Central Park Boat Pond Photo Print

Conservatory Water: Discover the ultimate urban oasis, just a short stroll into New York City’s cherished Central Park. A haven for romantics and nature lovers, this understated icon offers a rare tranquility within the ever-eclectic energy that defines Manhattan. True to its name — rowboats drift about the adjacent lake, as they have for over 150 years. The racing, floating, building and displaying of model sailboats is one of the most quintessentially urban activities you can engage in while visiting Central Park. The model boats are raced and displayed at Conservatory Water, located near 72nd Street. This weekly event has appeared in countless television shows and movies, including FX, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Mirror Has Two Faces, and Stuart Little. It is easy to see why this pond is a favorite choice of filmmakers. The carved design of Conservatory Water capitalizes on the natural slope of the low-lying area of the park. The design is one of America's most architecturally refined interpretations of similar ponds that have been traditional in Europe for centuries. The creation of model boats is, for some, a very serious business. Though children are welcome and encouraged to participate, for many adults this is much more than a diversion. Some put a great deal of time into crafting a boat that is aerodynamically sound, some focus on the speed with which the boat will sail, some are most concerned with the intricacies of the boat's radio controls, and there are also others who are mainly interested in the beauty of the finished product. Carved wooden boats are some of the most eye catching on display.