FAQ

Welcome to the Central Park FAQ (frequently asked questions). Here you will find general information on a variety of Park features. More specific information can be found throughout the site.

How big is Central Park?
843 acres or 6% of Manhattan's total acreage, including:

• 150 acres in 7 waterbodies
• 250 acres of lawns
• 136 acres of woodlands

How far is it around the whole of Central Park?
6 miles (2.5 miles north to south from 110th Street to 59th Street and .5 miles east to west from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West).

How far is it around the Reservoir Running Track?
1.58 miles

How far is it around the Great Lawn Oval?
.556 miles

How far is it around the Harlem Meer?
.8 miles

How far is it along the Park Drives?
Starting at Engineer's Gate at 90th St. and Fifth Avenue

• Full Loop: 6.1 miles
• Upper Loop, taking 102nd St. cutoff: 5.2 miles
• Lower Loop, taking 72nd St. cutoff: 1.7 miles
• Along the Bridle Path: 4.25 miles
• Along all the pedestrian pathways: 58 miles

When is the Park closed?
Central Park closes at 1am and opens at 6am, 365 days a year.

When are Park Drives open to vehicular traffic?

• West Drive (from 110th Street south to Central Park South and 7th Avenue): Open weekdays 8am-10am and only HOV (high occupancy vehicles) are permitted.
• East Drive (from 72nd Street/Fifth Avenue to 110th Street): Weekdays 3pm-7pm
• Center Drive / East Drive (from the 6th Ave. entrance on Central Park South to the East 72nd Street and 5th Ave. exit): Weekdays 7am-7pm
• 72nd Street Cross Drive(from 72nd Street/Fifth Avenue to West Drive South): Weekdays 8am-10am

What is the speed limit in Central Park?
25 mph

How many people visit Central Park each year?
38 million

How many playgrounds are there in Central Park and where are they?
There are 21 playgrounds scattered throughout the entire park.

Where is...?

• Balto - East 67th Street near the East Drive
• Alice in Wonderland - 75th Street just north of Conservatory Water
• Hans Christian Andersen - 74th Street just west of Conservatory Water
• The Obelisk (Cleopatra's Needle) - 81st Street behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art

There also are 48 other fountains, monuments, and sculptures in Central Park.

How many trees are there in Central Park?
24,000, including 1,700 American Elms.

How many benches are there in Central Park?
Over 9,000, which would stretch 7 miles if placed end to end.

How many bridges and arches are there in Central Park?
36

How many species of birds are there in Central Park?
More than 275 species of migratory birds have been sighted in the Park, a major stopping point on the Atlantic flyway.

How many fountains are there in Central Park?
There are seven ornamental fountains and approximately 150 drinking fountains. The ornamental fountains are:

• Angel of the Waters at Bethesda Terrace
• Burnett Fountain at Conservatory Garden's English garden to the south
• Conservatory Garden's Italian garden in the center
• Untermyer Fountain at Conservatory Garden's French garden to the north
• Cherry Hill
• Sophie Loeb Fountain
• Pulitzer Fountain at Grand Army Plaza

Where can I go for quiet relaxation?
For visitors seeking peace and tranquility in Central Park, there are eight designated Quiet Zones:

• Bethesda Terrace - mid-Park at 72nd Street
• Conservatory Garden - East 105th Street, off Fifth Avenue
• Conservatory Water (Model Boat Pond) - East 73rd to 72nd Streets
• East Green - East 69th to 72nd Streets
• Shakespeare Garden - West 79th Street
• Sheep Meadow - West 66th to 69th Streets
• Strawberry Fields - West 72nd Streets
• Turtle Pond - mid-Park between 79th and 80th Streets

Signs are posted in each of the above areas indicating that they are reserved for quiet enjoyment. Musical instruments are not allowed, headphones are required for radios. In addition:

• Dogs must be leashed and kept on the pathways at all times
• No running, rollerblading, or bike riding
• No organized, active recreation or sports allowed
• Feeding of birds and other wildlife prohibited

Where can I not take my dog?
Dogs are prohibited in playgrounds, display fountains, bodies of water reserved for wildlife, ballfields (Great Lawn, North Meadow, Heckscher), the Elm Islands at the Mall, Sheep Meadow, East Green, Strawberry Fields.

Where must my dog be leashed at all times?
In the woodlands (Ramble, North Woods), on the bridle path, Conservatory Garden, Cedar Hill, Kerbs Boathouse Plaza (at the Model Boat Pond), Arthur Ross Pinteum, Turtle Pond, and other areas where signs are posted.

Is alcohol allowed in the Park?
No. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, which establishes the rules and regulations for all City parks, prohibits alcohol in all parks including Central Park.

Where can I find something I lost?
The Conservancy does not keep a Lost and Found; all items are returned to the Police Precinct, mid-Park at the 86th St. Transverse. You can contact them at 212-570-4820.

Is grilling or barbecuing allowed in the Park?
Grilling, barbecuing, other activities involving fire in the Park are not allowed.