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 the ice rink are available for all to enjoy. While the majority of the ROOTED Wellness Series programs are free this fall—some offerings, such as yoga and dance, have a $5 fee. Explore the complete list of ROOTED programs and pricing, plus details on winter ice-skating pricing and programs.

Restrooms will not be available during the transition out of pool season (September 8–16), while the Davis Center is closed. The facility reopens on September 17.

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 ice 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 early 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.

Strollers may be parked at the Davis Center, but please note they are left at your own risk. We recommend keeping valuables with you.

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 events, group bookings, private tours, or other private reservations, please see the Special Events page.

All ticket purchases are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for canceled or missed events. In the event of inclement weather, updates or cancellations will be communicated via email at least two hours before the event start time.

ROOTED programs are held in and around the Davis Center. Depending on the activity, you may gather at the Davis Center’s indoor gathering space or the Dana Discovery Center’s outdoor plaza. Each program description includes its meeting location.

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 our ROOTED Wellness Series or skating.

Community Skate pricing is designed to be affordable for New Yorkers:

· Adults (17+): $10 peak / $5 off-peak*

· Children (ages 4–16): $5 for all sessions

· Children (3 and under): Free for all sessions

· Skate Rentals: $10

· Add-ons: Lock purchase $5; Skate aids $10; Skate sharpening $15

*Peak Hours: Scheduled sessions Monday–Friday, 5:00 pm–11:00 pm; all day Saturday–Sunday; and public-school holiday/vacation days.

Off-Peak Hours: Scheduled sessions Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm.

Skate sessions range from 1–2 hours. Session length and price will vary based on day and time. Check our calendar for daily session information.

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 1–8): 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

Yes. The rink is available for celebrations and group reservations during community skate hours, with private rentals available at select times. Packages start at $250 for a two-hour event and include skate admissions, rentals, and a table reservation in the Davis Center gathering space. If you would like to host an event at the Davis Center, please submit an event inquiry here.

The pool is approximately three feet, eight inches deep with a zero-grade accessible entrance. A splash pad is also featured on-site.

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.