CENTRAL PARK is Manhattan’s garden and although it appears natural it is for the most part man-made. Before the park could be developed “…the area had to be cleared of its inhabitants...” These ‘undesirables’ were African-Americans and new immigrants (German or Irish origin) but their communities were hardly shanty-towns, rather they were well-established communities bearing names such as: Seneca Village, Harsenville, the Piggery District or the Convent of the Sisters of Charity. Approximately 1,600 blue-collar citizens were forcibly evicted under the rule of eminent domain during 1857, and Seneca Village and sections of other neighborhoods were demolished to make way for CENTRAL PARK. Not a good start for a park that would later become associated with community.  In time, however, CENTRAL PARK was redeemed through her unique landscaping: the lake, the rock formations, the meadow; her architecture: 36 bridges and engineering that allowed the free-flow of pedestrians, horseback riders, trucks, buses and cars. A woman’s touch came in 1868 when sculptor: Emma Stebbins created the bronze fountain or Angel of the Waters Fountain. When I think of CENTRAL PARK I think of free classical concerts, of lolling around in the grass, of lining up to watch Shakespeare’s plays performed, I think of great art like The Gates: 1979-2005 by Christo and Jeanne-Claude; I think of boat rides, the buskers, the carousel and dog walkers. I also think of the TV series: Angels in America, which brings me nicely back to my image: The Bethesda Angel in CENTRAL PARK.