How Big is Central Park?

June 29, 2023

Central Park is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, attracting millions of visitors every year. A sprawling oasis of greenery in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park offers a step back from the remarkable pace of life that is the norm in New York City. But just how big is Central Park? It is a question I am asked often given I choose to visit Central Park every week as a New Yorker.

Central Park covers a total of 843 acres, which is 341 hectares. It stretches from 59th Street to 110th Street and from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West, encompassing lakes, gardens, and walking trails, as well as its famous landmarks such as the Central Park Zoo, Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, and Bethesda Terrace, and even its very own sanctuary.

Geographical Overview

Central Park is a large urban park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It is the most visited urban park in the United States and is known for its vast green spaces, lakes, ponds, and recreational facilities. The park occupies an area of 843 acres (341 hectares). Central Park is bordered by Central Park West on the west side and 5th Ave on the east side. The park’s north end is located at Central Park North (110th Street), and the south end is located at Central Park South (59th Street). The park is a rectangle shape, stretching 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide.

The park has several lakes and ponds, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, Turtle Pond, and Conservatory Water. The Great Lawn is a large open space located in the center of the park, and it is used for various events and activities, such as the Global Citizen and Philharmonic in the Park concerts, picnics, and sports such as the New York Marathon.

Another popular area of the park is Sheep Meadow, which is located near the southwest corner of the park. It is a large grassy area that was once used for grazing sheep, and is now the go to destination for sunbathing, picnicking, and other recreational activities in the summer.

Central Park Size

Central Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering an area of 843 acres, which is 341 hectares or 1.317 sq mi or 3.41 sq km, in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It is 2.5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, which is 4 km long and 0.8 km wide, stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street and from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West.

As a point of comparison, Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco and is six times larger than Vatican City. Central Park is so large that it has its own United States census tract, numbered 143. It is the fifth-largest park in New York City, behind Pelham Bay Park, the Staten Island Greenbelt, Van Cortlandt Park, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

The park’s size allows for a wide variety of landscapes and features, including lakes, ponds, gardens, meadows, wooded areas, and more. With over 10,000 benches, the park offers plenty of seating for visitors to relax and take in the scenery.

How Many Acres is Central Park

Central Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, covering an area of 843 acres, which is 340 hectares. It stretches from 59th to 110th street, which is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long, and from Fifth Avenue to Central Park West, which is about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide.

The park is divided into three sections: the North End, the Mid-Park, and the South End. The North End is located above the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, while the Mid-Park is situated between the reservoir to the north and the Lake and Conservatory Water to the south. The South End is located below the Lake and Conservatory Water.

Each section of the park offers different attractions and activities. The North End is known for its scenic views of the city skyline and the reservoir, which is a popular spot for joggers and walkers, and the Conservatory Garden. The Mid-Park has several playgrounds, ball fields, and the famous Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, and Strawberry Fields. The South End has the Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Rink, and Sheep Meadow .

Visitors can explore the park’s many trails, gardens, and lakes, or participate in various activities such as biking, boating, or ice skating. The park also hosts many events and concerts throughout the year, including the famous Shakespeare in the Park series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total area of Central Park?

Central Park is a vast urban park located in Manhattan, New York City. The park covers an area of 843 acres, which is approximately 1.32 square miles.

How does Central Park compare in size to other parks in New York City?

Central Park is the fifth largest park in New York City behind Pelham Bay Park, the Staten Island Greenbelt, Van Cortlandt Park, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

What are some interesting facts about Central Park?

Central Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the mid-19th century. It was opened in 1858 and is the most visited urban park in the United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors annually, which include New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Path named after Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in Central Park

How long does it take to walk through Central Park?

Walking through Central Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the route taken and the pace of the walker. The park has over 58 miles of pedestrian paths and walkways.

Is Central Park the largest park in the world?

No, Central Park is not the largest park in the world. However, it is often considered the most famous park in the world.