William Cullen Bryant surveying his park.

For other pictures from his park see here.

Not many years ago this park was filled with trash, garbage and junkies, and was something to be avoided at all costs. Then the city decided to clean it up, and was successful beyond its dreams. Now it is a beautiful midtown oasis for peaceful contemplation, lunchtime concerts and other public events At one point the city even brought in a falcon to scare away the pigeons. However, after the falcon had scared off the pigeons, it attacked and carried off a Chihuahua, probably mistaking it for an overweight rat. The Chihuahua's owner, in good New York style, promptly sued for millions for her emotional distress, and the falcon was banished in disgrace.

Some of Bryant's poems can be read here.