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Unlike some of the other submissions that included grand, elaborate buildings, Olmsted and Vaux kept structures to a minimum, with only four in the original plan. The design and materials for the buildings were also specifically selected to blend in with the natural environment.
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Greensward was announced the winner in the spring of 1858. The selection commillee debated over certain design points-some of the members wanted a wide grand avenue in the park, similar to those found in European parks. Olmsted argued against it by saying that stately roads would "destroy scenery at great cost" and that "straight Enes of trees or stately architecture... belong not to parks for the people but to palatial gardens." Olmsted and Vaux had created their design for the recreation of all people, not just the wealthy. The park was to be a place where all New Yorkers could enjoy nature. Its ultimate design would retain this feeling.
The construction of Central Park was one of the most massive public works projects to take place in 19th-century New York. It required about 20,000 workers to reshape the natural features of the land according to Olmsted and Vaux's plan. Three hundred thousand cubic yards of rock were blasted into rubble, and the resulting stone was crushed to use as paving material. Nearly three million cubic yards of soil were moved, and more than 270,000 trees and shrubs were planted. Swamps were transformed into scenic lakes, and extensive drainage work was done to get rid of small streams and pools. By 1866, more than $5 million had been spent on construction. The park's final price tag was more than $10 million. In the end, this entirely planned park, stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street and from Fifth to Eighth avenues, had a completely natural, unplanned feeling to iL
The process of overseeing the park's construction and accounting for its expenditures exhausted Olmsted. He required a six-week rest cure in Europe in 1859 and suffered a severe broken leg in 1860 that laid him up, but he had the plans for the park spread out in his bedroom so he could continue to work. When he tried to resign from the project in 1861, however, the commission knew that it could not afford to lose him. Ultimately, Olmsted's duties and responsibilities were decreased, and when he departed the project to serve in the U.S. Sanitary Commission during the Civil War (1861-1865), the park's construction was completed under park commission president Andrew Green and Vaux.
Olensted's involvement in Central Park spanned nearly 20 years. It was not the only
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site he worked or consulted on, and, for a couple of years, other projects demanded his full attention. But from the time their plan was selected until the mid-1870s, Olmsted and Vaux were associated with the park on and off. Sometimes, their titles as landscape architect advisors required little on-site work. A: other times, such as when Olmsted filled in as acting president of the Department of Public Parks, he looked into establishing lights in the park at night and assessing the park's safety. By 1878, however, Olmsted's role with the park officially ended.
Today, Central Park stands as one of Olmsted's greatest legacies. It contains numerous playgrounds and athletic fields. Runners and bicyclists make use of the wide, rolling paths. There are places to skate in the winter and boat in the summer. Concerts, plays, and rallies take place there. Sculptures by famous artists can be found throughout the park. There are also quiet places to walk, sit and read a book, or watch birds, Central Park has become a world-famous site that attracts more than 25 million visitors each year. It also is a shining example of Olmsted's desire to create and preserve public green spaces in urban places for generations of people to enjoy.
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Which evidence supports the claim that Americans "appreciated natural landscapes" (line 4)?
A "The area was considered to lack any real estate value-it included swamps, bluffs, and rock outcroppings as well as two reservoirs that supplied city water." (lines 6 through 8) B "Vaux designed more than 40 bridges so that these various paths would never have to cross on the same level" (lines 27 and 28)
C "The construction of Central Park was one of the most massive public works projects to take place in 19th-century New York." (lines 41 and 42)
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"There are also quiet places to walk, sit and read a book, or watch birds." (lines 71 and 72)
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How does the information regarding the competition contribute to the reader's understanding of Vaux and Olmsted?
A Vaux had different ideas from Olmsted regarding the appearance of the park
B Vaux and Olmsted carefully considered suggestions made by the committee. C Vaux and Olmsted's collaboration benefited from their distinct abilities. D Vaux was more concerned about details than Olmsted
Which evidence supports the idea that Olmsted and Vaux wanted their park to appeal to all New Yorkers?
A They excluded some designs common to European parks.
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They decided to put the park in the middle of Manhattan
C They hired thousands of local residents to build the park.
D They included lights so the park could be used at night.
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