Bryant PArk

887 Words2 Pages

Though the land that is now Bryant Park was set-aside in 1686 as a public space, it became designated as Bryant Park in 1884. The site was originally a potter’s field, or a cemetery for the poor. After being a cemetery, the site held a reservoir, which helped supply the city with water. The site was originally called Reservoir Square in honor of the reservoir. However, it was later destroyed when the park was chosen as a site for the New York Public Library in 1899 and Bryant Park was truly born. The new name was chosen as a way to honor William Cullen Bryant who was not only a popular poet but also a famous abolitionist. The library was built for free from the Tilden Trust and is still part of the site to this day. Though Bryant Park was closely associated with a famous New York landmark, the park eventually became known as an unsavory part of the city. After being redesigned in 1934, the park became a crime-ridden area and was generally unsafe. However, a renovation of the New York Public library helped prompt another redesign in the early 1980s. This overhaul of the park completely changed the landscape of the park and added new amenities. The park was also privatized during this time period and is now controlled by the Bryant Park Corporation. The privatization of the park allowed some the new redesigns because it was important for local businesses to save the park. The park is now a safe, celebrated part of New York that has numerous events and attractions. The park even got wifi in 2002 making it the first wireless park in New York City.
The redesigned Bryant Park is a delightful destination for any busy urbanite. Located in downtown Manhattan, the 9,600 acre park is a breath of fresh air from the bustling city atmosphere. B...

... middle of paper ...

...enovating the library, the park itself went through an overhaul. The landscape architecture firm Hanna and Olin headed the landscape part of the redesign. Their vision included returning the park to street level and generally opening it up to the public to increase safety. Not only did the landscape of Bryant Park change, but also new amenities and attractions were put in place to make the park popular again. This included adding new statues while fixing up old ones, renovating bathrooms, adding new gardens and generally making the site more attractive. Some of the most popular changes has been a new café and flexible seating which make it an attractive lunch-time spot. The new and improved Bryant Park reopened in 1992 to much praise. Since the redesign, crime has dropped significantly and the park has become a popular destination for both tourists and New Yorkers.

Open Document