Conservatory Water

View Larger Map

I never knew this location in Central Park was called Conservatory Water until now. I've visited numerous times and have seen bird watchers watching Pale Male, watched people sail toy boats in the boat pond, and watched numerous fish swim about as children play near the statue of Alice in Wonderland. This area has a lot going on and is a great spot to sit and people watch, or just read a book.

There are usually street performers here during the summertime. The last time I was there, a few months ago, there was a singing group who kept the audience spellbound with their harmonizing. Several feet away, there was a jazzman playing his saxophone. There seems to always be life in this part of the park.

If all you want to do is relax, you can lie down on the nearby grassy lawns and just sunbathe for a couple of hours in the summer. Now, in the fall, you may be able to see foliage not found anywhere else in the city. Trees in the area include Lebanon Cedars, willows, pine and beach. In the spring you can view a great display of blossoming cherry trees.

There is a cafe along with public restrooms in the middle of all this, so it is very convenient. You can spend a whole afternoon here if you were inclined. Conservatory Water is located by 5th ave and 74th street in Central Park. It stretches from 72nd street to 75th street.

Have you spent any time at Conservatory Garden? What did you like best about this area? Check out my other Central Park series posts.