One of New Yorks biggest gems. A beautiful park right in the middle of Manhattan. It is a must visit for every tourist coming here. You can spend hours walking around the park. Perfect place for a morning or afternoon walk. If you are lucky you might also be able to spot some really cool looking birds around the park. Highly recommend.

One of the best parks I have ever visited in my life. It was so alluring and peaceful. It’s so big that even one day is not enough for you to completely explore every inch of the park . It great place for weekend getaways with children. It itself has a fort, pond, reservoir zoo and whatever you look for. A great place to relieve yourself in the ever busy City

This park is filled with love! This is a location in the city away from the city. You can see everything from a waterfalls to beautiful bridges. The best thing is the people. Once you enter this park you see smiles and happiness. This place is a must visit for a New York stay! Hey Dont forget a NY Pretzel and have a slice of pizza!

Always beautiful during the fall season. People are definitely doing a good job with social distancing. Everyone wearing mask etc... I felt safe at all times especially with the kids.

The ongoing pandemic has definitely taken a toll on a lot of businesses and public places since a consumer’s mindset to buy anything outside of essentials or to visit a public place like a park or beach, has crippled down significantly. Now by living with what has become the new normal, it is commendable on how these businesses and public places continue to remain open and cater to the general public by following the safety standards. It is now all the more important that we as customers, support these heroes during these dark hours to mankind.People who visit NYC are mostly asked if they have visited the Times Square, Empire State or the WTC, but not this beauty of a park - Central Park! In the world’s busiest urban setting, there lies this historical park that goes across the length and breadth across the ‘heart’ of NYC and literally serves as the Lungs of NYC.Getting here was a dream come true moment for me. I’ve watched Central Park in some of the South Indian movies when I was back in India and even in the Netflix series ‘You’ and never thought I would be able to walk around the same places, in real life.The park has people from all walks of life walking, playing and jogging around. Even the famous Central Park squirrels know the norms of Social distancing and stayed a distance apart, while gathering all they can before the winter sets in. The park still had traces of Autumn left in it and I only wished I had got here a month back.In all honesty, I was not able to cover all of this massive urban greenery in one visit and would love to do more of it across all seasons, in the coming months. This place in no doubt is a Photographer’s dream destination.If you are here and need a break from the bustling NYC setting, grab a lunch and spend some time in this beautiful park.

It is full of wonderful places to relax and take in the scenery...You dont have to visit the same places and discover new ones all the time. I love riding my bike and exploring the off the path places. I never knew just how great this park is...recommend!

Central Park is a stunning, well thought out, and unique place which I enjoy without fail on every visit. There is always a new area to discover, whether by chance or by choice - Bethesda Terrace, The Ramble, Shakespeare Garden, etc. - always something to discover and appreciate. Areas for picnics, for outdoor events, sports, sunbathing, reading, family time, even spots where you feel you’re on a forest trail. Magical too - I often see people doing photo shoots, once even four brides in a day. Plus you can exercise, go to the playground, relax on the benches - endless options. So grateful for the city’s backyard.

An absolutely stunning park in the heart of one of the world’s largest cities! Even on the rainy days, this park was still beautiful and serene. The trails and the bridges are gorgeous and the statues are a very nice compliment. A truly amazing park, but in the night it can be dangerous, so watch out.

Set in the heart of Manhattan Island, surrounded by skyscrapers, office buildings and tenement housing, Central Park in NYC is one of the great parks of the world. You can take a leisurely stroll through the trees, go jogging (like so many others do), go ice skating (as seen in so many movies over the years), or just relax. Whatever you choose, soak it up, and definitely take some pics!

DescriptionNew York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square.DescriptionNew York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square.

Beautiful love the horse riding tour the ice skating so much fun. A little paradise in NYC

Its such a great place to visit with family, friends, or partner. You can see a lot of people walking around, having a chit-chats and having some laughs, children playing around, and other stuff people doing. There were also food stalls and benches you can sit on. Great scenery and nice atmosphere. Highly recommended to visit in New York! Will definitely come back here when I have a chance.

Modern marvel of public design and a beautiful place to escape the concrete jungle. So very many secret and wonderful spots to enjoy.

