summer guide - Central Park

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY

SUMMER GUIDE Trade in that vacation for a staycation and spend your summer exploring Central Park! Where else can you find lush green meadows, babbling streams, and hiking trails — for free — and only a short trip from home? With endless adventures waiting to be had, let this Summer Guide help you plan all of your fun in the sun. The mission of the Central Park Conservancy is to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public. The Central Park Conservancy raises 75% of the Park’s annual budget from private sources and is responsible for all of the essential work that keeps Central Park beautiful.

IN THIS GUIDE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

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How well do you know Central Park? If you can name the location of this photo, you’re definitely a Park aficionado. Check the answer on page 5 to see if you’re correct!

2 D iscover Central Park’s Adirondack-inspired woodlands 3 E xperience free, live music in an outdoor concert venue 3 G et your heart pumping with free fitness opportunities 4 R ead a major announcement about this year’s Film Festival (Hint: We’re taking it on the road!) 5 V olunteer with your family to help keep Central Park beautiful and much more!

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER GUIDE 2016

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DISCOVER THE WOODLANDS Central Park’s 80 acres of woodlands (which include the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Ramble, and the North Woods) are densely planted, wooded areas inspired by the Catskill and Adirondack mountains. Their picturesque scenery evokes a sense of wilderness and provides an intimate experience with nature. Hallett Nature Sanctuary Open Hours

Explore the North Woods

Unlike the rest of Central Park, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary has specified visiting hours to protect this woodland refuge. To preserve its naturalistic character as a sanctuary for birds and animals, the Conservancy limits the hours in which visitors can access the Sanctuary. Starting this summer, the Conservancy has extended the hours in which you can explore the Hallett, making it easier than ever to experience this majestic woodland. Click here to see a full schedule of open hours.

Download the “Monthly Mile” for a self-guided, mile-long walk through the North Woods showcasing the Conservancy’s work to restore and preserve this diverse woodland landscape. Download Here

PLAN YOUR “STAYCATION” IN CENTRAL PARK Escape the City this summer with a day spent in the Park’s northern end. Here are some highlights of this beautiful area.

Brush up on NYC history

Discover a secret garden

Visit Landforms: A History of Central Park’s Fort Landscape, a new exhibit at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, to see how Central Park’s rock outcroppings and passes served as fortifications in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Learn More

Tour the Conservatory Garden with Conservancy staff to see the Park’s “secret garden” through the perspective of those who curate and care for it. Buy Tickets

Go fish! Borrow a catch-and-release fishing set and see what you can catch in the Harlem Meer. Learn More

You can also explore the garden on your own and with your kids, using the brand-new Conservatory Garden Discovery Journal. The journal includes a large, kid-friendly map and activities to help young explorers discover what makes the Conservatory Garden unique. Available at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center for $2. (Free for members)


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ALL GIFTS MATCHED — HELP KEEP CENTRAL PARK BEAUTIFUL If you plan to soak up the sun in Central Park this summer, you can do your part to keep the Park looking its best by making a gift to the Central Park Conservancy. Make a special fiscal year end donation today and you will help keep Central Park beautiful this summer. All contributions received before June 30 will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous group of donors — doubling your gift’s impact on Central Park.

MUSIC IN THE PARK

MAKE CENTRAL PARK YOUR GYM

Join us for these free outdoor concerts featuring the talented musicians and performers who turn the Park into a stage all summer long.

Get outside and stretch your legs this summer with these free fitness and recreation programs in Central Park. Ages 18+. Click here for more information.

Great Jazz on the Great Hill

Central Park Circuit

Dance and Ironstrength Class

Challenge yourself with innovative exercises designed by top trainers and utilizing the Park’s natural features. Learn more

Join us for a high-energy dance class and strength training session co-presented with Dr. Jordan Metzl. Learn more

Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 5 – August 11 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm East Meadow

Tuesday, July 12 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm East Meadow

Ironstrength Class

Health and Race Walking

Push yourself to new heights during this strength training class. Co-presented with Dr. Jordan Metzl. Learn more

Get fit as you enjoy views of beautiful Park landscapes. Co-presented with the New York Walkers Club. Learn more

Thursday, August 11 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm East Meadow

Saturdays 9:30 am – 11:00 am Meet at North Meadow Recreation Center

Bring a picnic and dancing shoes to this celebration. Food trucks will be onsite and Conservancy members receive preferred seating. Co-presented with Jazzmobile. Learn more Saturday, August 13 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Great Hill

Family Performance Festival

Bring the whole family for kid-friendly performances on the Great Hill’s lush lawn. Each week brings a different act to educate, inspire, and entertain. For a full schedule, click here. Every Sunday from June 19 – September 4 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Great Hill — South Sponsored by

Harlem Meer Performance Festival

Enjoy lakeside music and dance with weekly performances by established and emerging local artists in a variety of genres, including jazz, Latin, world, and gospel music. For a full schedule, click here. Every Sunday from June 19 – September 4 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Sponsored by


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CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY FILM FESTIVAL The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival is a beloved summer tradition that showcases great films in a great urban park. Since the Festival was founded in 2003, thousands of attendees have experienced the magic of movies under the stars, and this year we’re taking the show on the road. As part of the Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to support our fellow city parks, the 2016 Central Park Conservancy Film Festival will include free outdoor screenings in Central Park and other city parks this summer. Visit centralparknyc.org/filmfest to get the latest details, including the movie lineup. The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival is presented by

FOR THE DOGS

With additional support provided by

GET YOUR KIDS ACTIVE Youth Recreation Clinics Learn and enhance athletic skills through small group instruction and competitive games in these high-energy, interactive clinics. Open to players of all abilities.

