All About Central Park

Sandwiched between Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Upper East Side, Central Park embraces more than 843 acres. The park is one of the most filmed locations in the world and has large lawned areas of open space with ornamental smaller parks, fountains and recreational facilities for New Yorkers to enjoy. Many concerts have been staged in Central Park but due to the Covid pandemic, these have been necessarily restricted.

There are so many sites to explore in the park, such as the Jackie Onassis Reservoir, an extensive body of water of about 106 acres, and named after the wife of the late President John F. Kennedy, and in recognition of her contributions to the city.

Also, there is The Ramble, a forested nature reserve of about 38 acres where you can see flora and fauna in natural surroundings. The bird life here is fantastic, unbelievable and exotic. You would be forgiven in thinking you are far from the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Nearby is a sizeable lake extending northwards beyond which the grounds rise gently to the Belvedere Castle.

Further north you will find The Bethesda Terrace and fountain in which stands a stunning sculpture called The Angel of the Water where I couldn’t help myself from making a wish.

Central Park has an ice rink, a carousel and a shopping mall. Covering such a large area and with so much to see, you may wish to hire a bicycle or if you have the time and feel more romantic, a horse and carriage.

The park contains 8 man-made lakes and ponds of varying size. Children are spoilt for choice with in excess of 21 playgrounds containing the obligatory paraphernalia little hooligans love – see-saws, slides, chutes, swings, roundabouts, jumping castles, mini train rides and other diversions.

Don’t forget to visit the zoo also situated within the park. Although much smaller than the famed New York Zoo it is still very well worth the time. Some of the animals are endangered in their natural habitat and the zoo gives us hope that certain species are safe under its auspices.

At the end of the day, exhausted yet exhilarated, you return to the lodgings of your choice. The Big Apple has literally thousands of hotels from which to choose. They range from “No Star” bed-and-breakfasts to 5-star splendid luxury accommodation. Many of them are within striking distance of Central Park.

Each visit to Central Park is a new revelation and never boring.