[Spectrum R3] 13. New York City’s Gem - Hojin

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New York City’s Gem

 

It has been called “a wonder” and “an oasis.” People go there to exercise or to relax. It is included on almost every tour of New York City because of its beauty. It is neither a historic building nor a skyscraper. It is Central Park.

 

Lying in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is still the green space that its founders hoped it would be. As the city’s population grew rapidly in the early 1800s, a few wise men saw the need to set aside some space that would give residents a break from the crowded city’s hurry and noise.

 

The park’s plan, developed in 1858, was a daring one. The chosen land was rocky, swampy, and muddy. For these reasons, the area was completely transformed in a project that took 20 years. Top soil from New Jersey came in horse-drawn carts. Lakes were dug. Boulders were blasted out, then carted away. Four million trees, shrubs, and plants were carted in and planted.

 

Though its appearance has changed during the last 150 years, Central Park continues to be an important place for tourists and New Yorkers alike.

 

25,000,000	Number of visitors to Central Park each year
26,000	Number of trees growing in Central Park
8,968	Number of benches in Central Park
843	Total acres of Central Park
275	Different types of birds found in Central Park
250	Number of acres of lawn in Central Park
150	Number of acres covered by water in Central Park
136	Number of wooded acres in Central Park
58	Total miles of walking paths in Central Park
6	Distance, in miles, around outside edge of Central Park