15. Eastern Parkway and Ocean Parkway
Both the Eastern Parkway and Ocean Parkway are designated roads in New York City. The Eastern Parkway is significant because it is considered the “world’s first parkway.” It is both a New York City landmark and a National Landmark. Designed by Central Park and Prospect Park architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux, Eastern Parkway was intended to emulate the boulevards of Europe, like the Champs-Élysées.
Built in conjunction with Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park, Eastern Parkway fittingly terminates at the grand Soldiers’ and Sailors’ arch, much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Ocean Parkway, which starts in Kensington, Brooklyn, was also designed by Olmstead and Vaux. Running nearly five miles all the way to Brighton Beach, the parkway featured America’s first bike path, installed in 1894. There were also bridle paths for horses. The parkway was designated a New York landmark in 1975, after which it was restored and repaved.
NY Landmarks Conservancy Talk
Uncover more fascinating New York City landmarks in our upcoming Untapped New York Insiders talk with New York Landmarks Conservancy Presiden Peg Breen on March 7th!
Next, check out 10 Restaurants Housed Inside New York City Landmarks and 9 Hidden Apartments in Famous NYC Landmarks