The lack of planning due to the rapid expansion of towns and cities were addressed as the years passed. Planners realized that it was important to address the importance of the basic facilities of inhabitants which led to a building boom in the cities and towns. People also realized the importance of creating areas for recreational activities and the opportunity to socialize. An example of this is the construction of Central Park in New York. Beauty and culture was brought to the city with a sweeping parkland with a variety of unusual trees, plants and flowers. Classic styles of architecture were used in the buildings in Central Park, together with elegant fountains and statues of famous people to bring culture to New Yorkers. The Brooklyn Bridge connected Manhattan and Brooklyn and in 1898 the City of Greater New York consolidated the existing city with Staten Island, East Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens County.