A World A-Park
Central Park. The name says it all, and we all know and love it. But like the tale of the blind men and the elephant, it represents something different to everyone. To describe the Park simply, it's the enormous slice of wilderness (843 acres, to be exact) in the midst of the city. When Central Park first opened in 1859, it was the first artificially landscaped park in the United States. Its borders are 59th Street on the South, 110th Street on the North, Central Park West on the West, and 5th Avenue on the East. To simplify things further, the space can be divided into 4 parts: the North End, Reservoir, South End and Great Lawn. 

Among the Park's most familiar stretches of greenery are the iconic Great Lawn and Sheep Meadow, and the 36-acre wooded Ramble, a bird-watcher's paradise. A handful of more low-key places to enjoy some country-in-the-city include the landscaped Shakespeare Garden and the much wilder wooded Ravine.

If you'd like to skip a stone or two, the Park has plenty of water. Perfect for lazing on the banks or boating on a sunny day in summer (and skating or pond hockey at Wollman Rink in winter). With Loeb Boathouse at its northeastern tip (there's a full-service restaurant inside), the Central Park Reservoir and the small but beautiful two acre Pool,  the Lake always sparkles.

A few less-traveled, more hidden, gems include Wagner Cove, tucked away in a quiet corner of the Lake, The Great Hill at the Park's northwest edge, and the Hallett Nature Sanctuary wildlife preserve, the semi-hidden home of a vast array of wild birds and other wildlife. This four acre protected area near 59th Street is off-limits to the public most times, but there are tours each month.

Of course, you'll find plenty to do in the Park if you want to join the crowd rather than escape it. Summerstage features top international names in popular live music, usually free, all season. The Zoo (and Tisch children's Zoo) is one of the nation's best known, home to over 130 different species and offers great programs for kids. A traditional amusement park, Victorian Gardens promises more classic fun for families. For Dog moms and dads, Central Park PAWS can connect you with other dog owners. There's even a fair for park dog folks and their furry friends each October, as well as other events. You can even get a little closer to the classic Central Park scenes in your favorite films with a Central Park in Film tour.

Some good starting points:
http://www.centralparknyc.org
http://www.centralpark.com