This park is huge! Not being from New York I didnt realize this park was so big! It really is an awesome getaway form the rest of the city. A good place to come and relax or chill. If youre in New York you definitely have to stop by Central Park.

The Central Park is as charming as usual. Of course these days we expect the magic to come because the Christmas and New Year are coming. The Park is the nice place to walk and to enjoy the nature: trees, lakes, birds on the trees and on the water.

A must-see gem of New York City! Make sure you dedicate an entire day to the park as there is so much to see and explore (the park is huge). If you plan where you want to enter and exit the park, you can also be in good shape to grab a meal before or after by jutting out at the South, North or middle of the park. So many options, such a wonderful park to experience.

This is a fantastic park with plenty of room to do things such as routine working out which many do. Its also a place to try things at. A number of vendors do sell their wares at Central Park with interesting assortments of food & drink. And if you really have plenty of time to spare on a certain day & the proper attire The Met which, is a high end Museum is located on the Eastern side of the park open for you to peruse. Truly a masterpiece amongst parks Ive been to & worth spending recreational time at as well.

Central Park is always a place of peace and tranquility in an otherwise hectic city. Just go! Its also popular for lovers, and who doesnt like love? Congrats to this man I caught proposing! Long life to you both!

I love going to central park, there are so many things you could do. Its just the right place to unwind and get that feeling of nature in a city thats completely overtaken by the hustle and bustle of daily life.

One of the best scenic view in the city. The ambience is amazing. Must visit preferably before 6pm and sit, eat, enjoy the sun(if its clear sky).

I love this historic gem. Its man-made but so well planned I often forget that. Good job Frederick Law Olmsted! Visited the Bow Bridge, The Brambles (thank God, no Amy Cooper there), Belvedere Castle and Seneca Village. Go! Wander, do yourself a favor.

Center Park is one of the biggest park in the world. As it is huge we decided to rent a bike to explore it. They rent bikes in the beginning near Christopher Colombus statue. We was going all around. Stopping for photos and having some snacks inside of the park in the small shops that were selling sweets. We spent almost a whole day there and I recommend to reserve at least half a day for it, as it is the park that is viewed in most Hollywood movies.

Central Park is a must. Each visit is more enjoyable than the previous one. You will always discover new places & sensations. Very inspiring

Central Park is amazing. If you want to escape the city and escape from the hustle and bustle of New York this is certainly a great spot to explore. Tons of outdoor activities and amazing art to enjoy. Fun for everyone, even if that means just lounging in the grass.

Central Park is an urban park in New York City located between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan. It is the fifth-largest park in the city by area, covering 843 acres (3.41 km2). It is the most visited urban park in the United States with an estimated 38 million visitors annually, and is the most filmed location in the world.

Biked from South to North ends of the park. Was such an amazing, beautiful day! The weather was perfect!

This is one of the best park in the world. So big, beautiful . It’s literally just enormous.But I 100% agree, that we need more police presence in the park, many crimes happen in the North part of it...

You will need a lot time to walk around the whole park. Many things to see in the park...like fountain, bridges, castle, statue...Every time of the season has a beautiful side of the park.

It’s a pretty good place to hang out with close ones. If you go alone try a cycle rent. Awesome way to self discover.

I love Central Park. I went to school on 5th Ave and lived nearby. Some of my favorite memories are here.I was there recently and had just as good a timeA must visit for tourist and those new to the city

Love me some Central Park! Nice place to visit with friends and family. Make sure you take a carriage ride.

A view of Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake. ... Commissioned by state legislature in 1853, it is the first landscaped public park in the U.S. It now draws around 35 million visitors every year.Central Park is the perfect place for bicycling. Enjoy scenic views, conquer hilly terrain, or both! Cyclists share drives with runners, walkers, skaters, horse carriages, and more

A must visit when in NYC. So many beautiful parts of the park. Don’t limit yourself to the southern part of the park. Take the subway to the northern side and walk down the east side of the park.

I love ️Central Park, when I’m inside the park I feel transported to another part outside the fast pace and loud city. Central Park is a place you go to scape the fast pace of life of NYC.

