Research Tactics
Central Park is one of my favorite parts of the city. It’s a perfect temporary getaway from the urban hustle and a relaxing place to interact with nature, welcoming millions of people everyday since its opening in the late 19th century.
I’ve been to Central Park multiple times since moving to New York City, but this time I visited with a focus on discovering the commerce aspect of the park. Before visiting the park, I researched the general information about Central Park online, and looked up its history. Since I didn’t come across a large amount of information about the commerce in Central Park except its revenue information, I decided to brainstorm the possible commercial venues in the park.
From prior visits, I’ve noticed there are a few food carts and the famous horse-carriage activity that are related to economics, so I mainly focused on documenting the different merchants in photos. During the most recent site visit, I also saw artist vendor stands near The Mall area, boat renting and bike renting booths, as well as multiple café shops and restaurants that contribute to the commerce aspect of Central Park. Activities involving commerce in the park are mostly recreational and leisure-related, since the existence of the park is aiming for people to enjoy nature and get away from the hustle of the city. Even though it was raining during the day I visited the park, I still enjoyed the visit, and the rain even romanticized the experience more.
Besides the direct interpretation of commerce in Central Park, the real estate near the park also enriches the economic element around the area. Apartment prices spike up in the Upper West and Upper East Side for any buildings that overlooks Central Park since it offers the unique and exquisite view of nature in New York City.
The commerce in Central Park ties directly to the cultural aspect, and the park is a place for people to connect with each other through communication and sharing a public space, offering a rare sense of tranquility in the city.
