October 2022

In my three decades of living in NYC, there is nothing that has captivated me more than Central Park. Through the years and after countless walks, runs and bike rides, this oasis amidst the frenzy of NYC has been a constant presence in my journey as a New Yorker. As I walk around the park, its various backdrops and corners come to life with memories of days past (some long gone), of time with family and friends, of quiet morning bike rides and early evening runs. Oh, there’s Cedar Hill, where we had a grand family picnic, and Sheep Meadow where I hopelessly tried to do cartwheels with friends. There’s the Great Lawn where friends and I laid on the grass enjoying grapes and wine on a Sunday afternoon, and the Bethesda Terrace shimmering in a sea of white as a lone guitarist played haunting melodies after a blizzard. I have always loved taking people around the park, through its famous landmarks and along paths less trodden, in the hope that they, too, would discover its magic. It has lifted me to the highest spirits (such as on a beautiful fall afternoon in 1998 while crossing the finish line of the NYC marathon) and has always provided solace and serenity during times of introspection or when just trying to get away from the daily grind. Central Park is certainly a place to be checked off in many a bucket list, but for me, my bond with this jewel has always been very personal, sublimely intimate, and always endearing.

Here are a few of my favorite scenes captured in different seasons through the years.