Although the land that is now Bryant Park was set aside in 1686 as a public space, it was designated Bryant Park in 1884. The site was originally a potter's field, or pauper's cemetery. Once a cemetery, the site contained a reservoir, which helped supply the city with water. The site was originally named Reservoir Square in honor of the reservoir. However, it was later destroyed when the park was chosen as the site for the New York Public Library in 1899 and Bryant Park was born. The new name was chosen to honor William Cullen Bryant who was not only a popular poet but also a famous abolitionist. The library was built free of charge by the Tilden Trust and remains part of the site today. Although Bryant Park was closely associated with a famous New York landmark, the park eventually became known as an unsightly part of the city. After being redesigned in 1934, the park became a crime-ridden area and was generally dangerous. However, a renovation of the New York Public Library helped spur another redesign in the early 1980s. This park overhaul completely changed the park's landscape and added new amenities. The park was also privatized during this period and is now controlled by the Bryant Park Corporation. The privatization of the park allowed for some new redesigns because it was important for local businesses to save the park. The park is now a safe and celebrated part of New York hosting numerous events and attractions. The park also got Wi-Fi in 2002, making it New York City's first wireless park. The redesigned Bryant Park is a delightful destination for any busy citizen. Located in midtown Manhattan, the 9,600-acre park is a breath of fresh air from the bustling city atmosphere. B...... middle of paper ...... renovating the library, the park itself underwent a renovation. Landscape architecture firm Hanna and Olin led the landscaping portion of the redesign. Their vision included bringing the park back to street level and generally opening it up to the public to increase safety. Not only has the landscape of Bryant Park changed, but new amenities and attractions have also been created to make the park popular again. This included adding new statues while fixing up old ones, renovating bathrooms, adding new gardens, and generally making the site more attractive. Some of the most popular changes have been a new cafe and flexible seating which makes it an attractive lunchtime venue. The new and improved Bryant Park reopened in 1992 to much praise. After the redesign, crime dropped significantly and the park became a popular destination for tourists and New Yorkers alike.