I’ve been to New York City a few times before — 12 to be exact — but this was the first trip I had a good camera — and it was autumn in the city. That made for a great combination!
You probably won’t be surprised to hear that I took hundreds of photographs. I plan to spread some of them out over a series of blog posts.
I’m starting with this image since Central Park is one of my favorite places in the world.
I wanted to see what it looked like from a great height in the fall with the trees leafed out in their beautiful colour, so I took the elevator up the 67 floors to the observation deck on the Top of the Rockefeller Plaza on a sunny perfect fall day.
What a vista!
In this photo, you’re looking north and you see the west side of the park and the buildings of the Upper West Side.
A few years ago, my mother and sister and I took a guided walking tour of Central Park, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Up until then, I simply had no idea what a massive accomplishment this park is and how unique it is.
Central Park was the first public landscaped park in all of the United States. In 1853, the state legislature first set aside land for a major public park. City commissioners spent $14 million for the land and the construction of the park, which extended from 59th Street to 106th Street, between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.
The designers, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux were chosen in public competition in 1858. The park was developed over a span of 16 years.
(Olmsted is considered the father of landscape architecture and he went on to design Prospect Park in Brooklyn and many other North American parks, such as Boston’s Emerald Necklace, Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, Mount Royal in Montreal, and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Here are ten lessons for landscape design you can pick up from him.)
Central Park occupies 843 acres in Manhattan, 6% of its total acreage. You could fit 16 billion New York apartments in the park.
The park includes seven water bodies totaling 150 acres (some of which you can see above), 136 acres of woodlands and 250 acres of lawns. There are 58 miles of walking paths and 4.25 miles of bridle paths.
It also boasts more than 26,000 trees, 36 bridges and arches and nearly 9,000 benches.
It surprised me to learn that there are 215 species of birds in a 6.1-acre sanctuary, many rare to the area including the peregrine falcon.
The 25 million people that visit every year can also enjoy 26 ballfields; 30 tennis courts; 21 playgrounds; one carousel and two ice-skating rinks, one of which is converted into a swimming pool in the summer.
Stay tuned for more images inside the park…
Sherrygaley.com 
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Yay!
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We went to the top of the Rock too based on your photos from there. So thanks. It was incredible.
Wonderful Sherry i’ve only seen Central Park on the TV the colours are exquisite.
I totally fell for Central Park the first time I saw just the smallest part of it. You might remember – you were there! 😉 I’ve only been to NYC in the spring, and was sure that the park couldn’t be any lovelier than when the trees are in bloom. Looks like I will need to plan a trip for the autumn too. Your images are spectacular.
Sherry, your photo is wonderful – full of color and the diversity of the park. I’d love to see it in the fall from this perspective. Olmstead was so amazing! Thanks for the article. I’m ready to read the next post and awaiting more.
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My very favorite place to be, and what a beautiful view you have captured here, Sherry!
I am so glad that you enjoyed your trip.
A Magnifcient vista! I have never visited the park although have been to New York. Interested that the number of bird species are as many as mentioned. Your photographs are pleasant reminders of what we often take for granted. Looking forward to the photographs that you’ll sent from the warm places in the south.
Sherry this is truly amazing beauty!! One of the most detailed images I’ve seen from above. I like how you captured the surrounding buildings, and the massive autumn color is spectacular! I’m so happy your enjoyed the sights as well as have a great camera to capture it all! I realty enjoyed the information you provided and look forward to your future posts on your trip! xo
Gorgeous view and image. 🙂
What a wonderful view, Sherry! Such a good idea to go up to the 67th floor and take your shot from the Rockefeller Plaza. Central Park dressed in autumn colours is just beautiful and I like how you’ve also included the water and that elegant bridge. I shall look forward to the other photos!
Such a gorgeous image of the park. I’ll try to give that a try next time. I hate elevators though. Such a great capture throughout the image and you captured so much color.
I enjoyed reading all the stats also. I had no idea it was that big. Can’t wait to see the rest of your photo’s.
oh my goodness sherry! how beautiful! we traveled to NYC several years ago, but i can only imagine how beautiful central park must be in the fall!
This could very well be a poster for this lovely city and I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t see it one of these days. Such a beautiful shot Sherry.
What incredible foresight and commitment those early state and city officials had – that’s a huge amount of money even now and must have seemed astronomical in those days! Interesting piece and nice photo.
Oh, after seeing this beautiful view and reading your wonderful post, I have a strong urge to head back to NYC! Like you, I haven’t been there since I got a decent camera..I think it’s time! Looking forward to seeing more of your New York here!
A great shot, and such an informative piece… I had no idea of the rich history behind the Park. A friend and I celebrated our 50th birthdays (a long time ago) with a trip to New York, and one of the highlights included an evening in Central Park, listening to the Met Opera Company perform Tosca. Hundreds of people were decked out on the grass on their blankets, enjoying their picnic suppers. Magical! I’m looking forward to more photos!
New York would not be New York without Central Park. I was born and spent my early childhood years in NYC but it’s been {too many} years since I’ve been there. Thanks for the series on your trip … I’m looking forward to it.
Okay sweet girl, a few times is NOT 12 visits☺ Yes, I am jealous…sigh. Well you and your camera, did a fabulous job!
That is one amazing view, Sherry, just look at the colors! Must have been a perfect day for photos.
Beautiful pic !