Spring is here! It’s time to enjoy the colorful blooms, warm

weather, and fun activities and events in New York

City’s backyard. Ready to head outside? Look no

further — our Spring Guide has everything you need

to know about enjoying this season in Central Park.

The Conservancy’s mission is to restore, manage, and

enhance Central Park in partnership with the public.

We raise 75% of the Park’s annual budget from private

resources and are responsible for all of the essential

work that keeps Central Park beautiful.

IN THIS GUIDE 2 Spring Blooms

in Central Park

4 Family Programs

7 Public Programs Events

8 Youth Programs

9 Benefit Events Member Programs

10 Central Park Map

Spring is here! It’s time to enjoy the colorful blooms, warm weather, and fun activities and events in New York City’s backyard. Ready to head outside? Look no further — our Spring Guide has everything you need to know about enjoying this season in Central Park.

The Conservancy’s mission is to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public. We raise 75% of the Park’s annual budget from private resources and are responsible for all of the essential work that keeps Central Park beautiful.

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY SPRING GUIDE 2018

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SPRING BLOOMS IN CENTRAL PARK

Don’t miss the Dene Slope!LOCATION: East Side from 65th to 67th Street

This is the first spring to visit the newly opened Dene Slope, a vibrant native meadow just south of the Balto statue. In addition to a variety of grasses and wildflowers, the Slope features a trail that leads to a rocky outcrop at the top of the hill and a rustic bench made by our three-person rustic crew. Look closely — mourning doves, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, caterpillars, and other wildlife have been spotted here.

Central Park’s formal six-acre garden is divided into three smaller

gardens, each with a distinct style: the northern is a French-style

garden; the center, an Italianate garden; and the southern is an

English-style garden.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON: More than 45,000 bulbs were

planted last fall in preparation for spring. The earliest blooms

are expected in late March, with others continuing to blossom

throughout May. A display — designed by the Garden’s director

— of 20,000 tulips will bloom in shades of pink, purple, deep red,

and pale yellow in the North Garden alone. Expect this beautiful mix of tulips to peak in the last week of April.

In the South Garden, you’ll find an assortment of deep pink to near-black tulips. A variety of daffodils — some with distinct fragrances, and others with multi-flowering forms or vibrant colors — will also bloom. The Woodland Slope (the Garden’s southern-most path) has thousands of naturalized bulbs (including crocus, squill, and pheasant-eye Narcissus) and many spring-blooming ephemeral plants that mingle with shrubs, trees, and perennials. Soft-yellow winter hazel and Higan cherry trees are favorites.

Each spring, Central Park’s flowers bring bursts of color to New York City. Looking for some of this season’s most photogenic landscapes? Begin at Conservatory Garden, a lush oasis in the northeast corner of Central Park that features beautiful spring blooms each year.

Conservatory GardenLOCATION: East Side from 104th to 106th Street

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY SPRING GUIDE 2018

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SPRING BLOOMS IN CENTRAL PARK

Explore Central Park’s bloomsVisit our online Bloom Guide at centralparknyc.org/bloomguide for an insider’s look at the Park’s most popular blooms. Discover when and where to find blooms all year long, and become an expert on your favorite varieties.

Join us in tracking spring blooms on social media! From cherry trees to tulips, share your favorite bloom sightings with us by tagging @centralparknyc and using the hashtag #CentralParkBloomWatch.

Shakespeare Garden is a four-acre landscape named for the famed English poet and playwright William Shakespeare. The Garden features a diverse array of plants, along with plaques featuring quotes that reference the blooms from Shakespeare’s writings.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS SEASON: Shakespeare Garden is home to an ever-expanding collection of minor bulbs — though they are mostly miniature, they are planted in large quantities to provide sheets of early spring color. Already blooming in the Garden are snowdrops, white bell-shaped flowers. This year, you can also

expect to find unusual double snowdrops. Next to bloom is the winter aconite, a small buttercup-like flower with a frilly collar of green leaves that are a magnet for bees.

In late March through early April, you’ll find crocuses, tulips, and daffodils, along with striped squill, glory of the snow, Scilla siberica, rock garden iris, and fumewort — and those are just the bulbs! Other early blooms in the Garden include winter jasmine and hellebore.

Admire more spring flowers at Shakespeare Garden, another must-see destination this season. The Garden provides a picturesque landscape and abundant blooms within steps of Delacorte Theater — the summer home of the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park.

Shakespeare GardenLOCATION: West Side between 79th and 80th Streets

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FAMILY PROGRAMS

Discovery Programs are generously supported by The Dr. Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation.

