New York City is considered a skating Mecca and the skating centerpiece is Manhattan’s Central Park. Here they have an almost six-mile loop where all unauthorized motor vehicles have been banned at all times to promote safe jogging, cycling, and skating. The Parks crew keeps roads in relatively good condition and traffic patrols help keep the routes clear and safe.

Where can I rollerblade in Central Park?

There are several prime locations in Central Park for skaters, depending on the type of activity you are looking for.

The Big Loop

Completing a full loop of Central Park is often called “doing a big loop.” The full circle starts at the southwest corner of the park located at Columbus Circle located at 59^th Street and Broadway. It will take you along the lower loop, then passed the Boathouse, up Cedar Hill, and by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Then you will have the Reservoir, a good straightaway to the North Meadow, and A. H. Green Hill to Harlem Meer before turning west. Here the loop hits the Great hill with a 90-foot climb in less than a half-mile before winding gradually south and passing by the Delacorte Theater and the American Museum of Natural History. Last, you traverse the flats alongside the Lake, go by Strawberry Fields, and arrive at the intersection to the lower loop. It is a good workout and the almost six mile route takes a skater in good shape about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.

The Cutoff Loop

For a medium-distance route, an alternative is “cutoff loop.” It is much the same as the big loop, but a short service road allows skaters to skip Lasker Hill and Great Hill for a more moderate path. The cutoff loop is approximately five miles long.

The Lower Loop

The lower loop starts at Columbus Circle and takes you around Heckscher playground and past Friedsam Carousel. Next, you pass the entrance to the Mall, follow a walkway to Bandshell, and pass the Summer Stage. Then you bear left and climb a short hill to Bandshell, pass Bethesda Terrace and Cherry Hill to arrie at the intersection of the west side loop where you bear left to pass Tavern on the Green and Sheep Meadow back to Columbus Circle. It is the most heavily trafficked area for park users of all types but features a tame collection of rolling hills for a short, casual route. The entire route is about 1.7 miles.

The Upper Loop

Speekskaters looking for hill training will work circuits of just the “upper loop.” This section features the Lasker downslope, a climb of the Great Hill, and then a cutoff back to the east side to do it over again. The route is only 1.4 miles but gives skaters one of the best climbs on the path.

Speedskaters Curb

A lot of inline speed skaters train on the loop and often stop for a breather in an area on the west loop located just north of Tavern on the Green and the West 67^th Street entrance. This is a great place if you are looking for people to train with.

Center Drive

Officially known as Center Drive, but also called “Skaters’ Road” or “Dead Road” is where a lot of skating action can be found. It is located along the east side of Sheep Meadow from 72^nd Street down to the carousel. The northern third of Center Drive is called “Skate Circle”. It is where scores of inline and quad skaters meet up. There is a large, open area for dance skaters and roller hockey as well. During the skating season, you may find small inline classes or private lessons throughout the week.

The Bandshell

This area is just east and uphill from the “Skate Circle.” This area has a smoother surface than Center Drive, and feels more like an ice skating rink. This is where people line up a bunch of slalom cones for inline figure skating and maneuvers. Just note, police are known to clamp down on roller hockey in this area because it interferes too much with other park users and pedestrians.

What are the rules and regulations?

The loop is shared by pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, skaters, and horse-drawn carriages. With so much pedestrian traffic, safety is a top priority. Skaters must obey all traffic laws while skating the loop. There are also some basic safety tips to keep in mind. Traffic on the loop is one way, counter-clockwise. Large, white arrows marked every few hundred feet should make the direction clear. And if you must travel in the opposite direction, do so by getting to the side of the road and going slow. It is advised to wear reflectors and illumination while traveling the loop during evenings, mornings, and at night. It is very important to be mindful of other users and follow the rules on the loop

Looking to cool off in Central Park on a hot day? While there are several bodies of water located in the park, it is illegal to swim in the ponds and the reservoir. The only option for swimming is Lasker Rink and Pool. Unfortunately, the infrastructure was failing and the site is currently under construction for a massive $150 million renovation. Construction began in the spring of 2021 and the estimated completion of the new facility is the summer of 2024.

