In the original plans for Central Park, a large conservatory was planned for this area. However, budget cuts forced the planners to redesign it, and they used the model boat ponds of Paris as a model. For this reason, it is commonly referred to as the Model Boat Pond (boating activities will be featured in tomorrow’s posting).

The area is surrounded by some of the most special trees in the park, a large stand of Lebanon Cedars, and a concentration of Japanese cherry trees which bloom intensely in the spring. It is a romantic spot and is featured in many stories and films placed in NYC, as well as in many personal stories of the inhabitants. It is also a place that attracts a number of unusual and interesting birds. There is a large boreal owl in residence in the woods next to the pond — the area around the pond is a favorite for many bird watchers. Surprising that so much wildlife exists in the midst of a large city. This pond truly deserves a visit – on a nice day, it is so relaxing and bucolic. It’s always reminded me of Seurat’s Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte…