Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world. It has everything including its own zip code. It is a vacation in itself, with activities going on all year long. Free concerts in the summer, ice skating in the winter, horse drawl carriage rides all year long, the zoo and so much more.
Central Park is almost 150 years old. When it was first planed in 1858, it was till surrounded by farm land. Manhattan was only developed as far north as 38th Street. They must have had a crystal ball to envision that the development would one day encompass the entire island of Manhattan and that today we would need the green spaces of Central Park to relax and unwind from the hectic pace of modern life.
Central Park is divided into four main areas. The South End from E 59th to E 72nd, The Great Lawn from 72nd to 85th, The Reservoir from 85th to 97th and the North End from 97th to 110th. Each section has its own personality. Let’s begin at the South end of Central Park and you can see what I mean.
One of my favorite places in Central Park is the Duck Pond. It is near the South East entrance to the park. You can sit here under the trees and lookup at the skyscrapers just a block away and fell like you are in an entirely different, and peaceful world. Be prepared to share your lunch with birds of every type from sparrows to ducks to geese to swans. They are so tame that they will come and sit on your lap till you feed them.
If you are a Beatle’s fan, one place you have to stop is Strawberry Fields, named, of course, after John Lennon’s song. It is a place of peace, with rolling hills covered with flowers, even in winter.
Two things that the children in particular will love are the statues of Mother Gooses and Alto. Remember Alto from the movies? He is the sled dog that saved the lives of the children in a remote Alaskan village by delivering the serum they needed. The modern day Iditarod. Dog Sled Race follows the trail Balto had to take way back in the early 20th century. If you have a chance to see the movie, you will see the Central Park statue of Balto in the last scene.
While we are thinking of the children, let’s look at the Central Park Carousel. The original one was built in 1870 and the current one was built in 1908. It is the fourth one on the site, and looks as good as the day it was made. Just as a point of interest, back in the olden days, before there was anything like electricity, actual horses and/or mules were used to turn a carousel. The carousel is open year round, weather permitting. Right near the Carousel is the Central Park Zoo. Open year round, the Central Park Wilde Life Center, the zoos official name, has a great Children’s Zoo where youngsters can get up close and personal with the animals. Don’t forget to take a walk through the Enchanted Forest.
There are five playgrounds in this part of the park with slides, swings, and even a tree house.
Enjoy music and free outdoor concerts? Check out the schedule for the Naumburg Bandshell. They have concerts throughout the year.
Central Park’s Wollman Rink is Central Park’s ice skating rink, They give lessons for beginners and the rink is in great shape. If you have a chance to come here during the evening session, do it. There is something magical about being on the ice with the lights of the city all around you.
Sheep Meadow
If you are in the mood for a picnic, or a day of kite flying, or ball tossing, bring your picnic lunch to Sheep Meadow. Sheep actually grazed here as late as 1934.
As you are strolling around through the shaded paths, take time to stop and see some of the many statues and monuments such as the 107th Infantry Memorial, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns and Christopher Columbus, just to name a few.
You can’t leave without visiting the gift shop. It is located in the Dairy. By the way there is also a chess and checkers area here with 24 tables. Back when the park was first built, the children who lived in the developed part of the city below 38th Street, could come here for a nice fresh glass of milk.
If you have not eaten at all the food stands throughout the park, the place for a good meal is Tavern on the Green restaurant. It is a good idea to call for reservations. Better safe than sorry. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the New York.
Moving north we come to The Great Lawn’ If you think there was a lot to do in the South End, just wait till you see what is here.
The great lawn itself is the place for the free summer concerts, but that is not all that is here. Not by along shot
There is Summit Rock. At one time, before the skyscrapers, you could actually see across the Hudson to New Jersey.
The Delacorte Theater Is the home of the New York Shakespear Festival.
Central Park’s Belvedere Castle. The view from the tower of Belvedere Castle is absolutely breathtaking/ today you can see a naturalist’s view of the word through microscopes Kids love it.
At the foot of Belvedere castle is Turtle Pond. It is truly a wildlife escape in the city with the pond inhabited by not only turtles but also frogs and aquatic birds and who know who else. The wild flowers growing around the pond add a splash of every color imaginable.
There are another six playgrounds in this section of Central Park with every playground activity imaginable.
And the lake. You can rent a boat, or take a gondola ride, or just take a long walk around the shores of the lake through the special paths.
And more statues, Alice in Wonderland and Hans Christian Andersen.
Ok, let’s move on up to the Central Park Reservoir. The Reservoir takes up most of the area here, but there are still things to do besides jogging around the water. For instance:
The Tennis Center
Tennis is not free, but if you want to play on some of the best courts in the city, it is well worth it.
How about horses. There is a great bridal path that winds around Central Park. You can rent horses for a private stable, and let the horses do the walking.
And three more playgrounds.
One more section to go.
Yes, more playgrounds in the North End. Seven to be exact. Central Park is a child’s dream come true.
Conservatory Garden This is the one place that is formal. No relaxing with a picnic, but you can stroll through the garden and get the feel of what an English Country garden is like.
The Pool. Sorry, not the kind you can go swimming in. It is a recreation of New York’s Up State Adirondack Mountain Region.
Well we made it all the way North. And these are only some of the park’s features. When you come to New York, make Central Park a must see on your list. And don’t forget to bring something for the birds
