Frequently Asked Questions

The Davis Center, like Central Park itself, is a free and welcoming space open to everyone. The Harlem Oval, Gottesman Pool, and Gottesman Rink are available for all to enjoy. The ice rink operates as a paid program while the building itself is open to the public. For programming, operating hours, and closures, please visit centralparknyc.org/davis. Explore the complete list of ice programs and pricing.

Yes, restrooms are open daily.

Restroom Hours:
Sunday–Thursday: 7:00 am–9:00 pm
Friday–Saturday: 7:00 am–11:00 pm

Pets are not allowed inside the Davis Center as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This includes the Harlem Oval, the Gottesman Pool, the Gottesman Rink, and the indoor facility. As is the case throughout most of the Park, on-leash pets are welcome on the Park paths that travel across the facility overlook, along the newly restored stream course between the Harlem Meer and Huddlestone Arch, and along the Davis Center’s new shoreline boardwalk.

The Davis Center snack bar is expected to open in November 2025. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food. Please note that outside food is not permitted for organized gatherings or events larger than 20 people without prior approval. If you would like to host an event at the Davis Center, please submit an event inquiry.

Yes. Bike racks are available at the following locations:

• At the 110th Street entrance at Malcolm X Boulevard

• Inside the Park near the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard entrance

• Outside the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center at East 109th Street

Please note: Bicycles must be walked on pedestrian paths, as cycling is not permitted in those areas.

There is no designated stroller parking. We recommend keeping valuables with you.

Yes, you can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi during your visit to the Davis Center. To connect, you'll be asked to enter your email address. Each free session lasts up to 90 minutes; you can reconnect again afterward if needed.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Most pathways, entrances, and restrooms are accessible. The Davis Center is accessible from the 110th Street entrance at Malcolm X Boulevard. The Park path and terrace overlooking the Harlem Oval are accessible from the Park Drive. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected] with your specific needs, and we’ll be happy to assist.

Conceived as part of a larger re-envisioning of the site by the Central Park Conservancy’s landscape architecture team led by former longtime chief landscape architect Christopher J. Nolan, the Davis Center was designed by Susan T Rodriguez | Architecture · Design and Mitchell Giurgola Architects in collaboration with the Conservancy.

The Davis Center is managed by the Central Park Conservancy. For special event bookings, private tours, or partnership inquiries, please submit an event inquiry.

If something is lost during your visit, please see the Management Office for assistance. After your visit, please email [email protected] for help.

The Davis Center offers something for every age and skill level, including:

• Community Skate: Open recreational skating for all ages

• Learn to Skate (Basic Skills 1–6): Group lessons for tots through adults

• Freestyle Sessions: Dedicated time for advanced skaters and figure skating practice

• My Tot & Me: Skating confidence sessions for children ages 2–5 with their grown-ups

• Open Hockey (ages 10+): Casual, no-ref pickup games

• Adult Hockey Clinic: Skill-building clinic for adult players

• Adult Hockey League: League play for adults
• Learn to Play with the New York Rangers: Beginner lessons for kids ages 5–10

You may arrive up to 30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. Please allow time to enter, pick up your skates, and get on the ice. Groups must check in together. Please note: the ice will be closed periodically for resurfacing.

Yes. All visitors who are skating are required to sign a waiver to skate at the Gottesman Rink.

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own skates. If you prefer, you can rent a pair at the rink for $10. Skate rentals can be added when purchasing tickets online or on-site at the rink.

Helmets are not available to rent at the Gottesman Rink. For your safety, we recommend bringing your own properly fitted helmet—especially for children and beginner skaters.

Yes, skate aids are available to rent for $10 per person, per session.

Yes. The rink is available for celebrations and group reservations during Community Skate hours, with private rentals available at select times. Groups Under 20: Groups of up to 19 can purchase tickets and rentals directly through our website at centralparknyc.org/skate. For larger events, please submit an event inquiry.

Yes, first aid is available on-site.

Safety is always our top priority. In the event of unsafe weather or ice conditions, the Central Park Conservancy may cancel or delay a skating session (including Community Skate, lessons, and other programs).

If we must close the Gottesman Rink due to inclement weather, we will make reasonable efforts to provide at least two hours’ advance notice. Weather-related updates and closures will be posted on our website and social media @daviscentercentralpark, and communicated via email when possible.

Regardless of the weather, our indoor gathering space and public restrooms remain open. On select hockey nights, a spectator ticket may be required to access the indoor gathering space.

All ticket purchases are final. We do not offer refunds or exchanges for canceled or missed events, including Community Skate sessions.

However, should the Central Park Conservancy cancel a skating session or program due to unsafe weather or other safety concerns, we will gladly accommodate participants for another available session, subject to capacity.

Yes! One of the best parts of the Davis Center’s design is that visitors are welcome to enjoy Central Park’s amenities—like the indoor picnic tables—even if they're not participating in activities like ice-skating.

The pool is managed by NYC Parks. For schedule details and updates, please visit nyc.gov/parks.

Underneath the Harlem Oval, a riser system is installed to support seasonal transformations. In winter, it becomes an ice rink; in select seasons, a greenspace; and in summer, the risers are removed to create a pool for public swimming.

The pool can accommodate up to 1,000 swimmers at a time.

The Davis Center was thoughtfully designed to integrate with the Park’s natural topography. Due to the significant change in elevation between the pool deck and the overlook, constructing a ramp at that location wasn’t feasible. The overlook is accessible via the Park Drive and Fort Landscape and is intended to connect more directly with the broader Park experience rather than the facility itself.

For pool rules, please visit nyc.gov/parks.