New York City has lots to offer its residence and visitors, but few are free and fewer still change season to season. I often feel at home on Central Park, tall trees and rather quiet feel. It never looks like I’m home, very few evergreens and by comparison to most parks in the Northwest it’s flat as a pancake. I do enjoy a stroll through the massive park. I always find something new and the walk puts me at ease.
Yesterday afternoon the spouse and I walked through Central Park. I didn’t feel at home. I never feel at home when walking through snow even if it's surrounded by trees. We enjoyed ourselves though, despite the temperatures.
I’ve been through the park on several occasions now, one recently with a friend and her son. It was snowy then too, and dark. I was surprised how not creepy central park is at night since even New Yorkers tell you not to wonder at night. Perhaps I’ve only been to the very friendly areas. I’m not sure if the entire park is surrounded by some of the most wealthy people New York offers or if north of 88th street the Park looses it’s friendliness to the tourist. South of 88th it's a happy, wealthy atmosphere.
As much as this and other parks, have to offer their cities, I find it sad that the most beautiful places are often only accessible to those with the widest wallets.
Sure, technically the park has no fences and no entry fee (aside from the Zoo, Skating Rink, and boat rental) so everyone has the option to walk through and enjoy the sites and atmosphere has to offer, but it’s quite difficult for those of us who cannot afford to live next to the park to find their way there on any regular basis or even to find the time or subway fare to get there.
Sure this is true for many places, even what are considered national parks all of which are paid for by tax dollars. I find it frustrating.
I want a "see your country" discount. Available to all my fellow citizens.
Maybe like a passport style thing, where if it's not stamped yet, you get into the park free or for a significant discount.
We had a good time in Central Park. It’s actually pretty easy to forget about the giant buildings on all sides of you and loose yourself in all the trinkets they have for you to admire.
Edited to add pictures.