Perhaps the best spot to take a stroll in New York.You can stroll around the recreation center and overlook that youre in a city, This spot is serene.It is the most visited metropolitan park in the U.S.A, and is the most recorded area on the planet.You will essentially observe nearly everything in it from Zoo, little stops, open spaces, various play areas, pontoon rides, Lots of history, bistros, numerous sellers, Many individuals strolling and running in the recreation center, thus significantly more.

Just an amazing park and I come from a city of one of the first and best park systems nationwide ! The carriage ride and Central Park fountain was great! We fed the horse carrots and took many pics with him! He was awesome! Also, the pics of the surrounding buildings at night was really truly exceptional if you love architecture. Some of the most amazing displays of many prominent American architecture! Especially at night!

An absolutely charming place. Here you can enjoy nature. Or you can sing along to street musicians. Or dance to your favorite tune. You can just lie on the grass. Or you can go jogging or cycling. Are you tired? You can continue your ride on a cycle rickshaw or horse-drawn carriage. The park is magnificent at any time of the year

One of the best places to go for a walk in New York.You can walk around the park and forget that youre in the middle of a city, This place is very peaceful.It is the most visited urban park in the U.S.A, and is the most filmed location in the world.You will basically see almost everything in it from Zoo, small parks, open spaces, different playgrounds, boat rides, Lots of history, cafes, many vendors, Many people walking and running in the park, and so much more.the scenery is great, Beautiful views of NYC.The Best park youll ever go to!I love NYC.

A great place to jog in Central Park is the Ramble. The bow bridge is within the ramble the Bethesda terrace and the Burnett fountain are all in the same vicinity. Central Park is huge! Going to all the landmarks in one day is difficult! If you do have only one day and are not local I’d recommend going to the great lawn or the reservoir! Cheers :)

Top 5 special places in all of New York City. Year-round urban paradise without compare.

The most beautiful park in the world! I visited many parks in Europe and US, but Central Park is unique.

A beautiful serene park in the centre of hustle bustle New York City’s Manhattan. It’s always fun to visit the park during summer. Park offers many touristy attractions and it can be covered through different modes of transport: biking, 2 wheeler scooter

This was my very first visit to The Met. Extra special precautions made by staff to ensure social distancing were made.The garden was especially amazing!A wonderful and smooth experience.

What a great and big park in the center of busy hectic city like New Yorks Manhattan. It is really big! And, it took me about 2,5 hours walking under the morning sunlight from the Entrance at the 5 Avenue Station and the 110 St-Cathedral Parkway Station. And it was an amazing journey. I passed the Central Park Zoo, saw the Central Park Carousel, The Bow Bridge and the Lake, walk along the Ramble, short rest at the JKO Reservoir, ending at the Loch, and the North Wood. Amazing...

Central Park is simply splendid. You can easily spend an entire day just by sitting. Take your picnic blanket and lie down on the grass and enjoy the green atmosphere. Its also massive to walk / run / cycling. Very well-maintained, clean and has a friendly environment. You can also see some of the scenery from various movies. This place is a gem in Manhattan. Dont leave New York without visiting Central Park

Love central park. I can get lost in here exploring. And by lost I dont mean literally. But I do love my walks in here, in any of its territory. I recommend it one thousand percent.

The most beautiful public park in NYC. Especially gorgeous in the fall for taking scenic photographs. A must tourist attraction!

One of the most beautiful places to visit. Always a pleasure walking here - so much to do, so much to see, make sure to check out the Bethesda fountain. Blessings!

Summer was good, autumn even better. Mask on all the time.

Central Park is always a place of peace and tranquility in an otherwise hectic city. Just go! Its also popular for lovers, and who doesnt like love? Congrats to this man I caught proposing! Long life to you both!

I love this place. We are visit to NY on vacation. So this place is the only place for do exercise.

It is rather challenging to adequately convey the enchanting and enthralling characteristics of Central Park through the written word alone.With a seemingly infinite number of foot & bike paths that weave & wind their way through a vast expanse of towering trees, foliage, fields, and greenery of all kinds. Central Park is very much a place that must be experienced first hand in order to fully take in all the charm and splendor it has to offer.

