The Year Ahead

Central Park had its share of memorable moments in 2011, from the discovery that nearly 38 million people visit the Park each year to the damage left by two separate storms that destroyed landscapes and cost the Park nearly 1,000 trees.

Doug Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy

Now that we've looked back, it's time to look ahead. We sat down with Conservancy President Doug Blonsky to find out what his top three predictions are for Central Park in 2012. His answers might surprise you.

New Yorkers will discover Manhattan's Adirondacks. "Central Park's best-kept secret is its north end, but it's a shame that it's a secret at all," Blonsky said. The Park's North Woods were originally designed to give city dwellers a taste of upstate New York without ever having to leave Manhattan. But more than 150 years after the Park was created, many New Yorkers still aren't aware of the scenic woodlands ripe for exploration north of 100th Street. Blonsky predicts that 2012 will be the year visitors discover the beauty of the Park's north end, with its tumbling cascades, leafy paths and rustic bridges. "You'll think you're in the Catskills."

In 2012, discover the beauty of Central Park's north end.

Central Park will look a little different this spring. Two destructive storms hit Central Park in 2011: Hurricane Irene in August and the Halloween snowstorm that cost the Park nearly 1,000 trees. The result in spring 2012 will be a thinned canopy that will open new views to visitors and also allow new undergrowth to flourish. "It's a good reminder to us that Central Park is a living thing, and always changing," he said. "You can explore it again and again and still find something new."

There will be more ways than ever for New Yorkers to make Central Park their free "staycation" destination. New Yorkers know that Central Park is the place to be on a beautiful day, whether to take a walk or lay a picnic blanket down on the Great Lawn. "But there are so many ways to enjoy the Park that New Yorkers don't realize, all at little or no cost," said Blonksy. How many people know they can visit Central Park and in one day go swimming, fishing, take a walking tour and then relax with a great gourmet sandwich? With free programs and performances, innovative playgrounds and more food offerings than ever before, there's no need to board a bus or a plane for a day trip. "In 2012, I think more New Yorkers than ever will use Central Park as their ultimate "staycation" destination."