The Little-Known Treasures of the Well-Known Central Park in New York
When it comes to scenic spots in New York, Central Park is such a household name that even the ones living under a rock seem to be well aware of it. Although it is a modern day urban park in a metropolis where “the lights are so bright” (you just cannot help but quote a Taylor Swift song whenever New York is concerned), it has a lengthy history dating back to the 19th century when it was first co-designed by Calvert Vaux and Law Olmsted. What separate Central Park from all the other parks in the world are these hidden gems below which are finally enjoying their fair share of spotlight.
The Arsenal
Three descriptive words to sum up the very first mystery - military, weapons and guard. It is the Arsenal, located at the eastern side of Central Park, a stately complex right adjacent to 64th Street and 5th Avenue.
Established in the mid-1800s, it originally served as a weapon warehouse for the New York National Guard. As time went by, it was developed as an all-encompassing center for multiple uses, a zoo, a police department and a weather station, to name just a few.
Luminaires
You must be wondering in your mind right now what exactly “luminaires” are? They are in fact 1600 lamp posts which also act as navigating devices when you get lost in the park down on your luck.
Here is a somewhat detailed explanation of how they work: In total, four numbers are engraved on every post. The first two manifest the nearest street whereas the last two point out which side you are heading closer to. To put it more specifically, even numbers refer to east, and odd numbers refer to west. Besides, the last two digits contain another piece of information, that is, you are on your way to the center of the park as the numbers get bigger. Isn’t it fun to play this game of hide and seek with numbers?
The Diana Ross Playground
As you may have guessed it simply from the name, this one must have something to do with the one and only Supremes frontwoman Diane Ross.
Back in 1983, Diane Ross held her own concert at this exact spot. Unfortunately, the lousy weather disrupted all the craziness and longing for music. Yet the diva and main woman herself was not a quitter who surrendered to natural hazard easily. She answered the calling of her fans and gave one more show the next evening, setting all of them on fire. As grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure, the crazy fans made some heavy damages to the park and the responsibility of reconstruction landed on the shoulders of Diane.
In the end, she paid for the playground project, which got its name after her, the Diana Ross Playground, at 81 Central Park W, New York.
Strawberry Fields
For those fruit lovers and camping enthusiasts, the title may have instantly grabbed their attention. Sorry guys, it has nothing to so with strawberry the fruit itself. Yet it is another global superstar related treasure you have to check out.
It is a unique-designed park dedicated to the late Beatles singer and songwriter John Lennon as a sign of remembrance. Constructed as a birthday gift for him on his birthday, 9th October of 1985, the park got its name with inspiration from one of Beatles’ songs “Strawberry Fields Forever”.
During his childhood, Lennon had a go-to spot, a Liverpool orphanage, where he had fun with the kids. In 1966, he also recorded the song “Strawberry Fields Forever” there. It was the orphanage that deeply influenced his creative work. Therefore, the park Strawberry Fields is an emblem of peace and calm.
