Life presented me a lucky chance to visit New York City and enjoy its Central Park. Meet my presentation about this unique and fantastic place of the world! Irina Stepanova, Chuvashia, Russia

This was a 3-image, handheld HDR shot -- taken from an area near the southwest corner of Central Park, looking east towards Fifth Avenue. Welcome to the Central Park NY one of the magnificent places of the Earth!

The park boasts several lakes, theaters, ice rinks, fountains, tennis courts, baseball fields, many playgrounds and other facilities. It is also home to the Central Park Zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Especially during the weekends, when cars are not allowed into the park, Central Park is a welcome oasis in this hectic city. Central Park is one of the major attractions of New York City, comprised of 850 acres with 36 bridges.

Central Park, which has been a National Historic Landmark since 1963, was designed by landscape designer and writer Frederick Law Olmsted and the English architect Calvert Vaux in 1858 after winning a design competition. They also designed Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The park, which receives approximately thirty-five million visitors annually, is the most visited urban park in the United States. It was opened on 770 acres (3.1 km2) of city-owned land and was expanded to 843 acres (3.41 km2; sq mi). It is 2.5 miles (4 km) long between 59th Street (Central Park South) and 110th Street (Central Park North), and is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West. It is similar in size to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, Chicago's Lincoln Park, Vancouver's Stanley Park, and Munich's Englischer Garten. Central Park is bordered on the north by West 110th Street, on the south by West 59th Street, on the west by Eighth Avenue, and on the east by Fifth Avenue. Along the park's borders however, these are known as Central Park North, Central Park South, and Central Park West, respectively. Only Fifth Avenue retains its name as it delineates the eastern border of the park. The park is maintained by the Central Park Conservancy, a private, not-for- profit organization that manages the park under a contract with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, in which the president of the Conservancy is ex officio Administrator of Central Park.

Some of the Central Park history In 1857, the city of New York organized a competition for the design of this new park, which had to rival with the great parks in London and Paris. A design by Frederic Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, named 'the Greensward Plan' was chosen.

This vast landmark sits on an 843-acre land at the heart of Manhattan. Central Park plays host to a roster of leisure and recreation offerings that has defined New Yorks way of life. Some of the activities that can be done in Central Park include bird watching, kayaking, horse-drawn carriage riding, skating and biking just to name a few. Central Park was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in Central Park also houses the Central Park Zoo and the Central Park Carousel which is one of the oldest carousels in the United States.

Bethesda Fountain, located in New York City's Central Park, is one of the most well known and recognized fountains in the world. The centerpiece of the fountain, "Angel of the Waters" was designed by Emma Stebbins, who was the first woman to receive a commission for a major work of art in New York City. The fountain is located on the lower level of Bethesda Terrace. The winged female figure is said to symbolize and celebrate the purifying of the citys water supply when the Croton Aqueduct opened in 1842 bringing fresh water to the entire city. In one hand, she holds a lily, the symbol of purity and blesses the water with her other hand extended. Below the "Angel of the Waters" are four smaller figures symbolizing Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace. Angel of the Waters

NYC - Central Park: Horse drawn carriage A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park conjures up romantic and nostalgic visions of simpler times when the city moved at a slower pace and equine transportation was the norm. The tour may be short and limited, but the "classic New York experience" is available year round and can be found on Central Park South. A vis-à-vis is a carriage in which persons sit face to face. The term comes from the French vis-à-vis, meaning face to face

Belvedere Castle is a building in Central Park in New York, New York, that contains exhibit rooms and an observation deck.

Central Park Zoo Visitors to the Central Park Zoo will be impressed with the breadth of animals on display, as well as the quality and cleanliness of the zoo. The Central Park Zoo welcomes nearly 1 million visitors annually who come to see the diverse collection of animals that call the Central Park Zoo home. The Central Park Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including seals, sea lions, penguins, snakes, bugs, monkeys and birds. From a steamy rain forest environment to an icy Antarctic penguin habitat, the zoo offers visitors a chance to see animals of all shapes and sizes from a variety of climates.

The Dairy Now serving as both an information center and gift shop, the Central Park Dairy was originally intended as a source of fresh milk for children in the late 19th century.

At the Wollman Rink, you can rent skates and glide on the ice surrounded by the New York City skyline and upbeat music. The atmosphere is especially romantic at night and during the winter holiday season. The Wollman Rink

The Pond The Pond provides immediate relief from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside. This is due to a veritable wall of trees and shrubs, as well as the inspired landscaping of Olmsted and Vaux, which placed the pond below street level. This entrance was originally designed to handle most of the traffic into the park, and continues to do so until this day. In spring time it offers an even starker contrast as the park goer walks down the stairs and along the placid waters.

Gapstow Bridge This handsome cast iron bridge is one of Central Park's most famous and romantic landmarks.

Sheep Meadow Although these days youll mostly find sunbathers lounging on the lawn, the meadow was actually home to a flock of sheep from 1864 until The sheep and shepherd were housed in a fanciful Victorian building nearbyIn 1980, it was restored and has been maintained by The Central Park Conservancy since then. The meadow became the Parks first Quiet Zone – which means its the perfect place to relax and unwind. Sheep Meadow attracts thousands of visitors, who gather to sunbathe, picnic, fly kites, and enjoy this pastoral escape – free from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Metropolitan Museum of Art The Metropolitan Museum of Art (colloquially The Met) is an art museum on the eastern edge of Central Park, along "Museum Mile" in New York City, United States. Its permanent collection contains more than two million works of art, divided into nineteen curatorial departments.[6] The main building, often called "the Met", is one of the world's largest art galleries

Strawberry Fields "Strawberry Fields", the memorial to late Beatle, John Lennon. Located on the south side of the park this 2.5-acre tear-drop-shaped landscape features a reproduction of a mosaic from Pompeii - a gift from Naples, Italy with a single word IMAGINE. Strawberry Fields opened on October 9, 1985, Johns 45th birthday. Every October 9th since then has seen an all day vigil of people of all ages from around the world; fans of his music and believers in his vision. The park was a favorite place for Lennon to take strolls with his family

With six distinctly-decorated dining rooms, a beautiful outdoor garden for al fresco dining, and dancing in the summer, it's no surprise that Tavern on the Green is one of Manhattan's most celebrated landmark restaurants. The ambiance Tavern on the Green is best known for its ambiance. Built in 1870, this Central Park gem now has a whimsical, Oz-like character. With an unrivaled backdrop and festive atmosphere, this restaurant attracts New Yorkers looking to celebrate and tourists seeking a meal with a view. A "must-see" claims Zagat. The food Choose from cosmopolitan meat, fish, and seafood dishes, pastas, signature salads, and delectable desserts. Enjoy an eclectic menu of contemporary American and seasonal fare. Tavern on the Green

Sakura and Yoshino Cherry are the real Beauty of the Central Park

Central Park of New York City is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in the world. NYC Central Park is a wonderful place in which you can enjoy the natural beauty in the middle of a very big NY City. NYC Central Park is a green light of New York. Central Park of NYC is the hands-created miracle... Shakespeare Garden

TO BE CONTINUED… Thanks for being with me on the tour through the Central Park NY