Where can you swim in Central Park?

Lasker Pool was the only place to go swimming in Central Park. The pool was located between 106^th and 108^th streets mid-park and overlooked Harlem Meer. The massive rink and pool facility was completed in 1966.  There were two pools for patrons to enjoy, a wading pool and an Olympic pool. There was also a large deck area along with lockers and a concession stand. When open, the facility accommodated up to 1,824 people.

How much does it cost to swim in Central Park?

In the summer, the pool itself was free of charge as well as free lockers, free sunscreen, and free swimming lessons. In the winter during the skating season, the park did charge for admission and rentals.

When does the pool re-open in Central Park?

Currently, Lasker Rink and Pool is closed while the Central Park Conservancy rebuilds the facility. In the past, the Lasker Pool would open in summer from the end of June until Labor Day. Then pool would re-open in winter as an ice rink from late October to mid-March. When the new development is completed in 2024 Lasker Rink and Pool will be open year-round and include community-focused programming for the spring and fall.

What will the new Lasker Pool and Rink be like?

The original facility was plagued by chronic flooding ever since its construction. And the facility refrigerant used for the ice rink has been banned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The overlarge facility has also been a barrier between the Lock and Meer and cuts off broader access to the rest of Central Park. The new facility will re-establish the broken connection between North Woods and Harlem Meer as well as provide the largest possible rink and pool while remaining compliant with the current environmental standards and regulatory codes. The new design will support all existing uses. But instead of a wading pool, the new facility will feature a splash pad to expand the season, be universally accessible, and serve a much broader age range.

Where can you swim near Central Park while the facility is under construction?

There are several local pools swimmers can use while Lasker Rink and Pool is under construction, including: Highbridge Pool in Washington Heights, Jackie Robinson Pool in North Harlem, John Jay Pool on the Upper East Side, Marcus Garvey Pool in Central Harlem, Riverbank State Pool in West Harlem, Sheltering Arms Pool in Manhattanville, Thomas Jefferson Pool in East Harlem, and Wagner Pool in East Harlem.

No trip to the big city with your dog would be complete without a visit to Central Park. Most sections of Central Park allow dogs wherever it is open to the public. But it is important to know the best areas to take your dogs and the rules for dogs in the park.

What are the rules for dogs in Central Park?

Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. dugs must be on a leash that is no more than six feet long. From 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. dogs may be off-leash. New York City Health Codes and New York State law require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies. Every dog owner must carry proof of rabies vaccination and a current dog license while in public. Dog owners must also pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste in provided containers. Otherwise, dog owners may be fined for a violation of these laws. It is also important to keep your dog hydrated while visiting Central Park, and there are 29 dog fountains placed throughout the park.

What are the most dog-friendly areas of Central Park?

Dogs are welcome, but must ALWAYS be on-leash in the following areas:

Bridle Path

Cedar Hill

East Green

The Ramble

Strawberry Fields

Children’s Glade

Shakespeare Garden

East Meadow Oval

Arthur Ross Pinetum

Conservatory Garden

Kerbs Boathouse Plaza

Turtle Pond Lawn and Woodlands

The North Woods and the Ravine

Where are dogs prohibited in Central Park?

There are areas in Central Park where dogs are not permitted, including:

Zoo

Lilac Walk

Playgrounds

East Green

Sheep Meadow

Bodies of water

Swimming pool

Great Hill Glade

Elm Island at the Mall

Hallet Nature Sanctuary

Ornamental Fountains

Reservoir Running Track

Sand volleyball courts

Basketball, handball, or tennis courts

What are some other special considerations to know before bringing a dog to Central Park?

If you bring a dog to Central Park, you are urged to have fun but also be respectful of other park-goers. Do not let your dog disrupt or endanger others or their pets. Keep your dog on a short leash while crossing drives. Do not let your dog chase after other animals, including wild animals like birds and squirrels. While dogs are allowed to play on the lawns, do not allow them to dig.

Does Central Park have an off-leash dog park?

Not at this time. That said, Central Park is still a great place to visit with your canine.

Are there dog meet-ups and events in Central Park?