This place just has an amazing feeling to it. In the heart of the busy city you can escape it all. Amazing is all I can say

Beautiful walks and even better views. Extremely peaceful (may be due to the current pandemic). Makes me wish I lived nearby.

We were ice skating and it was my first time to do ice skating but the staff were very attentive planning to come back very soon .

Between 1821 and 1855, New York Citys population nearly quadrupled. As the city expanded northward up Manhattan Island, people were drawn to the few existing open spaces, mainly cemeteries, for passive recreation. These were seen as escapes from the noise and chaotic life in the city, which at the time was composed mostly of Lower Manhattan.[33] The Commissioners Plan of 1811, the outline for Manhattans modern street grid, included several smaller open spaces but not Central Park.[34] As such, John Randel Jr. had surveyed the grounds for the construction of intersections within the modern-day park site. The only remaining surveying bolt from his survey is embedded in a rock north of the present Dairy and the 66th Street transverse, marking the location where West 65th Street would have intersected Sixth Avenue.[35][36]SiteEditBy the 1840s, members of the citys elite were publicly calling for the construction of a new large park in Manhattan.[33] At the time, Manhattans seventeen squares comprised a combined 165 acres (67 ha) of land, the largest of which was the 10-acre (4.0 ha) Battery Park at Manhattan islands southern tip.[37] These plans were endorsed by New York Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant,[38][39][40] and by Andrew Jackson Downing, one of the first American landscape designers.[38][40][41]One of the first sites considered was Joness Wood, a 160-acre (65 ha) tract of land between 66th and 75th streets on the Upper East Side. The acquisition was controversial because of its location, small size, and cost.[42][43][44] A bill to acquire Joness Wood was invalidated as unconstitutional,[45][46] and so attention turned to a second site: a 750-acre (300 ha) area known as the Central Park, bounded by 59th and 106th streets between Fifth and Eighth avenues.[45][47] Croton Aqueduct Board president Nicholas Dean, who proposed the Central Park site, chose it because the Croton Aqueducts 35-acre (14 ha), 150-million-US-gallon (570×106 L) collecting reservoir would be in the geographical center.[45][47] In July 1853, the New York State Legislature passed the Central Park Act, authorizing the purchase of the present-day site of Central Park.[48][49]Map of the former Seneca Village from Vieles survey for Central ParkThe board of land commissioners conducted property assessments on more than 34,000 lots in the area,[50] completing them by July 1855.[51] While the assessments were ongoing, proposals to downsize the plans were vetoed by mayor Fernando Wood.[51][52][53] At the time, the site was occupied by free black people and Irish immigrants who had developed a property-owning community there since 1825.[54][55] Most of the Central Park sites residents lived in small villages, such as Pigtown;[56][57] Seneca Village;[58] or in the school and convent at Mount St. Vincents Academy.[59] Clearing began shortly after the land commissions report was released in October 1855,[50][60] and approximately 1,600 residents were evicted under eminent domain.[58][61][62] Though supporters claimed that the park would cost just $1.7 million,[63] the total cost of the land ended up being $7.39 million (equivalent to $203 million in 2019), more than the price that the United States would pay for Alaska a few years later.[64][65][66]Design contestEditIn June 1856, Fernando Wood appointed a consulting board of seven people, headed by author Washington Irving, to inspire public confidence in the proposed development.[67][68] Wood hired military engineer Egbert Ludovicus Viele as the parks chief engineer, tasking him with a topographical survey of the site.[69][70][71] The following April, the state legislature passed a bill to authorize the appointment of four Democratic and seven Republican commissioners,[67][72] who had exclusive control over the planning and construction process.[73][74][75] Though Viele had already devised a plan for the park,[76] the commissioners disregarded it and retained him to complete only the topographical surveys.[77][78] The Central Park Commission began hosting a landscape

I have lived here all my life. I find the park beautiful and generous in size. People play sports and weather permitting have picnics. It is a lovely oasis. It is one of the great attributes of living in new York city.

Ive always loved this place since I was a child, brings back a lot of good childhood memories. Its also been cleaned up a lot since the 80s.

