Sheep Meadow

Enjoy 15 acres of grass right in the middle of the city.  Relax with a book, a Frisbee or just bring your picnic lunch and bikini.

Sheep Meadow was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The open space was a requirement of the design competition for Central Park, which specified a parade ground for the civic function of militia drills and military exhibitions. In 1864, it was transformed into a grazing area for 200 sheep.  The sheep disappeared in 1934 when the former Sheepfold was converted into The Tavern on The Green (now closed). The area radically changed in the 60's and 70's when it was used for political causes and hippie events. Sheep Meadow was resodded in 1980. It reopened in 1981 to sunbathers and kite flyers.

Click here to see a panoramic area of Sheep Meadow http://www.virtualnyc.info/panopages/cenpark/sheep_meadow.htm

Flower lovers will enjoy the lilac walk, which is just outside Sheep Meadow's fence. Enjoy lilacs from all around the world. Art lovers will appreciate the statue of Giuseppe Mazzini overlooking the meadow.

The area is very popular and can get very loud, especially on the weekends. Doug Blonsky, president of the Central Park Conservancy said, "I've seen people standing in line to enter the Sheep Meadow.” If you want really want quiet, it is best to come on weekday mornings.

Lots of people have picnic parties with friends on the weekends. Make sure to wear bright colors if you are meeting people because it can get really crowded and difficult to spot your friends.

The area is only open from April to October and is closed in rainy weather.

 

HelloMetroTip: 

If you're hungry go to nearby newly opened Le Pain Quotidien which serves all kinds of sandwiches.  The cafe has 100 outdoor seats and 30 indoors, and serves sandwiches, soups, and other fare. Starting in late June, it will also serve special vegetarian dinners, modeled after the owner Alain Coumont’s Parisian cafe — including lots of specialties like pear poached in white wine. Organic wines will also be available. 

- by Danielle Sonnenberg, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Danielle Sonnenberg

Danielle Sonnenberg is a freelance writer living in New York City. She is passionate about stories and asking questions. She has written for several publications including the New York Post, TheStreet.com, Lifestyles Magazine, and Minyanville.com To view more of her work please go to, Her website is www.daniellesonnenberg.com