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Central Park - New York City

More than 25 million visitors enjoy NYC Central Park each year. Over the past 150+ years, Central Park has becomes such a natural part of the Manhattan surrounding that most people are surprised to learn this 843 acres green oasis is entirely manmade. It spans well over 843 acres, and is one of the most visited urban parks in the United States of America.

Central Park provides a welcome tranquility, and a peaceful escape to all those that seek a break from the daily traffic, the rush, the routine, and the daily rhythms that make New York City one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Being located right in the middle of it all, Central Park allows ones to just cross the street and then slip into peaceful greenery and tranquility f its beautiful surroundings. Whether you want to read a book sitting on one of its nearly 9000 benches, or stretch under one of its 26000+ trees, jog, ride bicycle, play ball with your friends and family, or enjoy its many bridges, arches, fountains, and sculptures, Central Park is the place to be.

As the following facts demonstrate, Central Park -the very first public park built in America - is truly unique in many ways:

Area: Well over 843 acres (136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 150 acres of water)
Belvedere Castle: A viewing pavilion, completed in 1872
Bridges and Arches: 36
Buit in: 1858
Initial Cost: $14 million
National Historic Landmark Status: 1965
New York City Landmark Status: 1974
Number of Visitors/Year: over 25 million.
Original Design by: Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux
Pedestrian paths: 58 miles
Perimeter: over 6 miles
Playgrounds: 21
Sculptures; 51
Surrounding areas: From 8th Avenue to 5th Avenue, and 59th Street to 110th Street
Tavern on the Green: Originally a sheepfold housing a shepherd and his flock
The Carousel: Built in 1871, originally horse driven
The Great Loan: Created in 1934, when the Reservoir was filled
Time to build: 15 years
Trees and Shrubs: Originally planted: 500,000+, now 26,000+

Central Park offers many organized tours and activities for visitors of all ages. Depending upon the time of the year, and other scheduling constraints, some of the activities/tours that you may be able to enjoy at Central Park may include: "A Road Once Traveled" Tour, "Amble Through the Ramble" Tour, "Cross Park Promenade" Tour, "Manhattan Adirondacks" Tour, "Seneca Village" Tour, "Sports in the Park, "The Castle and its Kingdom" Tour, "Views from the Past" Tour, "Waterways and Vistas" Tour, Adult Climbing Instruction, Beginner Climbing For Groups, Challenge Course for Groups, Dairy Berry Fields Tour, Hallett Nature Sanctuary Tour, Halloween Ball: Out of the Darkness, Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Sail, Tai Chi for Adults, Then and Now" Tour, Woods and Water Exhibit, Yoga Flow, Yoga to Help Heal, and Youth Indoor Wall Climbing. Check with Central Park Conservancy located at 14 E. 60th St., New York, NY, 10022, Phone: 212-310-6600 for details.