STATUES AND MONUMENTS | FreeSaturdays, April 7, 21 & May 12 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am In front of the Samuel F. B. Morse statue, inside the Park at 72nd Street and Fifth Avenue

Join us on a kid-friendly adventure as we discover the secrets and mysteries of Central Park’s most beloved children’s sculptures! Highlights of this guided walk include Balto, Alice in Wonderland, and Hans Christian Andersen.

TOWERING TREES | FreeSaturdays, April 14 & May 5, 19 | 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Monday, May 28 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues)

Take a hike through the North Woods and learn how to tell a maple from an oak! Discover how trees — from seeds to leaves — contribute to the health of an urban woodland community.

GARDENS | FreeSaturdays, April 28 & May 26 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am Vanderbilt Gate at Conservatory Garden (Fifth Avenue and 105th Street)

Explore thousands of blooms in Conservatory Garden using hands-on activities to investigate the role they play in making the Park beautiful and healthy. Learn how our winged friends use the area and what it takes to maintain the Park’s only formal garden.

Discovery Walks for FamiliesBring your family for a guided walk and discover why Central Park is a sanctuary for plants, animals, and humans alike. Learn about the architecture, landscapes, and ecosystems of the Park through hands-on exploration using Discovery Kits — rugged backpacks filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, and hand lenses. Visit centralparknyc.org/discoverywalks for more information and to register.

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FAMILY PROGRAMS continued

Connect your children to nature through exploration of Central Park! When you join our Discovery Club, you have the opportunity to participate in a variety of engaging family programs designed to teach you about Central Park’s design, history, and habitats. The more programs you enjoy, the richer your experiences with the Park will be.

Join the club by getting your activity card. Earn a punch on your card each time you:

• Borrow a Discovery Kit • Go on a free Discovery Walk for Families • Complete a Discovery Journal • Participate in our Keeping it Green for

Families program • Volunteer in the Park with your family through

Pitch In, Pick Up • Take your family out for catch-and-

release fishing

Collect 5 punches to receive a free Discovery Notebook. Young Central Park explorers can jot down findings and observations in this rugged notebook.

Collect 10 punches to receive a free Discovery Club bandana. Kids can wear it with pride as an official steward of Central Park!

Rewards are available at all visitor centers. Get the activity card at one of our visitor centers, at an eligible program, or by visiting centralparknyc.org/discoveryclub.

NEW! Discovery Club

Discovery JournalsDiscovery Journals, best for ages 6 to 10, help kids investigate the connections between the design, plants, wildlife, and people in the Park using trivia, puzzles, writing prompts, and more. Journals are available for the Mall and Bethesda Terrace, the North Woods, Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and other popular areas of the Park.

Download your own at centralparknyc.org/discoveryjournals, or get them at any visitor center.

Discovery KitsBorrow a Discovery Kit for a Central Park adventure! Discovery Kit backpacks are filled with kid-friendly binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, colored pencils, and sketch paper. Best for ages 6 to 10. Discovery Kits are available at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center and Chess & Checkers House.

Visit centralparknyc.org/discoverykits for more information.

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FAMILY PROGRAMS continued

Pitch In, Pick UpVolunteering to Pitch In, Pick Up is a great way to help keep Central Park clean and beautiful. After a brief orientation, you will be given a trash grabber, gloves, and garbage bag for litter. Individuals and families of five or fewer may participate on a drop-in basis at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Chess & Checkers House, and North Meadow Recreation Center. Visit centralparknyc.org/pitchinpickup for more information.

Catch-and-Release FishingThe Harlem Meer is a thriving aquatic ecosystem that supports a wide variety of fish, waterfowl, turtles, plants and microorganisms. Stop by the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center to borrow fishing poles and bait for catch-and- release fishing at the Meer — we’ll also provide instructions! Reservations are required for groups of five or more (30 people max). Visit centralparknyc.org/fishing for more information.

Keeping It Green for FamiliesSpend quality time with your family while helping keep Central Park healthy, diverse, and colorful. By getting your hands dirty in the Park’s landscapes, you’ll learn more about horticulture while having fun along the way.

Sundays, April 8, 22 & May 6, 20 & June 3, 17 10:00 am – 11:30 am

This activity is for families only, maximum of 3 children per parent/guardian; no groups. Ages 4+. Visit centralparknyc.org/keepingitgreen to register. Location is provided after registering.

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Youth Education and Service Programs are supported in part by The Barker Welfare Foundation; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Epstein Teicher Philanthropies; Abraham Perlman Foundation; The Pinkerton Foundation; and William E. Weiss Foundation, Inc./Daryl Brown Uber.

