Arthur Ross Pinetum
A four-acre arboretum northwest of the Great Lawn, the Arthur Ross Pinetum was established in the 1970s and features a collection of 17 different species of pine trees.
The collection is particularly impressive in the winter, bringing a welcome swath of green and a suggestion of an evergreen forest to this section of the Park. Several picnic tables and the all-ages Pinetum Playground, which features several swing sets, provide additional ways for visitors to enjoy the area.
During the 19th century, pine trees were prominent in this location. As part of their original plan for Central Park, designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux created the “Winter Drive,” a section of the West Drive stretching from 72nd Street to 102nd Street. Its edges were planted with pine trees and other conifers for visitors to enjoy from their horse-drawn carriages or sleighs in the winter. By the end of the 19th century, most of these trees were replaced with deciduous trees.
In the 1970s, native New Yorker and philanthropist Arthur Ross set out to return pine trees to this area of the Park. During his career in the pulp and paper business, Ross developed an interest in evergreens. He also believed the scenic beauty of this section of the Park was marred by the maintenance buildings along the 86th Street Transverse Road and hoped to screen them from view. In 1971, working with the Parks Department, he funded a modest planting of native white pines and over time added additional species, including some from Macedonia, Japan, and the Himalayas.
Things you can do here
Tours
Seneca Village Tour
2:00 pmBefore Central Park was built, the area from West 82nd to West 89th Street was home to Seneca Village, the largest community of African-American property owners in New York.
Tags: History
Self-Guided Tours
Peace and Quiet With a Dose of History
Enjoy a sliver of the Park’s natural splendor.
Tags: History / Art & Architecture
Guides
Picnic Guide
Central Park is home to lawns, benches, and picnic tables across its 843 acres, providing countless great picnic spots.
Tags: Kids and Families / Wildlife
Guides
A Guide to the Perfect Central Park Date
New Yorkers and visitors alike often regard Central Park as one of the City’s most romantic destinations. We’ve put together a guide to the Park’s most magical places to bring your beloved.
Guides
A Guide to Summering Safely in Central Park
Central Park provides New Yorkers a welcome escape from the intensity of NYC summers, but Park-goers should still take necessary precautions to stay cool, healthy, and hydrated during their visits.
Tags: Kids and Families / Health & Fitness / Wildlife
Also in the area
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Park Information
How to be an Instagram Pro in Central Park
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an amateur wielding a phone, here are some of our favorite shutter-worthy spots in the winter.
Tags: Winter
Plants and Trees
Sprucing Up the Place: The Evergreen Trees of Central Park
Get to know the science and history behind the plants that keep their hue throughout the winter, offering a dependable splash of color to New Yorkers when they need it most.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Winter / About the Conservancy / Trees / Nature Lovers
Things to See and Do
20 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter
Things to See and Do
How to Spend the Holiday Season in Central Park
The holidays are a wonderful time to visit Central Park! Here are some ways to make lasting memories in the Park during the final few months of the year.
Tags: Winter
Things to See and Do
From the Mailbag: Solitude, Sports, and Skyline Views
We received curious inquiries on everything from the best places to take skyline photos to the history of the Minton tile ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.
Tags: Tips for Visiting