Yes. The Central Park Conservancy hosts the My Dog Loves Central Park fair every year and takes place at Naumburg Bandshell. This is a fun and free event where dogs in the community can come together to play, learn, and celebrate Central Park. The event is typically put on in the fall and includes training tips, games, contests, and more.

What are some dog-friendly things to do in Central Park?

Aside from the usual romping and roaming, here are some specific activities you might consider:

Touring Seneca Village

Visiting the Balto statue

Exploring the North Woods

Walking through the Ramble

Wander around the Reservoir

Take a photo at Strawberry Fields

Smell the flowers at the Conservatory Garden

Picnic on the lawn

Walk down the Mall

Hang out during off-leash hours

Central Park has always been one of the US’ most popular urban parks, with over 42 million visits every year before the pandemic. As such, it’s no surprise to see Central Park featured in so many forms of media throughout the years, especially in video games. In fact, there are even dedicated video games that are set in New York, like Mafia II and Metal Gear Solid 2, that never fail to feature Central Park. But these games aren’t the only ones to integrate into its world. In fact, here are some instances where Central Park has been featured in a video game.

Spider-Man

While PS4’s Spider-Man falls under that category of “dedicated video games that are set in New York,” it’d be a crime not to include it in this list. After all, Spider-Man is the closest replication of New York you can get in a video game — whether it’s because of the scarily accurate recreation of the Radio City Music Hall, the stunning 5th Avenue, or the presence of the bustling Chinatown on the east side. And of course, there’s also a hyper-realistic replica of Central Park, complete with fall foliage and the lakes around it.

Ghostbusters

Based on the 1984 hit movie that eventually grew to become a cultural phenomenon, Ghostbusters is a franchise that has inspired many spin-offs of varying media after its release. For example, a TV series and a comic book called The Real Ghostbusters would be created in the late 80s. One of the International Game Technology’s slot machines was also based on Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters (2009) was a game initially released for the PS2 (and re-released for future platforms like the PS3 after its success), which follows the rising threat of the spirit of Ivo Shandor. Its final level, where the team explores Shandor's mausoleum, is played in an eerie recreation of Central Park.

Grand Theft Auto IV

The all-time classic crime series Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is famous for replicating real cities. The most recent game GTA V allowed people to explore the fictional state of San Andreas which was based on California and was primarily set in Los Santos, which was an accurate version of LA. Moreover, one of the popular titles listed on Foxy Games is GTA’s Vice City, which is directly inspired by Miami City. And in GTA IV, New York is replicated through Liberty City, complete with a location called Middle Park. Almost an exact replica of Central Park, Middle Park features several iconic landmarks, including a plaza that might as well be Bethesda Terrace.

Prototype

Prototype wasn’t the best open-world action-adventure we’ve seen from Activision but its compelling story and life-like depiction of New York were impressive. It follows the story of an amnesiac shapeshifter who’s on a mission to prevent a plague from spreading in the region. As such, the setting is much grimmer than the other games on this list. The Central Park of Prototype is a near-desolate area covered in mutant gunk and dead vegetation. However, it’s still one of the few places that has safehouses, labs, and other bases necessary for humanity’s survival. Central Park has been a common sight in many video games, from heroic ones like Spider-Man to horrific ones like Prototype. This has only emphasized Central Park's cultural significance today. That said, we’ll very likely see more games build Central Park into its map.

Model sailboats have been racing on Conservatory Water in Central Park for over 140 years. It is one of the most iconic spots in Central Park and is often visited by locals and tourists alike. And during the sailing season, the pond is populated with spectators, amateur sailors, and long-term helmsmen.

Where can I use model sailboats in Central Park?

Visitors can pilot model sailboats at Conservatory Water on the east side between 72^nd and 75^th Streets. Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux originally plotted the site for a glass conservatory and reflection pond in their original plans for Central Park. But budget cuts meant the vision would never came to fruition. They decided to eliminate the conservatory and keep the pond to recreate an American version of the popular model boat ponds in Paris. Thus the name, Conservatory Water.

What equipment do I need for sailing?

