North Meadow Recreation Center

At 23 acres, the North Meadow is the Park's largest open space, punctuated only by the clay fans of ballfields. Following extensive renovation, the 12 fields for baseball, softball, and soccer reopened for permitted use in the spring of 2000.

The North Meadow Recreation Center (NMRC), which is at the south end of the Meadow, was converted to a recreational facility in the early 1990s and underwent a second refurbishment in 1998. The exterior of the building was preserved to protect its landmark status, but the interior now has a community room used for classes, gatherings, and recreational activities; and basketball and handball courts. Staff use a variety of approaches to encourage fitness and self-esteem among the elementary, middle school, and high school students who participate in NMRC programs. Our free or low-cost courses are coordinated with local schools and community board organizations.

NMRC provides field day kits on loan. On presentation of photo ID, visitors can borrow a kit with a variety of balls, bats, frisbees, and jump ropes.

In the spring of 2006, the Central Park Conservancy constructed a new Soil, Water, and Ecology Lab at the North Meadow Recreation Center to monitor the soil and water in Central Park more closely. Outfitted with completely new equipment, the Lab tends to the specific biological and chemical needs of the Park and also serves as an education center for children and a link between the scientific community and the Conservancy.