In Central Park, a Leisurely Walk from the Pond to the Reservoir
This suggested 2-mile walk in Central Park, most suitable for a lazy weekend afternoon (or a weekday, for the leisure class), begins at the Pond near 59th Street and 5th Avenue and veers north, in improvisational fashion, to the Reservoir.
The stroll takes in several highlights of Central Park, including the softball fields, Sheep Meadow, the Lake, the Ramble, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Turtle Pond, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the west exterior), the Obelisk, and the South Gate House at the Reservoir.
I hope you like amorous turtles and curious waterfowl.
We will skip many other places on this walk - Bethesda Terrace and Central Park Zoo, for example - on the assumption that you've either been to these places or will come back another day.
We're looking for the change of seasons. I think we found it. This particular walk - and all walks are particular, in the sense that, after Heraclitus, you can't step into the same river twice - took in the last day of the season to skate on Wollman Rink.
While walking, be willing to wander off of the paths. Always.
Climb high up on rocks for sweeping views of the city, or step down for the splendor of the grass.
When the spirit moves, take a long break and lie down in Sheep Meadow. You won't be alone.
We're in no rush here. Let the landscape and the bridges guide the way. For example, Bow Bridge leads to The Ramble.
And to postcard views.
Behold. The Shakespeare Garden bringeth color.
And yonder lies Turtle Pond.
The view is from Belvedere Castle, a "folly" overlooking Turtle Pond.
Go east. An archway beckons. That's The Metropolitan Museum of Art ahead, if you want to go there.
At the end of this walk, venture up to the South Gate House at the Reservoir.
More waterfowl. I promised.
And the Guggenheim Museum to the east, from an uncommon angle. Worth the trip really.
And more birds.
It would be fun to explore the north side of the Reservoir, too. Or maybe, that walk is for another day. Again, we're in no hurry here. The frantic pace is best reserved for other times and places in the city.
View In Central Park, a Meandering Walk from the Pond to the Reservoir in a larger map
Images by Walking Off the Big Apple from April 7, 2013. A fuller virtual walk, via a slideshow on Flickr WOTBA may be found here.
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| The Pond in Central Park |
The stroll takes in several highlights of Central Park, including the softball fields, Sheep Meadow, the Lake, the Ramble, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle, Turtle Pond, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the west exterior), the Obelisk, and the South Gate House at the Reservoir.
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| The Pond, looking back toward 59th St. and 5th Avenue. |
I hope you like amorous turtles and curious waterfowl.
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| Denizens of the Pond |
We will skip many other places on this walk - Bethesda Terrace and Central Park Zoo, for example - on the assumption that you've either been to these places or will come back another day.
We're looking for the change of seasons. I think we found it. This particular walk - and all walks are particular, in the sense that, after Heraclitus, you can't step into the same river twice - took in the last day of the season to skate on Wollman Rink.
 |
| Say goodbye to Wollman Rink for the season. Spring awaits (in top half of picture). |
While walking, be willing to wander off of the paths. Always.
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| Heckscher Fields - Softball Field. |
Climb high up on rocks for sweeping views of the city, or step down for the splendor of the grass.
 |
| Sheep Meadow. By the way, a branch of Le Pain Quotidien is nearby, in case you are parched or in need of a mini brownie. |
When the spirit moves, take a long break and lie down in Sheep Meadow. You won't be alone.
 |
| The south shore of The Lake |
We're in no rush here. Let the landscape and the bridges guide the way. For example, Bow Bridge leads to The Ramble.
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| Bow Bridge |
And to postcard views.
 |
| Boaters in The Lake with the distinctive towers of The San Remo Apartments in the distance. |
Behold. The Shakespeare Garden bringeth color.
 |
| Shakespeare Garden |
And yonder lies Turtle Pond.
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| That would be Turtle Pond. Looking east. |
The view is from Belvedere Castle, a "folly" overlooking Turtle Pond.
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| Belvedere Castle |
Go east. An archway beckons. That's The Metropolitan Museum of Art ahead, if you want to go there.
 |
| Through the Greywacke Arch |
At the end of this walk, venture up to the South Gate House at the Reservoir.
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| South Gate House. Central Park Reservoir. |
More waterfowl. I promised.
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| At the Reservoir. |
And the Guggenheim Museum to the east, from an uncommon angle. Worth the trip really.
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| The Guggenheim Museum, as seen from the Reservoir. |
And more birds.
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| Looking north on the Reservoir. |
It would be fun to explore the north side of the Reservoir, too. Or maybe, that walk is for another day. Again, we're in no hurry here. The frantic pace is best reserved for other times and places in the city.
View In Central Park, a Meandering Walk from the Pond to the Reservoir in a larger map
Images by Walking Off the Big Apple from April 7, 2013. A fuller virtual walk, via a slideshow on Flickr WOTBA may be found here.
