North Central Park

Nearly 25 years ago, a young woman went jogging at the north end of Central Park during the night and was severely beaten, raped, and left for dead by her assailant. The plight of the Central Park Jogger, as she was called, sealed the fate of the North End of Central Park in the minds of many New Yorkers. It was considered a dangerous place to be avoided, as many places above 96th Street in Manhattan were regarded in the past.

That reputation has continued for many right up to the present day. As a life-long New Yorker, I definitely would include myself in that group. It was therefore a complete surprise and revelation for me to hike along the paths and up the hills of North Central Park this past weekend and encounter a wholly unexpected environment and population. My wife likes to hike in the outdoors and convinced me to accompany her for a Sunday afternoon outing.

Aside from periodic visits to the tennis courts and the Conservatory Gardens at Fifth Avenue around 105th Street, the transverse at 96th Street previously marked my furthest point north. On this first-time visit, I was astonished at the beautiful landscaping and paths above 96th Street, where birds were singing everywhere and paved walkways passed waterfalls and colorful flower beds. Also in this area is the renovated Lasker Pool, a vast swimming pool open to all ages for water sports. The grass was mowed everywhere, except for places intentionally left wild to reflect Manhattan in its original pristine state. Families and couples were hanging out on the grass, but in far fewer numbers than those visiting the southern end of the park.

Although the south end starting at 59th Street is better known and justly popular, I now feel the north end is quieter, more beautiful and relaxing than its counterpart. It has become a hidden and largely undiscovered jewel well worth exploring. One has a feeling of complete safety today, as it is totally different from previous dangerous conditions. Overall, it is hillier and rougher than the mostly manicured south.

The credit for this turnaround belongs largely to the Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit that has raised and spent millions to turn the park, especially the north end, into a great wilderness in the middle of Manhattan.