New York City's Central Park is not just a haven for joggers, families, and tourists but also a hotspot for celebrity sightings. While movie stars and musicians are often spotted wandering its winding paths, sports stars also find solace in the urban oasis. Whether you're on a leisurely bike ride or pushing the pedals to the metal, keep your eyes peeled for these four sports celebrities who have been known to frequent Central Park.

Carmelo Anthony

Former New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony, known for his scoring prowess and Olympic gold medals, has been a fixture in the NYC sports scene. While his time with the Madson Square Garden outfit brought him closer to the heart of the Big Apple, Melo was often spotted enjoying the city's premier outdoor spaces during his tenure.

Central Park offers an ideal setting for the 39-year-old to enjoy bike rides and other activities. He was spotted attending the Global Citizen Festival there in September of last year, and he was also looking to secure $12m for his 4,000-square-foot Manhattan pad overlooking Central Park back in 2015.

Anthony's career at the top of the NBA has since wound down. He retired from action back in 2022 after a stint alongside LeBron James playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Cali outfit unfortunately didn't bring him that illustrious maiden championship ring. He was at the peak of his powers during his time with the Knicks, securing an All-Star selection in every season he spent at the Garden, as well as becoming the scoring champion in 2013.

While he never managed to get his hands on the Larry O'Brien, his former side may well do exactly that this season. The Knicks recently knocked off Joel Embiid's Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the playoffs, prompting Bovada sports bets to slash odds on them going all the way down to +1200. Can the new crop of Jalen Brunson and Co. do what Melo could not?

Serena Williams

Tennis legend Serena Williams is often hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and rightfully so. She's the most successful female player of all time, winning an eye-watering 23 grand slams, the most of anyone throughout the open era. The American bowed out from the game in 2022, five years on from her final major win which came on the famous Melbourne hard courts in the 2017 Australian Open. She has twice completed the "Serena Slam" - winning all four slams consecutively, but not in the same calendar year. The first of those came back in 2002 and 2003 where she would defeat sister Venus in all four finals, before completing the feat once again in 2014 and 2015.

The younger Williams sister has made NYC her stage on numerous occasions, particularly at the US Open. She has reigned supreme at Arthur Ashe Stadium on six separate occasions, tied for most all-time alongside compatriot Chris Evert. But it isn't just on the Big Apple's hard courts that she has been spotted. Just like Melo before her, she too has embraced the city's culture and spaces, including Central Park, Alongside her husband Alexis Ohanian, the 42-year-old was seen on board a horse-drawn carriage back in September 2021, and she also paraded her US Open trophy through the Park in September 2013 for good measure.

Aaron Judge

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is known for his crushing home runs as well as an all-around towering presence in and around the ballpark. However, Yankees Stadium - perhaps the most iconic of said ballparks on the planet - isn't the only park in the Big Apple in which he finds solace. He too has been spotted relaxing in the greenery of Central Park.

For a skit on the Jimmy Fallon show back in 2017, he was interviewing fans asking them their opinion of himself, with the interviewees unknowingly speaking to the man himself. He was also seen waiting for his wife Samantha Bracksieck in the park at the finish line of the 2023 New York Marathon. Amidst the pressures of adorning those marmite-like pinstripes, the 32-year-old appreciates the park's serene environment and may even take leisurely bike rides in the future, allowing him to recharge and connect with the community.

Bob Costas

Legendary sportscaster Bob Costas is synonymous with Olympic coverage, baseball, football, and almost every major sporting event in the United States. Residing near Central Park West, one of NYC's prettiest streets, Costas enjoys the tranquility and natural beauty the park offers.

Whether he's enjoying a peaceful walk or sitting on a bench reflecting on his next big project, spotting Costas is a real treat for any sports enthusiast. His contributions to sports broadcasting have made him a familiar face, and you might just catch a glimpse of him enjoying the park’s serene setting.