| If visiting New York City this summer, there is a novel | | | | state of disrepair, which was compounded when it |
| and delightful way to spend Monday evenings | | | | became a storage area for construction materials and |
| outdoors by enjoying a picnic at Bryant Park before | | | | debris from the building of the subway. However, |
| sitting back to watch a classic movie on the big | | | | Robert Moses, parks commissioner of New York ran |
| screen. | | | | a competition to redesign the park which was won by |
| Bryant Park is located in the heart of Manhattan, just a | | | | Lusby Simpson, an architect from Queens. His French |
| stone's throw - well two blocks to the east to be | | | | classical design was delivered within a year and the |
| exact - from Grand Central Station. A fraction of the | | | | park re-opened to a glorious fanfare. |
| size of its illustrious city sister Central Park, Bryant Park | | | | However, by 1979 the park had again fallen into |
| dates back to 1686, when New York governor | | | | disrepair and it wasn't until 1992 that it was renovated |
| Thomas Dongan declared the plot to be public | | | | and reopened to acclaim from citizens, media and |
| property. At the time it was an untamed wilderness | | | | visitors alike. Now, the park is resplendent and |
| that provided hunting grounds for Native Americans, | | | | well-kempt and features Summer Movie screenings |
| but throughout its colourful 323 year history it has | | | | every Monday from mid-June to late August. You |
| always remained an area under public ownership. | | | | won't find any mention of the park in airline magazines |
| In 1853 the site of today's Bryant Park housed a | | | | on flights to New York, as New Yorkers tend to want |
| spectacular Crystal Palace, hosting New York's first | | | | to keep this little free attraction to themselves, although |
| 'world fair'. Unfortunately the impressive steel and glass | | | | anyone can attend. |
| construction remained standing for only five years | | | | For the best experience get there early at 5.00 p.m. |
| before it burned down in 1858. A further five years | | | | when park keepers open the grassed areas to the |
| later, at the height of the American Civil War the site | | | | public and claim your space by spreading out your |
| was used as a drill square for Union Army troops. It | | | | picnic blanket. Taking food and drink completes the |
| wasn't until 1884 that Bryant Park acquired its name in | | | | experience but don't overdo the beverage |
| honour of the poet and editor William Cullen Bryant | | | | consumption as it can be tough getting to the |
| who died in 1878. | | | | bathroom! |
| During the 1930s the park sadly descended into a | | | | |