The model boats allowed on Conservatory Water must be wind-powered. They are remote-controlled using the direction of the rudder and the trim of the sail. No other powered boats are allowed. Visitors can bring their own model sailboats to pilot. For some, model boats are a serious hobby and they spend a great deal of time designing and crafting their boats for speed and aerodynamics. You will see all types of masterpieces built and piloted by model boat enthusiasts.

Visitors can also rent boats from a small kiosk just outside of Kerbs Boathouse. For beginners, there will be a brief lesson as well as a page of simple instructions accompanying the model sailboat and remote control. There is no formal minimum age for sailing. All ages can participate as long as they can properly control and handle the remote. That said, you do not need a model sailboat to enjoy the spectacle.

When can I sail in Central Park?

Weather permitting, the typical boating season for central park runs from March to November. If you have your own watercraft you can sail almost any time of day. But if you are looking for a rental, you will need to check the hours at the Kerbs Boathouse. Just note, members of the Central Park Model Yacht Club race their boats on Saturday at 10 AM and the water is often dotted with vessels during this classic spectacle.

What are rental hours?

Monday to Thursday from 11 AM to 5 PM

Friday from 11 AM to 7 PM

Saturday from 1 PM to 7 PM

Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM

The rental kiosk is not open during rain. Hours are also subject to change. So call (917) 522-0054 to confirm rentals before your visit. Please note that reservations are not available and rentals are first-come, first-serve.

Is there boat storage?

City residents who wish to sail frequently can get a permit for storing their boat on-site at the Kerbs Boathouse during the week. Granted, space is limited. It is important to apply early in the season if you hope to get a space. For boat storage and permits call (212) 360-8133.

What else is close by Conservatory Waters?

There are restrooms located at the Kerbs Boathouse. There is also a small café on the east side of the pond with patio seating and an ice cream kiosk on the south side of the pond. Just to the north of the pond is a famous Alice in Wonderland statue and one of Hans Christian Andersen to the west.

There may be something shocking about pulling a largemouth bass from a body of water surrounded by concrete and tourists, but the truth is you CAN wet a line and hook some decent fish in Central Park. In fact, fishing is a popular community activity in Central Park.

Where can I fish in Central Park?

Catch-and-release fishing in Central Park is allowed at three specific locations including Harlem Meer, Central Park Lake, and Central Park Pond. The best place to fish is probably Harlem Meer located on the northeast corner. But fishing is NOT allowed at the reservoir or at the Turtle Pond. The best season to fish is from April to October. And though Central Park is open from 6am to 1am, it is best to fish from 10am to 3pm when you can access equipment from the Charles A. Danna Discovery Center. 

What equipment do I need for fishing?

Usually, from mid-April to mid-October you can borrow bamboo fishing poles from the Dana Discovery Center. It is located on the north shore. All you need to borrow poles is a valid picture I.D. and bait is provided for free. But this is mostly just for the kids. With a valid state fishing license, you can actually fish with your own complaint gear. A light to a medium fishing rod with a six to a ten pound test will do just fine. In recent years, there has also been a major push to use corn as bait. Worms and artificial baits can impact the park’s ecosystem.

What types of fish are in Central Park?

The bodies of water in Central Park contain carp, largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, golden shiner, pumpkinseed sunfish, anglers, and chain pickerel.

What are the fishing rules and regulations?

By following the guidelines under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation you can help preserve these marine resources for future use and enjoyment. Here are some of the regulations to follow if you intend to fish in Central Park:

1. All visitors 16 and older need to own a New York State fishing license for local freshwater fishing in Central Park.
2. All fishing is catch-and-release only. That means any fish caught must be put back into the water right away. You must release fish gently. Wet your hands before handling the fish and release it while it is underwater.
3. Use safe fishing equipment. The use of any barbed hooks, lead sinkers, or overhead casting rods is prohibited. Barbless hooks are easier to remove and cause fewer injuries to the fish. Non-stainless steel hooks are also recommended because they will rust and disintegrate much faster than stainless steel hooks. And to avoid harming any wildlife, you must properly discard any monofilament line. Failure to remove line and hooks from land and waters is a violation of these rules.
4. Fish with compliant bait (corn kernels), like that provided by the Dana Center. Using bread products or hotdogs as bait is harmful to both wildlife and the bodies of water. 
5. Respect the waterfowl and turtles in the area. If your hook is near a bird or turtle you should move to a different spot to avoid catching it.
6. Do not feed the other wildlife. Digging for worms and feeding other wildlife is strictly prohibited.
7. Stay on paths, steps, and ramps close to the water. Tramping the natural shorelines or wading in the water will kill the grass. This leads to soil erosion and can create poor living conditions for the wildlife in the area.

