Several
influences came together in the design.
Landscaped cemeteries, such as Mount
Auburn (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
and Green-Wood (Brooklyn, New York)
had set an example of idyllic, naturalistic
landscapes. The most influential innovations
in the Central Park design, were the
"separate circulation systems"
for pedestrians, horseback riders,
and pleasure vehicles. The "crosstown"
commercial traffic was entirely concealed
in sunken roadways screened with densely
planted shrub belts, so as not to
disturb the impression of a rustic
scene. The Greensward plan called
for some 36 bridges, all designed
by Vaux, ranging from rugged spans
of Manhattan schist or granite, to
lacy neo-gothic cast iron, no two
alike. The ensemble of the formal
line of the Mall's doubled allées
of elms culminating at Bethesda Terrace,
with a composed view beyond of lake
and woodland was at the heart of the
larger design.
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