Central Park, an Insider's Review

When speaking of city parks, only one comes to mind amidst the vast plethora of parks I've wandered through over my young years, and so it is not with undue acclaim or respect that Central Park can be considered by many as the best park in New York, if not America. Located in the nerve center of Manhattan, it's more of a tranquil haven nestled in the heart of the world's busiest city. Tourists and New Yorkers alike, flock daily to experience the sights and sounds of this remarkable locale. Tourists write home to anticipating loved ones, sharing their newfound adventures and thrills, and mentioning of things they saw and experienced at 'the' park...while dreaming of return visits in future travels. Residents stroll or jog through tree-laden walkways and sweetly scented paths on their days off. Often you'll find pockets of serenity hiding in moments of repose, embraced in the park's warmth and greenery, or maybe these same relaxing individuals chatting with good friends seated along one of a vast choice of grassy knolls.

However, as often as you might hear a tourist talk about what they have experienced being there, how often have you heard the park itself speak of what it's like to play host to millions of people every day? Alas, the park is without a way to communicate its feelings other than through its own warmth and generosity. But being a young man whose livelihood has led him to spend ten-hour days inside this expansive refuge, let me take you on a brief journey from the humble perspective of a food vendor and entrepreneur.

From dawn till dusk my vantage point behind the placid 2X4 structure housing me gets a clear line of sight on the hundreds who walk by, each lost in their own worlds. Ah, I wouldn't give up on the park for anything.

My rewarding labors at the carousel include selling snacks and drinks to the colorful groups of babies, toddlers, kids, youth and adults. Does that sound boring? It very well might be, if this were any other park, but here at Central Park, it is not just a job, it has become a life adventure. The experience of being part of something larger then oneself, this is the essence of what I muse on.

Mornings, when I arrive, throngs are already bustling about, in and out the winding lanes and walkways, the horse drawn carriages clickety-clack and clatter along the road, tourists snap photos madly scrambling for the perfect effect and scene to send back home, and children play on the sidewalks under the beautiful green-lined shade trees. This and more are what permeate your five senses as you arrive in the morning's invigorating glow.

As midday breaks away from dawn, the tourists begin to outnumber the city's own regular park goers. You see the regular's precariously balancing sandwiches in one-hand and cell phones in the other. They come out on their lunch breaks from the surrounding businesses eager to catch a glimpse of peace before their shift starts again.

Midday melts into two o'clock, which is when the park sees its largest populace boom, as school kids swarm from their educational habits after three, and droves of appreciative tourists flock eager to bask in the kindly sun. Some play baseball in the courts; others fling Frisbees back and forth.

If you're in the mood for a more hushed atmosphere take a stroll north, where you'll find the quaint small paths leading through soft grass heading into rock formations that suggest visions of climbing Everest.

As the afternoon winds begin to blow, the weather takes its typical turn towards perfection, and this is the time when if you've done your homework, only the select, privileged few enter and partake of the Park's full glorious attributes. They have escaped the blistering heat, and the real treat unfolds as the golden sun's glow warmly shines cooled by the whispering wind. In this moment is the time to rest on the languid grass, stare up into the blue skies, holding the hand of that special someone next to you. It's as close to heaven as you'll find in this life.

When nightshades begin to draw upon the park, tourists file slowly past heading towards the waiting streets bordering. The respectable, the chic, the stylish, the average citizens drift away. Groups of friends may still be seen to pass by, but slowly most human creatures and movement decreases. This is the park that many have not seen. This is the twilight hour, when nature becomes herself. Anxious squirrels glide by as they roam up and down trees, opossums scurry through the grass, and raccoons rummage assertively through the trash. I amble out of the park with a friend. The street lamps light my way. Nearing the exit, I can't resist the temptation to look back, breathing in the last fragrant scents of Central Park's memories. I'm glad that I'll be coming back tomorrow.

For those of you who have yet to visit this glorious park, I urge you to do so soon. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. A dream can become reality if you put feet to it. This is one of the wonders of our world. Enough said.