If you cause no harm to the property or the wildlife and are sure to follow all the rules, the park’s management will be quite helpful and friendly. They will make sure your fishing experience in Central Park is fun and unforgettable.

Central Park is an oasis within one of the busiest cities in the world, a haven and green space filled with tranquillity. It is also a major landmark in a city featuring them at every turn. In film and television, images of Central Park often act as a backdrop for exciting scenes, from The Grinch to White Collar. Around the outside of the park, other locations have also become iconic, from Central Perk in the sitcom Friends, to the 15 Central Park West condominium. The latter is one of New York’s most prestigious addresses and overlooks the park from its enviable position on the corner of West 61st Street and Central Park West on the Upper West Side. It may have featured in shows and films, but it has housed some of the world’s most famous faces. On your bike ride around the park, you may have encountered some stars, of screen and sports, and if you have it could be they have emerged from their exclusive apartment in the 15 Central Park West complex. Here are just a few of the stars who have called the building home, and who have had the luxury of Central Park just a few footsteps away from their apartment lobby.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington was ranked by the New York Times as the greatest actor of the 21st century, with a filmography that includes Training Day, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Manchurian Candidate and The Book of Eli. He may also have been seen wandering the pathways of Central Park for a while, having moved into 15 Central Park West in 2006. He paid just over $13 million for a three-bedroom apartment, and was no doubt attracted by the amenities that include a library, private restaurant, pool and health club.

Alex Rodriguez

The baseball star Alex Rodriguez, otherwise known as A-Rod, was one part of a power couple who resided in the building, with his partner Jennifer Lopez. A-Rod was a rather controversial character when he resided there, with 6sqft.com documenting how he was banned for poor behavior before moving back in with his partner. The former Yankees star has retired now but has found other ways to supplement his income. Poker.org discuss how A-Rod not only made his fortune in baseball but was also a keen poker player and the inspiration behind one of the characters in the film Molly’s Game. He apparently leased an apartment in the building with J-Lo as a secret, for $11,500 per month, which one would assume came with a caveat he did not return to his previously disruptive ways.

Robert De Niro

De Niro rented the same unit as A-Rod in the years after the Yankees star left the building. Along with his wife Grace Hightower, the legend of the big screen rented Unit 35AB, which is two separate condos combined into one on the 35th floor. It originally cost $18.9m in 2008, when steel magnate Leroy Schecter bought it but was rented for $125,000 a month by the star of Casino and Taxi Driver. De Niro is one of the most recognizable actors in the world and is still producing high-quality films well into his seventies. He is also still teaming up with Martin Scorsese, and their Netflix collaboration The Irishman received strong reviews in 2019.

Jeff Gordon

Gordon is a NASCAR legend, a four-time Winston Cup Series Champion with 93 career wins, 477 top tens and 81 pole positions behind him. He lived in the building for six years, between 2007 and 2013. Along with his wife, Gordon paid $9.67m for a condo in the building, selling it for $25m a little later. Whilst it might be a prestigious address with a host of big names under its roof, it also seems to be a solid investment, although Leroy Schecter might have pushed it too far, listing 35AB for $90m six years after he bought it for $18.9m.

Central Park in New York is a great getaway from the daily hustle bustle of city life. Situated in the city itself, it’s an ideal weekend destination for city dwellers as well as a sightseeing spot for tourists. Cycling is the most convenient and eco-friendly mode to tour the Central Park. However, it can become quite strenuous as the Park is spread over a wide area. The electric bike is the best option for a guided bike tour in Central Park, New York City.

What is electric Bike?