If your dog loves Central Park as much as you do, you won’t want to miss our Bagel Barks. Hosted by Central Park Paws, a program of the Central Park Conservancy, these monthly meetups for the Park’s vibrant canine community are a great way to socialize with new friends — two-legged and four-legged alike! Learn more at centralparknyc.org/paws

Bagel Barks Saturday, July 9 7:30 am – 9:30 am West 86th to 90th Street landscape

Saturday, August 6 7:30 am – 9:30 am Cherry Hill

Summertime reminders for dog owners: • Dogs are never allowed in any of Central Park’s water bodies • Several of the Park’s drinking fountains include fountains include dog-friendly bowls at their bases. For a map of these fountains, click here. • A red flag on a Lawn means that it is closed for the day. Please keep your dog (and yourself!) off lawns that are closed for rehabilitation.

Basketball Every Saturday from April 2 - October 29 Ages 5 – 8 (Coed): 10:00 am – 11:00 am Ages 9 – 14 (Girls Only): 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages 9 – 17 (Coed): 12:00 – 2:00 pm North Meadow Recreation Center Learn more Handball Every Sunday from May 1 - August 14 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Ages 10 – 18 (Coed) North Meadow Recreation Center Learn more

Borrow a Field Day Kit Bring a group of friends to the North Meadow and plan your own field day! You can borrow a Field Day Kit from the North Meadow Recreation Center for free with a photo ID. Kits include a variety of fun activities including footballs, Frisbees, wiffleball supplies, and more! Learn more


DISCOVERY AND ADVENTURE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Discovery Kits Stop by one of our Visitor Centers and borrow a FREE Discovery Kit for an in-Park adventure with your family.

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MEMBERS CORNER Members provide critical support for the Conservancy’s ongoing work to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park. They also get the inside scoop about the Park, access to behind-the-scenes tours and programs, and discounts on Central Park experiences. Show your support for Central Park by becoming a member today!

You can enhance your exploration with an educational Discovery Journal. Best for ages 6 – 10. Journals are $2 each. (Free for members)

Discovery Walks for Families Take a trek with Conservancy experts and learn about Central Park’s landscapes through handson exploration using Discovery Kits. Families only, maximum of 3 children per parent/guardian; no groups. Ages 5 and up. Space is limited and advance registration is required. unday, June 26 S 10:00 am – 11:30 am 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm The Ramble

Members gathered this spring for a special tour of Central Park’s blooming trees.

FOR MEMBERS ONLY Drawing class with Jessica Daryl Winer Hone your creative skills in an intimate setting with an expert Central Park artist.

Visit centralparknyc.org/discovery for an updated listing of Discovery Programs. Discovery Programs are brought to you by the Central Park Conservancy Institute for Urban Parks and are generously supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation. These programs are additionally supported in part by the Brooke Astor Fund for New York City Education in The New York Community Trust.

Jessica Daryl Winer, Mulberry by the Tennis Courts (Bridge No. 28 )

Saturday, July 9 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Charles A. Dana Discovery Center

All summer long, you’ll also have access to: • Discounts on Official Central Park Tours • Merchandise discounts in Central Park Visitor Centers • Registration discounts for family Discovery Programs

Trivia Question Answer You guessed it! The Falconer Statue pictured on page 1 is located mid-Park on the 72nd street cross-drive, also known as Olmsted & Vaux Way. Learn more about this statute here

CENTRAL PARK MAP Hours Central Park opens at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am, 365 days a year.

Visitor Centers and Facilities Start your trip at a Visitor Center. Look for this icon on the map. Belvedere Castle Mid-Park at 79th Street

Columbus Circle Information Kiosk Central Park West at 59th Street

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center Dairy Visitor Center 110th Street between Fifth & Lenox Avenues Mid-Park at 65th Street Chess & Checkers House Mid-Park at 64th Street

North Meadow Recreation Center Mid-Park at 97th Street

Points of Interest EAST

WEST

Maine Monument

E 59

Grand Army Plaza

W 65 Carousel

E 62

Central Park Zoo

W 66

Tavern on the Green

E 63

Wollman Rink

W 69

Mineral Springs

E 64 Arsenal

W 73

Bow Bridge

E 65

W 75

Ladies Pavilion

E 67 Balto

W

W 59

W 79 Shakespeare Garden / Marionette Theatre at the Swedish Cottage

E

E 70

Tisch Children’s Zoo Naumburg Bandshell

W 81

Delacorte Theater

E 72 Bethesda Terrace & Fountain / Minton Tile Ceiling

W 95

Tennis Courts

E 74

Loeb Boathouse

E 75

Alice in Wonderland

W 109 Blockhouse

E 81 Obelisk E 105

Conservatory Garden

E 107

Lasker Rink & Pool

Connect with us @centralparknyc

Map Key Visitor Centers Playgrounds Information Kiosk (open seasonally) Food / Closed Winter Restrooms / Closed Winter Wheelchair Accessible

Park Drive (shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles) Transverse Roads (for vehicles only) Pedestrian Paths (for pedestrians only) Bridle Paths (no bicyclists) Emergency Call Boxes or Dial 911