Family Travelogue: Central Park Manhattan NYC: BETHESDA TERRACE AND FOUNTAIN, STRAWBERRY FIELDS, WOLLMAN SKATING RINK/ Family Travelogue 27 November 2016

View of Central Park New York from Top of the Rock

Central Park in Manhattan New York is the most visited park in US. It is very huge over 300 hectares. The east part is bounded by the 5th ave. We just attended the Sunday Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral. Thereafter, we walked along the stretch from 5th ave from SAKS Fifth Ave and the Rockefeller's shopfront buildings all the way up to Central Park. Autumn about to wrap up, Winter is approaching.

Pullitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza, Manhattan, NY, USA

We were welcomed by the statues at the Grand Army Plaza, nearing the South entrance to the Central Park. The plaza is along the 5th ave between W 58th and W 60th Streets

Ponoma at the top of Pullitzer Fountain, Manhattan, NY

We thought of morning tea at the Plaza Food Hall to get energized before continuing our day to Central Park.

The Monument of Simon Bolivar, by Sally Jane Farnham

Looking over the 6th ave at the Central Park South is the statue of Simon Bolivar, sculpted by Sally Jane Farnham. The statue is a symbol of the Independence of Latin America. Simon Boliver (1783~1830) was a military leader who led several South American countries such as Venezuela to independence.

Cycling is the best to explore the Central Park in New York. We were at lost though sometimes which way to get to a place, a few are one way only. We checked out a few of the popular spots in the park

Greyshot Arch at Central Park New York

One of the little bridges that can be seen at the Central Park. No two bridges are of same designs.

The are many to do at the park. In summer, the green lawns are full of picnickers. Definitely a great spot on a clear day. And a good big place for the kids to play around.

The park offers good views such as of the city's tall buildings and cool breezes, a good break from the hustle and bustle of the city

A good place as well to walk your dog.

Finally, we reached the Bethesda Terrace. The fountain was there but empty, thus, looks tired. I believe it is not operating during winter.

Balloon blower at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Bethesda Terrace stairs at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Overlooking the Bethesda Fountain and The Lake at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

No sky scraper seen around though, Bethesda Terrace offers good views of the lake and the woods. More so, in summer, when the Bethesda Fountain is with water and operating.

Overlooking the Bethesda Fountain and The Lake at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Food Trucks at the Central Park's Bethesda Terrace, Manhattan, NYC

Overlooking the Bethesda Fountain and the Loeb Boathouse at The Lake, Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Bethesda Terrace at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

The elegant archways of the Bethesda Terrace overlooking the Lake at Central Park. Inside the lower passage is a work of art with Minton tiles ceilings and decorative side panels. Walking all the way to the end of the passage is another flight of steps that leads to The Mall.

The crowds coming from and going to The Mall and the Literary Walk.

The Mall and Literary Walk, Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Linked to the Bethesda is the The Mall. The north to south walkway of The Mall is lined with elm trees.

Not far from Bethesda Terrace, near Central Park West between 71st and 74th street, is the Strawberry Fields with 2.5acre area. The area is in memory to the late John Lennon, a prominent member of the beatles group, for his life and talent . He was a musician and peace activist. Strawberry Fields is one of the hit songs of the Beatles. This area is designated as Quiet Zone and a Garden of Peace.

Black and White IMAGINE mosaic at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

The IMAGINE mosaic was designed by a team of artists from Naples, Italy. IMAGINE is a famous meaningful song of John Lennon: Vision and Hope for a World without War and Conflict is what the song, IMAGINE, would like to evoke.

Above is a plaque with the list of over 120 countries that planted flowers and donated money for the maintenance of the Strawberry Fields area. Latter is the favourite area at Central Park of John Lennon and his wife. They lived nearby, at Dakota Apartments, the same place where John Lennon was murdered in 1980.

Exploring Central Park.. your choice: to walk, to cycle or by horse drawn carriage ride. We will explore on foot on our next visit.

Cycling at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Cycling is the fastest to explore the park and much cheaper than the horse drawn carriage ride.

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides at Central Park, Manhattan, NYC

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides is the romantic and picturesque way to explore though, you will encounter animal rights group trying to stop you. The said group had been in crusade to ban this so called cruel industry.

Wollman Skating Rink at Central Park, Manhattan NYC

Wollman Skating Rink is for public use opens from October to April every year. In summer, it is used as an amusement park. The Rink is in the southern part of the Central Park.

William J Wollman was the operator of the William J Wollman's Stock Exchang firm. After he died in 1937, his sister, Kate Wollman donated part of his estate- US$600,000, for a public Skating Rink in memory of his brother, William.

Many thought Donald Trump owns the Wollman Skating Rink...???

The Rink stopped making ice in 1980. US$9.1M budget was approved for the renovation for two years. Six years after (1986), the renovation has yet completed, still no ice. Donald Trump challenged the Mayor then, Ed Koch, to let him finished the job. Hesitant though, the mayor allowed Donald Trump. Four months later, the renovation has been completed successfully for 25% below the budget.

Join us at the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, the next blog

Continued from : St Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave

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