The Pond

Located at the southeast corner of the park, near the entrance at Grand Army Plaza, the Pond provides immediate relief from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside. This is due to a veritable wall of trees and shrubs, as well as the inspired landscaping of Olmsted and Vaux, which placed the pond below street level. This entrance was originally designed to handle most of the traffic into the park, and continues to do so until this day.

The graceful curve of the pond is framed beautifully by the picturesque Gapstow Bridge that stretches over the northeast end of the Pond. This is the second version of this bridge to stretch over the tranquil waters. The first was designed by Jacob Wrey Mould and was a unique structure that  featured a large segmental arch of wood on the north and south sides, both arches springing from ledges on the stone abutments. It was replaced in 1896 by the present, simpler, stone bridge

Location: Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenues