Central Park

Cold weather permitting, each "safe-skating" site is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week. Signs have been clearly posted to show that these areas are safe for winter sports. Thanks to the recent frigid temperatures, Operations and Recreation staff members have been busy around the clock keeping the ice frozen and the kids warm. Ultimately, as many as 19 sites will be open to the public, but currently the following seven safe skating locations are fully operational.

Classic Playground, Riverside Park (74^th St. and Riverside Drive, Manhattan)

Conservatory Water, Central Park (74^th St. between East Drive and Fifth Ave., Manhattan)

Highbridge Park (173^rd St. and Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan)

Dry Harbor Playground (80^th St. and Myrtle Avenue, Queens)

Pomonok Playground (Kissena Blvd. and 65^th Avenue, Queens)

Martling’s Pond (Martling Ave. and Clove Road in Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island)

Allison Pond (Brentwood Ave. and Prospect Ave and North Randall Ave, Staten Island)

Call 1-800-201-PARK or visit www.nyc.gov/parks for the latest information on "safe-skating" sites and for information on other fun winter activities for you and your family. Have a great time this winter, and remember to stay off the ice on ponds and lakes that do not have official signs saying the ice is safe for skating.

Written by Jocelyn Aframe

Preserve History and Clean your office at the same time!

The Parks Library is expanding the program it began last year that sought to increase the catalog by asking members of the public and former Parkies to donate park-related materials. Realizing that many current Parkies have books and reports in their offices that are not used day to day, the Parks Library invites you clean up by contributing.

Primary documents provide the foundation of good scholarly research. Raw information, reports, brochures, maps etc., could convey a great deal about how a park looked or functioned at a certain time. These documents, which might be written, submitted and overlooked today, could someday present a extensive record of what the Parks Department was doing at the beginning of the 21st Century. In short, you’re making history whether you like it or not. Please interoffice small items to John Mattera at the Parks Library in the Arsenal. If you have a lot of materials please call 212-360-8240 or e-mail Library@parks.nyc.gov to arrange for a pickup.

"The backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy."

(1780-1831)