The park was designed by two landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmstead and his partner Calvert Vaux, who were to become famous as the result of the success of Central Park. Their award-winning design, known as the Greensward Plan, stood out from thirty-two other designs in the park's design competition.

The park would extend from 59th Street to 106th Street and cover 778 acres. (In 1863 the area was extended to 110th Street, for a total of 843 acres.)

The designers envisioned fountains and statues, promenades and terraces, lakes for iceskating and paths for carriage rides. When Central Park opened, it would be a place where wealthy people could "see and be seen," as well as rest and play.

When poorer people visited the park, it would be to work, like the African American nanny at the left in this drawing.

But first the existing terrain had to be dramatically reshaped to create the park's grassy grounds and meadows, winding paths, and carefully landscaped vistas.

Rock formations had to be leveled and pockets of water had to be drained.

Part of the area had to be flooded to create the lake. The houses in the background were part of the community of Harsenville.