In many respects, a visit to Central Park is like a vacation inside a vacation. You get away from the hustle and bustle on the sidewalks, the traffic in the streets, and all the asphalt and concrete which dominate so much of New York City’s landscape.
But you are still in the heart of the most populous city in the United States. That means that, unfortunately, you may not get away from crime.
There are also other safety considerations from visiting the park. While cycling, jogging, rollerblading, or taking part in other activities, injuries are possible.
Following are some tips which will help you to stay safe as you are enjoying all that Central Park has to offer.
1. Know the location of call boxes.
There are a few call boxes scattered throughout the park. Here are the locations of some of the most prominent ones:
- Bernard Family Playground
- Conservatory Garden
- East 96th Street Playground
- Lasker Pool
- Mariner’s Playground
- Mineral Springs
- East Drive at 102nd, 92nd, 90th, 84th, 79th, and 63rd Streets
- West Drive at 110th, 102nd, 100th, 93rd, 90th, 83rd, 68th, and 60th Streets
Call box locations may change with time.
Using any of these call boxes, you can contact the Central Park Precinct or the Central Park Medical Unit.
2. Carry the resources you need.
One way that you can make it a lot less likely you’ll need to use a call box is to make sure that you bring the right supplies with you to enjoy a day at the park.
That means bringing plenty of water so that you can stay hydrated. If you have asthma, or another member of your family does, be sure to bring your inhaler.
You also might want to consider bringing a small first aid kit, especially if you will be in the park with young children.
3. Consider visiting during the daytime.
Central Park can be lovely to visit at any time of day, but if you want to reduce your risk of being the victim of a crime, one of the easiest ways to do so is simply to avoid being in the park after dark.
You especially should consider staying away from the more secluded areas of Central Park late at night. You are a lot less likely to be mugged if you are in a well-lighted area where many other people are present than if you are alone on a path in the woods.
4. Think about visiting with a friend.
Another recommendation for staying safe while you are visiting Central Park, particularly at night or in secluded areas, is to do so with a friend.
A mugger will be less inclined to attack two victims than one. And if you are injured, your friend can help you with first aid or get to a call box on your behalf
5. Take a Central Park pedicab tour.
Finally, one of the best safety tips in Central Park is to explore the park with a guide. You can do this by booking a Central Park pedicab tour.
Your guide knows which parts of the park are safest at which hours, and is familiar with the locations of all call boxes.
Ready to schedule a Central Park pedicab tour and experience all there is to see and do in the park while staying safe? Click above to book now.