You can’t visit New York without a meander through Central Park!
It is the most visited urban park in the United States with an estimated 45 million people visiting it every year.
Although it’s the sixth largest park in New York city it covers an area of 843 acres (or 1100 football fields!) has eight lakes and ponds, woods and grassy fields, 21 children’s playgrounds and 6.1 miles / 9.8 km of roads.
Construction of the park started in the 1850’s and it went through a number of declines and rehabilitations most notably in the 1970’s where the park suffered from severe erosion and tree decay and structures were being neglected and vandalised. Under the leadership of the Central Park Conservancy from the 70’s to 2000’s a major restoration took place and is maintained to this day.
In 2018 cars were prohibited from driving in Central Park meaning the roads are now reserved for runners, walkers, cyclists, skaters, scooters, pedicabs and horse carriages.
The park drives are roads which circle the entire park and provide a paved route from one end of the park to another. There are four main drives in Central Park. The two longest drives, East Drive and West Drive – span the outermost portions of the park. The two shorter drives – Center Drive and Terrace Drive – allow for convenient connections between the east and west sides of the park.
There is also a giant 6.1mile / 9.8km loop formed where Center Drive connects the East Drive and West Drive and this loop and its numerous smaller variations are popular among runners and cyclists.
The famous reservoir lake in the park has a 1.66mile / 2.6km running track around it and has a great view of the city skyline plus lots of cherry trees in spring.
Overall there are 58 miles of trails throughout Central Park from perfectly pathed flat routes to steep inclines and rugged paths!
Things to do in Central Park aside from a leisurely stroll include a visit to the Zoo, hire Bikes, Ice Skating in the winter, catch a Concert or Event from half marathons to scavenger hunts!
