The Harlem Meer & The Conservatory Garden: The Park of Kings! (New York: home, law)

[Design7]

I discovered the Harlem side of Central Park today for the first time. Wonderful, simply wonderful! The Harlem Meer is one of Central Park’s loveliest settings and worth the trip to 108th Street to discover. The Meer is the 11 acre lake (meer is dutch word for lake) found on the 108th side of Central Park. It is, to my eye, the most attractive of the Central Park lakes and feels like a step back in time, with a relaxed landscape and stately trees. Named "The Meer" to reflect the dutch heritage in the name Harlem, this lake was renovated in 1993 to reflect the designer’s, William Olmsted, original vision. This is a quieter, less crowded side of the park, and one of the most relaxing settings in New York City. It is also the home of the Central Park Conservatory, a beautiful formally landscaped garden with exquisite botanical touches and tranquil seating. This is the park of kings, one of New York's most beautiful and restful settings. Being in this place is simply a joy. If you have never seen Central Park uptown, you have not really seen New york City!

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Conservatory Garden View

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Garden Fountain Figure, The Conservatory Garden, Central Park

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The Harlem Meer, Central Park, New York City

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Flowers, The Conservatory Garden, Central Park

[Fred314X]

Frederick Law Olmsted was a genius, wasn't he? New York City should never stop being grateful that he did so much wonderful work here.

[Design7]

If I had to compile a list of the greatest New Yorkers of all time, Frederick Law Olmsted would be in the top ten. It is quite amazing that the city fathers of that time had the vision and drive to create such an expansive public space. Without it,New York would be nothing more than a huge commerce-only island that people flee at the end of the workday. Central Park gives the city a soul and makes it livable.

[Design7]

Here is another view from The Conservatory Garden in Central Park. This shows the Southern Garden with its bronze sculpture, the Burnett Fountain, depicting a young boy and girl. Based on characters from The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett the fountain was designed and constructed in 1936 by Bessie Potter Vonnoh. It is surrounded by a reflecting pool adorned with water lilies and goldfish. This quiet pocket of Central Park is one of its most beautiful features. What elegance!

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