Central Park’s Only Formal Garden Reopens After A $25M Upgrade

The Central Park Conservatory Garden might go unnoticed compared to other locations, but it is very much worthy of a visit.

While there are plenty of locations to explore within NYC’s communal backyard, the Central Park Conservatory Garden is not one you’d want to skip. The six-acre destination is nestled between 104th to 106th Street and just reopened after a three-year, $25 million restoration. Famous for its tulips, summer perennials, and chrysanthemums — among other flora — this scenic spot is one of the most romantic in the city and oftentimes serves as a wedding venue. Consider it a taste of Europe uptown thanks to its three main features: the English Garden, the Italianate Center Garden, and the French Garden.

Just in time for the nice weather this summer, the grounds are back up and running, waiting for New Yorkers to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy a brief respite into nature.

All about the Central Park Conservatory Garden

According to reps from Central Park, this is considered the most significant investment in the area since its original construction in 1937 — a.k.a. upgrades were long overdue. Among some of the upgrades include: restoration of the historic bluestone pavers, upgraded stormwater drainage and grading, modernized fountains and electrical systems, and installed ramps and realigned paths for universal access. Now that the garden is in full bloom, much like NYC’s graduating seniors, the Conservancy will have pro photographers on site on June 16th and 18th from 1-4pm to take portraits of local graduates. Betsy Smith, President and CEO of the Central Park Conservancy, said, “This special portrait project celebrates two meaningful transitions: the reopening of one of the Park’s most cherished spaces, and the next chapter for these young New Yorkers. It’s a wonderful example of our continued commitment to investing in the northern end of the Park, ensuring that future generations can gather here to celebrate life’s important milestones in a vibrant and welcoming setting.”

Although spots have filled up, definitely keep it in mind for your future graduation snaps, or if you just want a sweet nature selfie right in the middle of NYC. This is the perfect place to find it.

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Travelore Tips: Get An Insider Look At Central Park With Official Central Park Tours, Launching March 1st

 

Official Central Park Tours, launching March 1, 2014, are the only tours designed and led by the organization with more than 30 years of experience restoring and maintaining the iconic park: Central Park Conservancy.

 

The new tours are filled with insider information on the historic, design, and horticultural details of Central Park.  Visitors are sure to get the most out of their exploration of 843 acres of lawns, ponds, woodlands, and so much more when they’re led by Central Park Conservancy’s expertise.

 

Dozens of tours are available; subjects, locations, and length vary. Samples can be found below:

• Welcome Tours: Starting on the perimeter of Central Park, Welcome Tours focus on the general history and design of Central Park as visitors are led through the Park’s gorgeous landscapes to a Conservancy visitor center. This free tour, which is 45 minutes long, is a great introduction to Central Park for a first-time visitor.
• Premier Tours: These enhanced tours are 90 minutes long, giving visitors a closer look at the Park from a range of insider perspectives, including history, design, and ecology. Tickets start at $15.
• Custom Tours: Do you want an individualized tour unlike any other? Custom tours are perfect for a small group of people who want to take a tour designed by Central Park Conservancy experts around what interests them most about Central Park. Pricing for custom tours start at $150. Van tours are also available for up to six people.

For the independent visitor, Central Park Conservancy has developed a host of self-guided tours that can be downloaded and printed, or accessed on most smartphones. Visit www.centralparknyc.org/tours for a complete list of Official Central Park Tours, both expert- and self-guided.

 

About Central Park Conservancy

The mission of Central Park Conservancy is to restore, manage and enhance Central Park in partnership with the public, for the enjoyment of present and future generations.  A private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1980, Central Park Conservancy provides 75 percent of Central Park's $58 million park-wide expense budget and is responsible for all basic care of the Park. For more information on Central Park Conservancy, please visit centralparknyc.org.