An electric bike looks more or less like an ordinary bicycle. It is also known as a booster or a power bike. Having an attached electric motor that provides power, it requires less effort or no effort at all to ride. It is easier to negotiate up hills and long distances with an e-bike. People who otherwise hesitate to cycle due to the effort required for pedaling often opt for the electric bike to get active and enjoy the quiet relaxation that cycling provides.  Electric bikes are of two kinds - pedal assist and electric only.

How to ride an electric bicycle?

One rides an electric bike essentially the same way as an ordinary bicycle. The only difference is that an e-bike offers added power. The pedal-assist senses the amount of power you are using for pedaling with the help of a sensor. The attached motor then provides electric power accordingly. In simpler words, the motor helps you according to the effort you are putting in while cycling. The pedal assist electric bike is fitted with a crank motor which is gravity friendly with no drag as its placed low.  It therefore gives the feel of real cycling. The crank motor is also known as the mid-drive motor.

The electric-only bikes are fitted with wheel hub motors. In this type of electric bike the cyclist chooses when he needs power for cycling. While riding, one may engage the motor according to individual preference and adjust the amount of power required.

Electric bikes come in many styles with differing levels of sophistication. One can switch off the power totally if one wishes for an authentic cycling experience. Or switch it on when one begins to tire. All types of electric bikes have power adjustment as per the rider’s need.

What is the difference between electric bicycle and regular bicycle?

Electric bicycles and regular bicycles have the same mechanical system with the only difference being that electric cycles also have electrical elements. The ease of riding an e-bicycle is the main difference between the two.

A lot of people enjoy cycling but not everybody has the stamina to go for long rides. Unlike the regular bicycle, the electric bicycle gives the freedom of cycling without any fear of tiring out or putting any strain on your knees. The best part about electric bicycles is that you can go along at a steady speed regardless of whether you pedal hard or simply sit back. Additionally, if you use an electric bicycle for commuting then you don’t need to worry about reaching your destination tired and full of sweat.

But electric bikes have their limits and though one can go at a brisk pace, it is definitely not the same as a motorcycle. Therefore an electric bike ride offers an almost same experience as a regular bicycle with the only benefit being that it requires less effort to ride.

Can I rent electric bikes in Central park?

Spread over a vast area the Central Park attracts a large number of trekkers, cyclists and others who wish to spend some time surrounded by natural beauty. Cycling or walking offers a great opportunity to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and visit the major attractions of the Park. Some choose to rent a pedicab so that they may cover more area or if they are unable to cycle due to health conditions. However, if you truly want to experience the beauty of the place without getting exhausted by the end of the day, you can always rent electric bikes in Central Park.

Central Park tour with Electric Bicycle

The Central Park offers a number of sightseeing attractions and covering all the spots while walking or cycling becomes very tiring. In fact, it is really not possible to see and enjoy all the interesting spots within the Park in one day. Some people do choose a walking trip and simply have a picnic. Others take a regular cycling tour to visit as many sites as possible. However, an electric bicycle is the best way to explore Central Park for those who are not very active. A Central Park tour with electric bicycle offers the best of both, the authentic experience of cycling and the possibility of covering a lot more area than regular bicycle. This is especially true for those who don’t cycle often. It is also ideal for those who have health conditions that do not permit long rides or for those who have knee problems.

Cycling through the huge area turns out to be exhausting and takes away all the fun of touring the place. Not to mention that one is not able to see much of the Park. Though one cannot tour the whole Park in one go, electric bikes make pedaling much easier and allow you to cover more area. As e-bikes are less demanding physically and offer more speed, sightseers enjoy more views and take in the feel and history of the place. A guided e-bike tour in Central Park, New York City is a great way to explore the place in which you get to see the major points of interest as well the story behind every attraction. As an electric bike is faster and less demanding than regular cycling, visitors also get to take lunch stops among the natural beauty that the Park is famous for.

In all, a guided electric bike tour in Central Park offers a comfortable and rejuvenating trip among the lush beauty of the Park

Enjoy the commentary of our tour guide:

Enjoy the beauty of the north end of Central park called the North Woods: