Central Park

Manhattan, New York County

Central Park, at the very heart of New York City, is one of the most inspiring combinations of architecture, landscape design and urban planning to be found anywhere on earth. It is a landscaped urban park that includes a diverse variety of habitats. There are woodlands for songbirds, wildflower meadows and grassy streamside areas for insects, and ponds and lakes for fish and turtles. An amazing array of wildlife is present in the park, despite its popularity with people.

Wildlife to Watch

• Red-tailed hawks
• Herons
• Butterflies
• Dragonflies
• Painted turtles
• Mallards
• Snapping turtles
• Little brown bats

Where to Watch

• Woodlands
• Wildflower meadows
• Ponds and lakes
• Extensive trail system
• Lookouts
• Visitors centers

Recreational Opportunities

• Hiking
• Bicycling
• Ice skating
• Tennis courts
• Cross-country skiing
• Swimming pool
• Gardens
• Zoo
• Restaurants and concession stands

Accessible Features

This New York City Parks and Recreation site has numerous accessible features. A full list of DEC's accessible recreation destinations is available on the DEC website.

Size

843 acres

Closest Town

Manhattan

Directions

See Google Maps and enter your address for step by step directions to Central Park. (This link will open a page outside of the DEC website. Hold SHIFT key down while clicking on link to open it in a new window) The website listed below has subway and bus directions.

Contact Information

Telephone: 212-628-2345
Address: 59th to 110th St, between 5th Ave and Central Park West
Website: Central Park (This link leaves DEC's website)

Photo credits: NYC Urban Park Rangers, Ellen Michaels, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services