Came in early June, entered from E. 79th and 5th Ave, exited at Columbus Circle. Beautiful. It was early, not a lot of people (also because of COVID-19), so it was quiet. Beautiful, green, serene, and kind of surreal. Just walk around and you’ll find something worth stopping for. Props to the Parks Dept. for working hard!

I love this park!! Even though it was chilly when I went here, still, I found it enjoyable to stroll around. For sure will come here again if I visit New York in the future

Whats not to love about central park? Huge park with different sceneries, cant miss it. Fall is particularly pretty. Photos from 11/8

Always loved this park. It has some really nice spots to relax and enjoy even with a full crowd.

Theres no words to describe something as so beautiful so..... Meaningful,its magical. If you are from outta town then central park should definitely be on yours folks lists of things to do. Take care and happy site seeing.

People watching Paradise. If you are looking for cheap entertainment, head on down to Central Park. For no cost to you, you can enjoy the entire spectrum of humanity within one hour. Sane or crazy, big, small, wide, thin, decent, vulgar, it’s all here in public display.

It is full of wonderful places to relax and take in the scenery...You dont have to visit the same places and discover new ones all the time. I love riding my bike and exploring the off the path places.

Very popular place, but now its not so crowded. Because of the COVID-19...at least we get something positive out of it.

As always it is great to come here and stroll around. Nice statues and monuments. The reservoir is a great way to distract ones mind from the stress of everyday life. Central Park has come a long way from what it used to be. Highly recommend it. Also a great plus for the public bathrooms.

Unlike most of the city that has experienced a severe drop off in foot traffic, Central Park is vibrant and full of people.

Central Park is one of the best parks in the country. There are many amazing statues such as the Alice in Wonderland exhibit as well as The Obelisk. There are many areas you can disappear away from the crowds or get in the center of a group event. Many free courts to play basketball or fields for baseball. I really enjoy driving remote boats around the pond in the center.

Love the vibe here!!!Lovely music with great view.Good place to hangout, picnic, meet friends, play music, do exercise, reading and do nothing!

The whole world wants to go to central park for sure atleast once in their lives. Fall is always glorious not best photos but gives you a feel

An expansive park to go on a long run if need be. Or just take an easy stroll and take in the scenery. Beautiful anytime of year, just be sure to dress accordingly

Too much people a lot without mask. The views were amazing.

A BEAUTIFUL PLACE AND A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE ONES BIRTHDAY EQUALS A GREAT PAIR THE NY HORSE AND CARRIAGE SERVICES WAS OUTSTANDING

First time going was amazing. there was skaters and musicians. there also was a dog park. this place has everything you can ask for from people on roller skates dancing to music to skaters failing tricks. this is a destination everyone will enjoy

Beautiful spot in the city! So much to see and so much to explore. Wish people were cleaner (disappointing that we liter) and horses were not legal for labor in the city,....other than that I think it’s a fantastic scenery and a great place to relax.

Glad to see Central Park ist still being kept up somewhat. Kind of depressing to see people walking around with mask. But I still love Central Park.

My favourite place in New York CityBig and beautiful parkAnd theres a lot of stuff to doIn the park There is a big bike trailBig Lake Great place to come in afternoon and have a picnicYou can rent a city bike as well and right through the park Its a lot of funAnd if you have kids just bring a ballI had a great time no definitely go back

Central Park is fabulous! I suggest you always make time to stop by and take in some much needed park time. There are so many places to check out but starting the 59th street on the east side is a great start. Make your way upTowards 72nd street so you can head over to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. This is wonderfully created. Not a lot of people now so Wild life is out and about! This is a serene place to chill, run and bike amongst other things. There are so many parts of Central Park this is just one small section worth checking out!

Even though there were many visitors in the park, spacing was not an issue due to the size of the park. All visitors did have masks on and social distancing was evident. We rode our bikes on Central Parks bike trail that encompassed the whole park. Great photo ops along the route. Public restrooms were open at the entrance of Central Park Zoo.

Love central park! Marvelous place!

I loved to go back after many years. Very quiet now...

