"Central Park is of great importance as the first real park made in this country—a democratic development of the highest significance... It is a ground which, in the midst of the largest of our cities, affords a pleasure-ground, a resort for the thousands who have no other escape from the hard granite and rough sidewalks of the town, a sanctuary of peace for the tired workers and residents, a place for reflection, relief, and recreation. It serves as a single, powerful, yet quiet influence on the health and spirits of the people." -Frederick Law Olmsted