The ULTIMATE Central Park Guide
Intro
A few things you should know about Central Park:
Vaux and Olmsted
Central Park is man-made. As much as it may feel natural, everything (with very few exceptions) was intentionally put where it is, including lakes, forests, paths, and waterfalls. The masterminds behind all of this are Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. I mention them a lot throughout this guide, so I figured I'd introduce them up front.
Central Park Conservancy
Although most parks in New York fall under the jurisdiction of the NYC Parks Department, they have given full responsibility of Central Park's care to the Central Park Conservancy. The Conservancy is the reason Central Park is as incredible as it is today. How they're able to maintain 843 acres of over 18,000 trees and 58 miles of pathways, with 42 million visitors walking through it all each year, it just astounds me. They are constantly restoring and improving the Park. If you visit today, and then go back 2 years later, I can guarantee the Park will be even better the second time. The Conservancy is funded almost entirely by private donations, so if you can support them, please do.
If you have a few hours to spare, I highly recommend volunteering at Central Park. It's a different way to experience Central Park, you'll meet lots of locals that love the Park as much as I do, and it will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
