Baseball & Softball
Head to one of Central Park’s 26 ballfields for a great game of baseball or softball with your friends, family, or colleagues. The Great Lawn and Heckscher Ballfields are maintained for softball games, while the North Meadow is for both baseball and softball.
Conservancy crews work every day to keep fields dry, safe, and cared for, pumping water from clay surfaces after rain and raking the diamonds. Ballfields at the North Meadow boast regulation pitching mounds.
To reserve a specific field and game time for leagues, teams or other groups, you’ll need to request a field permit from NYC Parks.
If you’re planning a field day, game tournament, birthday party, or any other type of event that includes activities beyond the use of a field, you’ll need to request a special event permit from NYC Parks.
Otherwise, fields are available for pickup games without a permit, though a permit is the only way to ensure your game is not interrupted. For more information about ballfields and permits, visit the NYC Parks website.
How the Conservancy Creates Bases and Pitcher's Mounds
Go behind-the-scenes to learn how our team prepares the fields for all our visitors to enjoy during the season.
In cases of inclement weather, please call our hotline to learn about the status of a ballfield, as some fields close when it rains or snows:
- Central Park Ballfield Hotline: 212.628.1036
- Great Lawn – ext. 330
- North Meadow – ext. 331
- Heckscher – ext. 332
For information about scheduled ballfield maintenance throughout Central Park, see our alerts and closures page.
How the Conservancy Cares for Ballfields
Play ball! Learn how Central Park's ballfields are meticulously maintained by Conservancy staff, who keep them dry and safe.
When ballfields are closed for the season, Conservancy field staff promote their continued good health by seeding new grass, tending to regrowth, and more.