Square in the middle of New York City is Central Park — the fifth largest park in the New York City area. It covers 843 acres and has an estimated 38 million visitors annually.
Here are a few other things to know about the park:
Where to find Central Park
It’s hard to miss because it’s in the center of Manhattan between Upper West Side and the Upper East Side.
Where to find info about Central Park
There’s a plethora of information out there to help you with your exploring of the park and New York City. Here are a few you should reference if looking for something to do:
- Central Park Conservancy. They’re always making sure the park is well maintained.
- CentralPark.com. Information about the park with a “What would you like to do today” dropdown on the home page.
- CentralPark.org. All written by one man: John B. Moore. He writes about updates, events, and new things happening in the park.
- NYC Parks. A government website with facts and events.
Where to find info about events in Central Park
Any of the websites above have events listed.
Here’s a live Google Event calendar that will give you the most up to date rundown of all the events happening in the park.
Top things to do or see in Central Park
There may be too many things to list because Central Park is large and always seems to have something going on. There are, however, a few top things worth seeing and doing:
Central Park Mall
View this post on Instagram
Sheep Meadow
View this post on Instagram
Alice in Wonderland statue
View this post on Instagram
Conservatory Garden
View this post on Instagram
Belvedere Castle
View this post on Instagram
A brief history of Central Park
When New York’s population grew between 1821 and 1855, residents began escaping to grassy areas away from the noise and chaotic life of the city.
The park was first approved in 1853 and construction began in 1857. It opened to visitors in 1858. The north end was constructed and completed in 1876.
Central Park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a New York City Landmark in 1974.
The Central Park Conservancy was created in 1980, which refurbished many parts of the park.
Attractions such as the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow came later.
Today, it’s a popular place to visit and a place to rest and relax away from the noise of the city.
FUN FACT: Central Park is the most filmed public park.
The Central Park Zoo
View this post on Instagram
The Central Park Zoo is a 6.5-acre zoo located on the southeast side of the park.
The zoo draws more than one million people annually to see aminals and exhibits.
A few animals to see are the California Sea Lion, the Penguins, the Grizzly Bear, the Red Panda, the Lemur, the Snow Leopard, and Snow Monkey.
Contact Moishe’s Self Storage if you’re looking for cheap storage units in New York City to hold wine, art, or other things. Our Manhattan/The Bronx and Queens/Brooklyn Storage Facilities are conveniently located near you. We offer over 20 different storage unit sizes, available to individuals, students, and businesses. Reserve your room, view specials, or contact us.