Central Park- general info and history

In 1856, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux transformed 843 acres of land into New York's most treasured public space. The park contains grassy meadows, wooded groves, and formal gardens; paths for running, strolling, horseback riding, and biking; playing fields; a small zoo; an ice-skating rink; a carousel; an outdoor theater; and numerous fountains and sculptures. Highlights include the ornate, three-tiered the Bethesda Fountain (Mid-park, at 72nd St.); the magnificent formal Conservatory Garden (Near Harlem Meer, 5th Ave. and 105th St., 212/360-2766, COST: Free, Daily 8-dusk); the Friedsam Memorial Carousel (Mid-park, at 64th St., 212/879-0244, COST: $1, Apr.-Nov., daily 10-6; Dec.-Mar., weekends 10-4:30, weather permitting); the Shakespeare Garden (West Park Dr. and 79th St. transverse); and Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon (West Park Dr. and W. 72nd St.). www.centralparknyc.org (Source: Fodors)