Frederick Law Olmsted, often called the Father of American Landscape Architecture, tried out a variety of professions before entering a public park design contest in 1858 with his colleague Calvert Vaux. Their winning entry became the design of New York City’s Central Park.
Olmsted saw Central Park as a place of harmony where people of all ages and walks of life could escape the stress of city living. In his design, Olmsted created a natural wonder within the busy streets of New York.
PHOTO: © Stephen Bonk — iStockPhoto
Today Central Park has 21 playgrounds, a variety of paths for running and horseback riding, two ice-skating rinks, a castle, an outdoor theater, sports fields and a zoo. Most importantly, Central Park is home to the gardens, woods, ponds and quiet spaces where people can enjoy nature in the middle of a big, bustling city.
PHOTOS: Central Park Conservancy
