Central Park

Central Park is a very large park (843 acres = 3.4 km², a rectangle of 4 km by 800 m) in Manhattan, New York. An oasis for millions of Manhattanites escaping from their skyscrapers, the park is well-known worldwide after its appearance in many movies and television shows.

The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who later created Brooklyn's Prospect Park. While much of the park looks natural, it is in fact highly landscaped. It contains several artificial lakes, extensive walking tracks, two ice-skating rinks, a wildlife sanctuary, and grassy areas used for myriad sporting pursuits, as well as playgrounds for children.

Each summer, the Public Theatre presents free open-air theatre productions, often starring well-known screen actors, in the Delacorte Theatre. Most, though not all, of the plays presented are by William Shakespeare.

Other events include NYC Midsummer and Summerstage[?], and Free Shakespeare in the Park[?].