Central Park

==Activities==

===Tours===
[[File:New York. Central Park. Carriage (4249565692).jpg|thumb|upright=1|alt=A horse-drawn carriage by the park|Horse-drawn carriage by the park]]
In the late 19th&nbsp;century, West and East Drives was a popular place for carriage rides, though only five percent of the city was able to afford a carriage. One of the main attractions in the park's early years was the introduction of the "Carriage Parade", a daily display of horse-drawn carriages that traversed the park.{{sfn|Kinkead|1990|p=46}}{{sfn|Rosenzweig|Blackmar|1992|pp=400–401}}{{sfn|Morris|1996|p=95}} The introduction of the automobile caused the carriage industry to die out by World War&nbsp;I,{{sfn|Rosenzweig|Blackmar|1992|pp=400–401}} though the carriage-horse tradition was revived in 1935.<ref name="Newsweek41307">{{cite web |first=Jessica|last=Bennett |title=Should Carriage Horses Be Banned?|work=[[Newsweek]]|date=September 25, 2007|url=https://www.newsweek.com/should-carriage-horses-be-banned-100229|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421020140/https://www.newsweek.com/should-carriage-horses-be-banned-100229|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The carriages have become a symbolic institution of the city; for instance, in a much-publicized event after the [[September 11 attacks]], Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] went to the stables to ask the drivers to go back to work to help return a sense of normality.<ref name="Newsweek41307"/>

Some activists, celebrities, and politicians have questioned the ethics of the carriage-horse industry and called for its end.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR2007121602021.html |title=Bill Could Halt New York Carriage Horses|last=Richburg|first=Keith B.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 17, 2007|access-date=August 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008011711/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/16/AR2007121602021.html|archive-date=October 8, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The history of accidents involving spooked horses came under scrutiny in the 2000s and 2010s after reports of horses collapsing and even dying.<ref>{{cite web|last=Durkin|first=Erin|title=Central Park carriage horse collapses, prompts NYCLASS to demand investigation|work=New York Daily News|date=February 27, 2017|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/central-park-carriage-horse-collapses-nyclass-calls-probe-article-1.2983680|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421020140/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/central-park-carriage-horse-collapses-nyclass-calls-probe-article-1.2983680|archive-date=April 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Grove|first=Lloyd|title=Can PETA Stop Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park?|work=[[New York (magazine)|New York Magazine]]|date=January 31, 2008|url=http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/45116/|access-date=April 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328231358/http://nymag.com/news/intelligencer/45116/|archive-date=March 28, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Supporters of the trade say it needs to be reformed rather than shut down.<ref>See, for example:
<br/>{{*}}{{cite web|title=Horse Pucky|work=[[The New York Sun]]|url=http://www.nysun.com/editorials/horse-pucky/67271/|date=November 30, 2007|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162730/https://www.nysun.com/editorials/horse-pucky/67271/|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Some replacements have been proposed, including electric vintage cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/central-park-conservancy-cars-poor-alternative-horses-article-1.1759280|title=Central Park Conservancy says cars are poor alternative to horses|work=New York Daily News|date=April 17, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142318/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/central-park-conservancy-cars-poor-alternative-horses-article-1.1759280|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Bill de Blasio, in his successful 2013 mayoral campaign, pledged to eliminate horse carriage tours if he was elected;<ref>{{cite web|title=Animal Rights Becomes Surprise Topic in New York Mayoral Race|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 13, 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/13/nyregion/animal-rights-becomes-surprise-topic-in-new-york-mayoral-race.html|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413211600/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/13/nyregion/animal-rights-becomes-surprise-topic-in-new-york-mayoral-race.html|archive-date=April 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> {{as of|August 2018|lc=y}}, had only succeeded in relocating the carriage pick-up areas.<ref>{{cite web|title=In His 5th Year as Mayor, de Blasio Finally Acts on Horse-Carriage Pledge|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 30, 2018 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/30/nyregion/deblasio-horse-carriage-nyc.html|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413211424/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/30/nyregion/deblasio-horse-carriage-nyc.html|archive-date=April 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Cycle rickshaw|Pedicabs]] operate mostly in the southern part of the park, as horse carriages do. The pedicabs have been criticized: there have been reports of pedicab drivers charging exorbitant fares of several hundred dollars.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pedicab riders shocked by bills topping $200, $400, even $600|publisher=WABC-TV|date=January 19, 2018|url=https://abc7ny.com/2968749/|access-date=June 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701140707/https://abc7ny.com/2968749/|archive-date=July 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/07/new-york-city-pedicab-scam-how-not-to-get-scammed-by-a-pedicab-driver.html |title=Five Ways to Avoid Getting Scammed by an Unscrupulous Pedicab Driver|last=Peters|first=Justin|date=July 16, 2013|work=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate Magazine]]|access-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413211425/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2013/07/new-york-city-pedicab-scam-how-not-to-get-scammed-by-a-pedicab-driver.html|archive-date=April 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Recreation===
The [[#Scenic drives|park's drives]], which are {{convert|6.1|mi|km}} long, are used heavily by runners, joggers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and inline skaters.<ref name="Conservancy Running Map"/><ref name="Conservancy Running"/> The park drives contain [[protected bike lane]]s<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bikemap-2019.pdf|title=NYC DOT – Bicycle Maps|date=2019|publisher=[[New York City Department of Transportation]]|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514162629/https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bikemap-2019.pdf|archive-date=May 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and are used as the home course for the racing series of the [[Century Road Club Association]], a [[USA Cycling]]-sanctioned amateur cycling club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crca.net/racing/|title=Racing|publisher=[[Century Road Club Association]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116152118/http://www.crca.net/racing/|archive-date=January 16, 2016|access-date=January 9, 2016}}</ref> In 2021, [[e-scooters]] were legalized in New York, including in Central Park.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Electric Scooters in New York. Rental vs Buying! Tips and Tricks! |url=https://www.centralparktours.net/blog/electric-scooters-in-central-park/ |access-date=July 24, 2021 |website=Central Park Tours |language=en}}</ref> The park is used for professional running, and the [[New York Road Runners]] designated a {{Convert|5|mi|km|abbr=|adj=on}} running loop within Central Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.runningroutes.nyrr.org/centralpark|title=Central Park|publisher=[[New York Road Runners]] Running Routes|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033336/https://www.runningroutes.nyrr.org/centralpark|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[New York City Marathon]] course utilizes several miles of drives within Central Park and finishes outside Tavern on the Green;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/race-day/course|title=The Course|date=August 6, 2014|publisher=TCS [[New York City Marathon]]|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416134439/https://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/race-day/course|archive-date=April 16, 2019}}</ref> from 1970 through 1975, the race was held entirely in Central Park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.podiumrunner.com/culture/history-of-nyc-marathon/|title=The Making of Today's Iconic 5-Borough NYC Marathon|last1=Juva|first1=Theresa|last2=Monico|first2=Nicolle|work=Podium Runner|date=October 29, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2020}}</ref>

