up to the Water Conservatory, Boat Pond and Strawberry Fields. These areas and south are heavily populated and traversed both day and night; usually there's additional safety in numbers. And yes, I said at night as a whole new brand of natural mystique and magic appears after dark worth checking out...only if you're confident.

At any time, your comfort level should determine how much of the 'off-the-beaten pathes' you explore through woods, bushes and lesser explored areas which can be pleasantly rewarding but can often conceal the sleeping homeless, drug dealers/users, pervs and other assorted sex mongers - all which also make the scattered public restroom facilities creepy. If that's what you're looking for, you'll surely find them...but otherwise potentially expect it and don't let it scare you off. Go about your business keeping comments to yourselves.

Police will tell you the majority of their daily duties involve assisting with a random purse snatching, lost child/people, vagrancy and lesser "Quality of Life" issues/infractions including urinating in public; especially when bathrooms are closed for the winter. Enforcing the Open Container law is definitely hit and miss so proceed accordingly and don't be surprised to see people drinking and to smell burning reefer everywhere.

FAST FACTS - The first Central Park murder happened in 1870 between a fueding Irish Catholic and Irish Protestant; the first mugging/murder happened to an "out-of-towner" in 1872.

The Park has a 1:00 a.m. curfew closing. Expect to be summoned if you're "caught" beyond this.

At any time of day, if randomly stopped by police, inability to produce a photo ID nets a guaranteed trip to the station.

Our room overlooked Central Park surrounded by horse drawn buggies, waiting to give you a grand tour. 840 acres filled with 5 million trees of 632 species and 800 species of vines and shrubs, make this a wondrous place indeed and covered in snow, gives it a magical illumination. We tromped over the Stone Gapston Bridge that crosses the north outlet of the pond and took pictures. Hard to believe in 1856 the city bought it for 5 million...we watched the ice skaters, saw the famous and expensive Terrace on the Green lit with animal sculpted lawn topiaries, the dedicated joggers, and the bird lady, just like in the movie, HOME ALONE.

I believe we were told that Central Park is about a half mile wide and about three miles long. There are horse-drawn carriages that will transport you along the lanes through the park, but we would recommend walking for two reasons, price, and walking you can set your own pace and stop when you wish. We were offered about a 20 minute ride for about $50. If we wanted to go through the whole park it would be about $200. We walked through most of the park and ended up at our destination, the Museum at the edge of the park in about three hours including a stop at the Tavern on the Green and several stops at points of interest including those listed above. We walked on a Sunday and I would suggest there were a thousand people or more in the park. There are paths for walking and wider paths for rollerblading, bike riding etc. The parks are patrolled by police and we never noted any problems.