Location: New York CityEstablished: 1858Size: 843 acresAnnual visitors: 42 millionVisitor centers: The Dairy, Belvedere Castle, Dana Discovery Center, Chess & Checkers House, Columbus Circle KioskEntrance fees: NoneAs much a part of the city’s image as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, leafy Central Park is the green heart of the Big Apple. A template for hundreds of urban parks around the world, the huge green space stretches 51 blocks through the middle of helter-skelter Manhattan.By the early 1800s, New York’s elite felt their city needed a large recreational parkland similar to those in London and Paris. The most obvious site was an area of villages and farms mostly inhabited by recent Irish immigrants and free African Americans. Wielding eminent domain, the city fathers evicted the residents and announced a design competition for the proposed park.Prominent American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and British-American architect Calvert Vaux won. But in a stinging rebuke to the elites who envisioned the park as a highbrow playground, Olmstead announced their creation would be “a democratic development of the highest significance,” intended for all New Yorkers—not just the privileged.

So surprised by how beautiful Central Park is, definitely one of the best places I have ever visited. It is so surreal to have such a peaceful place in the middle of the huge city. There were all sorts of activities going on: painting, group exercise classes, running, horse-riding, cycling, roller-skating, corporate team-building, picnics, football, baseball, dog walking, boating and people napping. Id definitely recommend the rowing in the lake. It really is like the movies.We were also surprised by all the wild-life and the beautiful architecture within the park. Could spend all day here. We spent hours here and only managed to see half of it.

Always giving us fresh air. Makes me comfortable in the city.

Its Central Park!! How could you not love it? Its just an absolutely beautiful space to take a breath and feel a little closer to nature, even if youre never really out of sight of the city. Its an iconic landmark for a reason.

Central Park is a vibe! Its my spiritual place for sure. It fills me with inspiration & creativity, awakening imagination & fantasy. Great place for a morning run, sweetest walk with your beloved dog, simply to chill or work, seating on a soft grass, staring at a blue sky, surrounded with all shades of green. Dont be surprised to meet a white rabbit with a clock, hurrying to his red queen :)

Love everything about the park. Especially the squirrels, they’re so cute and they ate my lychees. Not kidding.

Great place to relax and enjoy nature among the big city

For more than 150 years, visitors have flocked to Central Parks 843 green acres in the heart of Manhattan. Since 1980, the Park has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy, in partnership with the public. Central Park is open 6 am to 1 am daily. Visit the official website of Central Park to learn more about Park happenings and activities and to learn how you to help Central Park!Central Park is generally safe for travelers, especially during daylight hours. ... So if you plan to be in Central Park after dark, dont go alone and take all the necessary safety precautions.Central Park ConservancyBuilt between 1858 and 1873, the park comprises six percent of Manhattans land area (843 acres) and is 2.5 miles long and a half-mile wide. The most frequented urban park in the nation, it attracts over 15 million visitors yearly. It is the largest work of art in New York City.

Great place to run, bike, picnic, listen to music and enjoy nature in the middle of the city.

Massive 800-acre park. Must see if your NYC. Iconic location with a lot history and many things to do. Great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature.

Perfect park for a picnic, running, exercises or just to take a walk or relax in the centre of New York City. The park is very big and offers nice lawns with skyline view, ponds, playgrounds etc. Definitely a must go for all tourists visiting NYC.

Theres a reason for why this is the most iconic park in the World. Full of sounds, full of people, full of colours. Being at Central Park itsel is a dream come true.

A beautiful place to walk and enjoy family and friends.

Had a good day there. Wondering around the park. Bathrooms and couple other thingsare closed for no reason. Zoo is open had fun there too.

I love this park! I go every morning for my jog. Its not exactly like Missouri nature bit the closest thing that I have to home. :) The nature is beautiful; waterfalls, trees, wildlife. Everyone has been so friendly so far

Nice and beautiful landscape. Good area for relaxation and outdoor work.

We had a great time and a great picnic outside with the kids. Park was clean and everyone was social distancing and not crowding. A great way to spend a autumn afternoon.

Amazing: The variety of landscape, seasonal & activity options; the enormity of (nearly unseen) improvement & maintenance operations, and the imagination behind its very existence (age, sheer size, availability to all…) is all mind-boggling. Whether for a quick, quiet respite from the hustle n bustle, or full day of activities and escape — its one of New York Citys most precious assets.