There are 26&nbsp;[[baseball field]]s in Central Park: eight on the Great Lawn, six at Heckscher Ballfields near Columbus Circle, and twelve in the North Meadow.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/baseball|title=Central Park Baseball Fields |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321195914/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/baseball |archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/baseball.html |title=Baseball |publisher=Central Park Conservancy|access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417155021/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/baseball.html|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks Fields and Courts">{{cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/M010 |title=Field and Court Usage Report for Central Park|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417155024/https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/M010 |archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> 12&nbsp;[[tennis]] courts, six non-regulation [[Association football|soccer]] fields (which overlap with the North Meadow ball fields), four basketball courts, and a recreation center are in the North Meadow.<ref name="NYC Parks Fields and Courts"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/north-meadow.html |title=North Meadow|publisher=Central Park Conservancy |access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417155023/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/north-meadow.html|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> An additional soccer field and four basketball courts are at Great Lawn.<ref name="NYC Parks Fields and Courts"/> Four [[beach volleyball|volleyball]] courts are in the southern part of the park.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/volleyball|title=Central Park Volleyball Courts|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321195959/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/volleyball|archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Central Park has two [[ice skating]] rinks: Wollman Rink in its southern portion and Lasker Rink in its northern portion.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Central Park Conservancy|title=Ice Skating |url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/ice-skating.html|access-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831125419/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/ice-skating.html|archive-date=August 31, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> During summer, the former is the site of [[Victorian Gardens]] seasonal amusement park,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/victorian-gardens-amusement-park.html |title=Victorian Gardens Amusement Park |publisher=Central Park Conservancy |access-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417155032/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/victorian-gardens-amusement-park.html|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and the latter converts to an outdoor [[swimming pool]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/lasker-pool|title=Central Park Outdoor Pools|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=April 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321200010/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/central-park/facilities/outdoor-pools/lasker-pool|archive-date=March 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/lasker.html |title=Lasker Rink and Pool |publisher=Central Park Conservancy|access-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417155021/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/lasker.html|archive-date=April 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Central Park's [[glaciated rock]] outcroppings attract climbers, especially boulderers, but the quality of the stone is poor, and the climbs present so little challenge that it has been called "one of America's most pathetic boulders".{{sfn|Sherman|1994|pp=226–228}} The two most renowned spots for boulderers are Rat Rock and Cat Rock. Other rocks frequented by climbers, mostly at the south end of the park, include Dog Rock, Duck Rock, Rock N' Roll Rock, and Beaver Rock.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wren|first=Christopher S.|title=A Summit in Central Park|work=The New York Times|date=July 21, 1999|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/21/nyregion/a-summit-in-central-park-boulder-gives-climbers-a-taste-of-the-mountain.html|access-date=April 21, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531223215/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/21/nyregion/a-summit-in-central-park-boulder-gives-climbers-a-taste-of-the-mountain.html|archive-date=May 31, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Concerts and performances===
[[File:SS Venue and Crowd.JPG|thumb|upright=1|alt=The covered stage known as Summerstage with a band entertaining a crowd of people|[[Summerstage]] in Central Park features free musical concerts throughout the summer.]]
Central Park has been the site of concerts almost since its inception. Originally, they were hosted in the Ramble, but these were moved to the Concert Ground next to the Mall in the 1870s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/concerts|title=History of Concerts in Parks|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033334/https://www.nycgovparks.org/about/history/concerts|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The weekend concerts hosted in the Mall drew tens of thousands of visitors from all social classes.{{sfn|Rosenzweig|Blackmar|1992|pp=225–227}} Since 1923, concerts have been held in [[Naumburg Bandshell]], a [[Shell (theater)|bandshell]] of [[Indiana limestone]] on [[Central Park Mall|the Mall]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/19/realestate/streetscapes-naumburg-bandshell-everyone-but-donor-s-family-wants-it-gone.html |title=Streetscapes: The Naumburg Bandshell; Everyone but the Donor's Family Wants It Gone|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=February 19, 1989|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 19, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033337/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/02/19/realestate/streetscapes-naumburg-bandshell-everyone-but-donor-s-family-wants-it-gone.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Named for banker [[Elkan Naumburg]], who funded its construction, the bandshell has deteriorated over the years but has never been fully restored.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/nyregion/central-parks-marred-band-shell-gets-a-golden-pick-me-up.html |title=Gold Touches Up Sullied Band Shell in Central Park|last=Gregory|first=Kia|date=June 24, 2014|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 19, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033340/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/25/nyregion/central-parks-marred-band-shell-gets-a-golden-pick-me-up.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The oldest free classical music concert series in the United States—the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, founded in 1905—is hosted in the bandshell.<ref name="Concerts-Conservancy"/> Other large concerts include ''[[The Concert in Central Park]]'', a [[benefit concert|benefit performance]] by [[Simon & Garfunkel]] in 1981,{{sfn|Eliot|2010|p=174}} and [[Garth: Live from Central Park]], a free concert by [[Garth Brooks]] in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bergren|first=Joe|title=Flashback: Garth Brooks Makes History With 1997 Central Park Concert|publisher=[[KTVB]]|date=August 7, 1997|url=https://www.ktvb.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/flashback-garth-brooks-makes-history-with-1997-central-park-concert/277-462482639|access-date=June 16, 2020}}</ref>

