Central Park in New York City offers so much in the form of a big city getaway but Strawberry Fields is a must visit.
For Beatles fans there isn’t much to see here in the United States but despite the somber tones, Strawberry Fields is a Beatles fans mecca.
Just off of West 72nd street along the southwest side of Central Park sits a 2.5 acre section that is devoted to the memory of John Lennon. Strawberry Fields, named after one of Lennon and Paul McCartney’s hit songs, is a quiet escape from the anguish of the Big Apple and a piece of Central Park that takes peace to another level.
The landscaped area was designed by architect Bruce Kelly. Wind up the walkway and you will come to a pathway lined with benches and in the center, a tiled mural that simply says, IMAGINE. Signs ask for quite solitude but on the right days a musician may be sitting on a bench near the mosaic artwork IMAGINE softly playing one of Lennon’s songs.
Across the street stands the Dakota, the last home of Lennon and on those streets where he was fatally shot. Look to the top and you will see the windows of his apartment. It has been said over the last 30 years that Lennon loved the peacefulness of Central Park below and would often cross the street to the park. That same location where Strawberry Fields is today.
Last week crowds of people celebrated what would have been Lennon’s 80th birthday at Strawberry Fields. They sang songs and musicians lined the pathways in celebration.
Lennon’s ashes were scattered around this area of the park and it has become a favorite spot for fans of The Beatles and musicians alike. There is joy in that peace and seeing so many make their way through that area to this day reminds us all of how much influence the man and the music had on generations.
If you are visiting NYC then surely you will make your way to Central Park. Why would you not? So if you are there, take the short walk up the path and let the sounds of Strawberry Fields take you away. Then smile, and imagine.