VISITOR CENTERSCentral Park contains five visitor centers — find the one nearest to you.

Charles A. Dana Discovery CenterInside Central Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues

Chess & Checkers HouseMid-Park at 64th Street

Dairy Visitor Center & Gift ShopMid-Park between 64th and 65th Streets

Columbus Circle Information KioskWest 59th Street at Central Park West

Belvedere CastleMid-Park at 79th Street Note: Belvedere Castle is closed for renovations and will reopen in 2019.

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PUBLIC PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

CHESS LECTURE AND SIMUL SERIES | FreeSaturday, June 16 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Chess & Checkers House (Mid-Park at 64th Street)

Learn techniques from some of the best names in chess, and then put your new skills to the test with fellow players at our special chess lecture and simul series. Ages 6+; prior experience required. Attendees must be present for the entire program to play. Registration begins at 10:00 am. Visit centralparknyc.org/chesslecture for more details.

DON’T FORGETMembers receive discounted tickets on all Official Central Park Tours. Not a member?

SPRING BLOOMS: CONSERVATORY GARDEN TOUR | Tickets: $15 (Members $10)Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28 & May 5, 12, 19, 26 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm Wednesdays, April 25 & May 9 | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Vanderbilt Gate at Conservatory Garden (Fifth Avenue and 105th Street)

Celebrate spring with a staff-led tour featuring thousands of colorful tulips, two picturesque allées of blooming crabapple trees, and a magnificent wrought-iron gate made in 1894. Conservatory Garden looks unlike anything else in Central Park — learn about its history, design, and blooms from the people who know it best. Last Saturday of every month is free with registration.

THE NORTH WOODS Wednesday, April 4 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am Sunday, May 6 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues)

Along with beautiful arches and peaceful waterfalls, the North Woods provides 40 acres of vibrant habitat in the middle of New York City.

HALLETT NATURE SANCTUARY AND THE POND Sunday, April 29 | 8:00 am – 9:30 am,

10:00 am – 11:30 amWednesday, May 9 | 8:00 am – 9:30 am Thursday, May 10 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am Chess & Checkers House (Mid-Park at 64th Street)

Preserved for decades as a bird sanctuary, the Hallett provides space for a diverse wildlife population while serving as a peaceful haven for visitors.

BIRDING BASICS | Tickets: $15 (Members $10)Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Central Park welcomes more than 270 bird species each year. Learn the basics of bird identification while exploring one of the Park’s woodland landscapes. How many birds can you spot on this tour?

Official Central Park ToursGet an insider’s perspective on the history, design, and landscapes of Central Park on an official tour. Take one of our special seasonal tours below, or enjoy a year-round signature offering. Visit centralparknyc.org/tours to purchase tickets and see our full schedule of tours.

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YOUTH PROGRAMSYOUTH BASKETBALL CLINIC | FreeSaturdays, April 7 – October 27 Ages 5 – 8 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am Ages 9 – 17 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm North Meadow Recreation Center (Mid-Park at 97th Street)

Young athletes can enhance their basketball skills through small group instruction and competitive games in this high-energy, interactive clinic. Designed to help players of all levels develop both on the court and off, these clinics focus on skill development, team play, and sportsmanship. Ages 5 to 17; open to players of all abilities. Visit centralparknyc.org/basketballclinic to register.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSMonday, July 2 – Friday, August 17 Application Deadline: April 30

Our full-time, paid internship offers high school students the opportunity to help care for Central Park while also contributing to New York City’s overall health and vibrancy. Interns are paired with mentors in horticulture, visitor services, and public programs for seven weeks over the Park’s busiest season, and come together every Friday for group activities or projects at other parks or environmental organizations.

Acceptance is through a competitive application process. Students ages 16 and up by June 1 are eligible to apply. Interns work five days per week with schedules varying depending on the position (some include weekends). Visit centralparknyc.org/summerinternship to apply.

ROOTS (Restoration of the Outdoors Organized by Teen Students)Saturdays, October – November | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm Application Available: June 8

The ROOTS program gives high school students the opportunity to complete a semester-long ecological restoration and management project in the woodlands, and then use those skills to contribute to a restoration project outside of Central Park. Projects include maintaining rustic trails, removing invasive plants, and cultivating new plantings.

Participants build their network of environmentally minded teens while contributing to larger urban stewardship efforts. Acceptance is through a competitive application process. Grades 9 to 12. Visit centralparknyc.org/roots to apply.

GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT IN THE 2018 TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHONRunners, now is the time to make your miles matter and run for Central Park. Join Team Central Park and receive guaranteed entry into the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon, complimentary one-year membership to the Conservancy, tickets for friends and family to attend our Marathon Breakfast and Viewing Party on race day, VIP seating at the Conservancy’s Film Festival, invitations to team meet-ups, and more!

Limited spots are available.

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY SPRING GUIDE 2018

BENEFIT EVENTS

Visit centralparknyc.org/mp to register and

view our full schedule of member programs. Not a member?

Drawing Class with Jessica Daryl Winer at the Dene Free for membersSaturday, April 28 | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Dene Landscape (East Side from 66th to 69th Street)

Hone your creative skills in this drawing class with an expert Central Park artist.

Hound HikesBring your canine companion on a guided tour of Central Park’s most beautiful landscapes.

ICONIC VIEWS OF CENTRAL PARK Free for membersSunday, April 15 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop (Mid-Park between 64th and 65th Streets)

THE NORTH WOODS Free for membersSunday, May 13 | 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (110th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues)

Show your support for Central Park with a Conservancy membership. Our members help keep Central Park beautiful and blooming throughout the spring season. Benefits include reduced ticket prices, discounts in Central Park, and access to exclusive members-only events and programs. Visit centralparknyc.org/membership to join today.

MEMBER PROGRAMS

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Evening in the GardenWednesday, June 20 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Conservatory Garden (East Side from 104th to 106th Street)

The Greensward Circle, Central Park Conservancy’s network of young professionals, presents this annual summer benefit for young New Yorkers to enjoy great food, cocktails, and live music in the Park’s six-acre formal garden.

Visit centralparknyc.org/evening to purchase tickets.

Taste of SummerPresented by

Wednesday, June 6 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Bethesda Terrace (Mid-Park at 72nd Street)

This benefit event with culinary flair combines the chance to taste delectable dishes from the City’s best restaurants with the unparalleled beauty of an evening at Bethesda Terrace. Taste of Summer features cuisine from top New York City restaurants, including The Plaza, who will host the Taste Café, along with craft cocktails, music and dancing, and a luxury-filled silent auction.

Visit centralparknyc.org/taste to purchase tickets.

Playground Partners Annual Family PartyGenerously supported by

Wednesday, May 23 | 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm Heckscher Playground (Mid-Park from 61st to 63rd Street)

Bring the whole family for this celebration of Central Park’s playgrounds, featuring a ball pit, chess games, sports activities, magic, delicious snacks, and more!

Visit centralparknyc.org/playgroundparty to purchase tickets.

Join us for our exclusive benefit events and support the Conservancy’s ongoing work to restore, manage, and enhance Central Park.

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CENTRAL PARK MAPHoursCentral Park opens at 6:00 am and closes at 1:00 am, 365 days a year.

Visitor Centers and Facilities Start your trip at a visitor center.

Look for this icon on the map.

Charles A. Dana Discovery Center 110th Street between Fifth & Lenox Avenues

Dairy Visitor Center & Gift Shop Mid-Park at 65th Street

Chess & Checkers House Mid-Park at 64th Street

Columbus Circle Information Kiosk Central Park West at 59th Street

Belvedere Castle Mid-Park at 79th Street Note: Belvedere Castle is closed for renovations and will reopen in 2019.

Connect with us @centralparknyc

centralparknyc.org

Park Drive (shared by pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles)

Transverse Road (vehicles only)

Pedestrian Path (pedestrians only)

Bridle Path (no bicyclists)

Emergency Call Box or Dial 911

Visitor Center

Playground

Information Kiosk

Food / Closed in Winter

Restrooms / Closed in Winter

Wheelchair Accessible

Map Key

Points of Interest

W WEST

W 103 The Ravine / The Loch

W 101 The Pool

W 79 Shakespeare Garden

W 74 Bow Bridge

W 72 Strawberry Fields /

Imagine Mosaic

W 72 Cherry Hill

E EAST

E 107 Harlem Meer

E 105 Conservatory Garden

Open year-round, 8:00 am to dusk.

Tours offered Saturdays, 11:00 am,

April through October

E 90 Reservoir

From 86th to 96th Street

E 81 Obelisk (Cleopatra’s Needle)

E 75 Alice in Wonderland

E 74 Conservatory Water

E 72 Bethesda Terrace /

Bethesda Fountain

E 68 The Mall (Literary Walk)

From 66th to 72nd Street

E 67 Balto

E 62 Gapstow Bridge