Several arts groups are dedicated to performing in Central Park.<ref name="Concerts-Conservancy">{{Cite web|url=http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/concerts.html |title=Concerts|publisher=Central Park Conservancy|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419091512/http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/concerts.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> These include [[Central Park Brass]], which performs concert series,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/arts/arts-briefing.html |title=Arts Briefing|last=Gelder|first=Lawrence Van|date=June 9, 2004|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 19, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419043300/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/09/arts/arts-briefing.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[New York Classical Theatre]], which produces an annual series of plays.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/14/theater/free-shows-to-see-in-new-york-this-summer.html |title=Free Shows to See in New York This Summer |last=Piepenburg|first=Erik|date=July 14, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 19, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033342/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/14/theater/free-shows-to-see-in-new-york-this-summer.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

There are several regular summer events. The Public Theater presents free open-air theater productions, such as [[Shakespeare in the Park (New York City)|Shakespeare in the Park]], in the Delacorte Theater.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/31/arts/shakespeare-in-the-park.html |title=Shakespeare in the Park|last=Lee|first=A. C|date=May 31, 2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 19, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419034733/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/31/arts/shakespeare-in-the-park.html|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/shakespeare-in-the-park|title=The complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park in NYC|work=Time Out New York|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033333/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/theater/shakespeare-in-the-park|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The City Parks Foundation offers Central Park [[Summerstage]], a series of free performances including music, dance, spoken word, and film presentations, often featuring famous performers.<ref name="Concerts-Conservancy"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/central-park-summerstage|title=Your guide to SummerStage 2019|work=Time Out New York|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419033334/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/central-park-summerstage|archive-date=April 19, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, the [[New York Philharmonic]] gives an open-air concert on the Great Lawn yearly during the summer,<ref name="Concerts-Conservancy"/> and from 1967 until 2007, the Metropolitan Opera presented two operas in concert each year.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gretschel|first=Johanna|title=Jenny Simpson Aims For Sixth Title, Course Record At 5th Avenue Mile|work=FloTrack|date=October 5, 2017|url=http://www.flotrack.org/article/61403-jenny-simpson-aims-for-sixth-title-course-record-at-5th-avenue-mile|access-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012152718/http://www.flotrack.org/article/61403-jenny-simpson-aims-for-sixth-title-course-record-at-5th-avenue-mile|archive-date=October 12, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Every August since 2003, the Central Park Conservancy has hosted the Central Park Film Festival, a series of free film screenings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metro.us/things-to-do/new-york/central-park-movie-nights-2018|title=Here's the schedule for Central Park Movie Nights 2018|date=July 10, 2018|work=Metro US|access-date=August 1, 2019}}</ref>