Spotlight: NYC - Central Park

Spotlight: "Central Park is the 843-acre masterpiece of landscape architecture designed in the 19th century by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and designated New York City's first scenic landmark in 1974. As one of America's greatest works of art and the nation's first public park, Central Park has become the most famous and beloved urban park in the world." (Official Website of New York's Central Park)
    During the early 20th Century, many of Central Park's major features began to erode due to overuse or neglect. Robert Moses, Park Commissioner from 1934-1960, received federal funding to restore many of the damaged landscapes and structures. Unfortunately, the restorations were temporary since no permanent structure for maintaining the Park had been established. During the mid to late 1900's Central Park developed a negative image due to unchecked garbage, graffiti, vandalism, and other illegal activities. In an effort to remedy the situation, Elizabeth "Betsy" Barlow Rogers was named Central Park Administrator. Using both public and private funds provided by agencies such as the Central Park Conservancy, she launched a series of campaigns designed to revitalize the Park. More important, the Conservancy set up an endowment to ensure the continued maintenance of the Park's natural features and facilities. Today, Central Park has been restored to its place as a national treasure, as evidenced by its 42 million visitors a year. 

View of Central Park from the Top of the Rock

Location: Central Park is located in the middle of Manhattan, between 5th and 8th Avenues and between W. 59th Street and 110th Street. For an interactive map of the Park, click here.

Cost: Free to enter, but some activities cost extra: tours ($15), Central Park Zoo ($13-$18), Carousel ($3/ride), rowboat rentals ($12 for first hour)

Central Park Carousel

Time: Open daily from 6 am - 1 am. You could spend anywhere the entire day just wandering around - and you still might not see everything.

Description: Central Park has a wide variety of activities and facilities for people of all ages. Since we were only there for a short time on our way to the American Museum of Natural History, we only visited a few areas of the Park. Our girls (then 6 & 11) had a blast playing at the Adventure Playground, which had a variety of different activities for them to do. They also had fun riding the Carousel with its brightly painted horses. We also enjoyed looking at the turtles at Wagner Cove.

Adventure Playground

Wagner Cove

     It would be almost impossible to list all the possible recreational activities available in Central Park, so here is just a summary of some of the more popular ones. The Park provides facilities (such as the North Meadows Recreation Center) for a variety of sports including: football, soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, handball, swimming, boating, cycling, ice skating, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, and jogging. Some of the popular tourist sites include: Belvedere Castle, the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, the Dairy Visitor Center, the Central Park Police Precinct, the Delacorte Theater, the Lasker Rink & Pool, Wollman Rink, the Loeb Boathouse, the Rumsey Playfield, the Conservatory Garden, the Central Park Zoo, Vista Rock and the Chess & Checkers House. There are dozens of other interesting gardens, fountains, water falls, lakes, ponds, statues, bridges, arches, playgrounds and trails throughout the park. Other popular recreational activities include: concerts, horse-drawn carriages, bird-watching, kite flying, hiking and fishing.

Rating: 4+ stars (out of 5) - we only saw a small portion of the Park; but looking at others' pictures, I'm sure I would give it 5 stars on a second visit

Things You Should Know: - Information kiosks are located throughout the Park.
- Concession carts are scattered throughout the Park. In addition, Central Park has 3 full service restaurants, and a 6 permanent concession stands.
- There are 7 restroom facilities that are open from about 7 am - dusk.
- Central Park offers tours to those who would like to gain an in-depth understanding of the Park's history and activities. Some tours are free, others cost about $15/person.
- Cars are only permitted on four drives within the Park, and only during posted hours.
- Dogs are permitted in many areas of the Park, but must be under the control of their owners at all times. Dogs are prohibited on all ballfields, recreational courts, playgrounds, water bodies, streams, ornamental fountains, elm islands at the Mall and the Great Lawn Oval, Lilac Walk, and the Reservoir running track.
- Alcohol is prohibited in the Park.
- Urban Park Rangers are available to help with any questions or problems (212-360-2774).

Nearby: American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine