Car Rentals
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NYC Car Rentals and Central Park
Central Park is a large public, urban park in the center of Manhattan that has been seen in many films, making it one of the most famous parks in the world. While it looks natural, it is highly landscaped with artificial lakes, walking paths, ice skating rinks, and a wildlife sanctuary. It is even a popular destination for bird watchers because of its located in the migration paths of many migratory birds. The 6 mi (10 km) road circling the park is popular with joggers, bicyclists and rollerbladers, especially on weekends and in the evenings after 7:00PM, when automobile traffic is banned. This is a great place to leave behind your NYC car rental and enjoy nature.
New York's Green Space
In the 1820s as New York City began to grow quickly, people in the city wanted more green space to escape to the city. In 1844, there was a lot of pushing for a park such as Paris' Bois de Boulogne or London's Hyde Park, which was like an escape for those who lived there. In 1853, the people of New York finally got their wish: the New York legislature made 700 acres of the city available for the park, which would cost more than $5 million in land alone!
A commission was set up to oversee the development of the park and a contest was held for the design of the park. The most influential innovations in the Central Park design, were the separate circulation systems for pedestrians, horseback riders and pleasure vehicles. The "crosstown" commercial traffic was entirely concealed in sunken roadways screened with densely planted shrub belts, so as not to disturb the impression of a rustic scene. After some road bumps in the construction of the park, it was finally opened in 1873. This is a beautiful place to see with your NYC car rental.
After the park was finished it was soon almost forgotten. The New York City political machine of Tammany Hall was one of the biggest reasons for this. Maintenance declined, with few or no attempts to replace dead trees, bushes and plants or worn-out lawn, as well as to prevent vandalism. It wasn't until Robert Moses was given the job of cleaning up the park in 1934 that the park was once again made beautiful.
Things to Do
There are many things to do in the park once you leave your NYC car rental. In the summer there are free open-air theater productions put on my Public Theater, often starring well-known stage and screen actors. Most of these plays are Shakespearian, but not all of them. They New York Philharmonic also gives a concert every summer on the Great Lawn, an event that is worth the trip with your NYC car rental. The Metropolitan Opera also does two performances. Music lovers will be happy to know that many concerts have taken place in the park, including the Simon and Garfunkel reunion, Diana Ross, Dave Matthews Band, and more. There is a long tradition of horseback riding in the park, with the Claremont Riding Academy near the park with a NYC car rental. Not to mention the petting zoo, playgrounds, and areas for sporting activities, this is a great place to visit. Sometimes you will find protests here, but this activity has been resisted by the city in recent years.
