CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK
General info. (212) 360-3444
Parks and recreation. (212) 360-8111

Central Park was the first landscaped public park in the United States, and continues to function as a sort of oasis in the heart of a sprawling metropolis. It is located between Fifth and Eighth avenues and 59^th and 106^th streets, and serves as a refuge for millions of the city’s residents, as well as a popular tourist attraction and site of several interesting things to see and do. Besides jogging, biking, and rollerblading trails and wide open spaces, Central Park offers several activities that will allow you to stop and take a breather from the concrete jungle.

The park was conceived back in 1853, when the state legislature authorized the City of New York to use its political might to use up over seven hundred acres of land in the heart of Manhattan. The park was created by moving almost two thousand poorer residents from their shantytowns and completely overhauling the area, planting grass, leveling land, and basically beautifying an area that wasn’t all too beautiful. When complete, it started attracting crowds almost immediately, and by 1865, over seven million people visited annually. This holds true right up to the present day, with free concerts and events adding even more to the park’s charm.

One of the most noted highlights of the park is the Central Park Wildlife Center, a zoo which is host to over a hundred species, including sea lions, penguins, and even polar bears. It is amazing to see exotic animals in the middle of a park in the middle of a city, and creates a sort of surreal atmosphere (well, to us, anyway). Near the zoo is the famous Delacorte Clock, which depicts a collection of mechanical animals on its face.

Delacorte Theater is a completely free, open-air venue that hosts summer performances from the Joseph Papp Shakespeare Theater Company. A night of Shakespeare in the Park is great for couples of all ages; very romantic. Showtime is usually around 8 o’clock in the evening.

The Great Lawn is essentially everything in the middle of the park. It’s magnificently maintained and tended, with baseball fields and prime picnic groves for everyone. The perfect place to toss a Frisbee or catch a few rays, the Great Lawn is often crowded and always enjoyed.

Strawberry Fields is a bittersweet portion of the park. Dedicated to the memory of John Lennon in the wake of his tragic shooting just across the street, the Fields immediately call to mind the Beatles song of 1967. A vigil is held annually on December 8^th, the day of his death in 1980.

Wollman Memorial Rink is another refuge—a massive skating facility. Although its loud music can be a little too much at times, it is ideal for a spin on the ice during the winter months, or a rollerblade during summer.

To further enjoy the attractions of Central Park, their renowned hansom carriages are always available for you and your sweetie to travel its trails. This experience is especially romantic at night. It is definitely recommended that you enjoy this luxury during your visit to the Big Apple.