Frequently Asked Questions

The Davis Center, like Central Park itself, is a free and welcoming space open to everyone. The green, gathering space, Gottesman Pool, and Gottesman Rink are available for all to enjoy.

Yes, restrooms are open daily. See the facility hours.

Pets are not allowed inside the Davis Center as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This includes the green, gathering space, Gottesman Pool, and Gottesman Rink. 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.

Yes. Settepani on the Meer offers a wide selection of food and beverages, including warm, freshly prepared items, grab‑and‑go options, vegan selections, a coffee bar, and kid favorites. See hours and the latest menu.

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! 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 gathering space—even if they're not participating in an event or activity like ice-skating. During pool season, only those using the pool will be permitted in the facility, as part of NYC Parks’ rules for all public pools.

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.

Download the Accessibility Map

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.

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.

The last day of public access to the green will be Wednesday, May 13, 2026. After that, NYC Parks will begin transforming the outdoor space into an Olympic-sized public pool. Open swim, swim lessons, and other aquatic programs are expected to begin June 27, 2026.

The pool is operated and managed by NYC Parks as part of the City’s public pool system. For the most current information about pool hours, programs, and policies, please visit nyc.gov/parks.

The Gottesman Pool will be open to the public from June 27–September 13, 2026.

The Gottesman Pool is managed by NYC Parks, which offers Learn to Swim at this site. More information on Learn to Swim is coming soon. For more details on other offerings, please visit nyc.gov/parks.

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

Underneath the green, a riser system is installed to support seasonal transformations. In winter, it becomes an ice rink; in select seasons, the green; 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.

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

Yes! The rink is available for celebrations and group reservations during Community Skate hours, with private rentals available at select times. Groups of up to 19 can purchase tickets and rentals directly through our website during skate season. To book a larger event for next winter, please submit an event inquiry.

Yes, first aid is available on-site.