Central Park is New York City’s 843-acre backyard. It is a beloved and essential public space that serves as an escape from the stresses of the City, a place to play, relax, and breathe a little easier. The world-famous Central Park is the largest and most important public park in Manhattan,  and was one of the first American parks to be developed using landscape architecture techniques when it was created beginning in 1858 to address the recreational needs of the rapidly growing city. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park influenced the development of urban parks nationwide and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of landscape architecture. The park’s original purpose was to offer urban dwellers an experience of the countryside, a place to escape from the stresses of urban life and to commune with nature and fellow New Yorkers. Over 150 years later, the park still provides this essential purpose, and welcomes all visitors, while accommodating newer forms of recreational activities. In fact, Central Park welcomes 43 millions visitors a year in person, and now welcomes YOU virtually to experience the magic of the park, even from the comfort of your own home.