Central Park Davis
Central Park's Davis Center offers a free public pool in summer and an ice rink in winter, plus year-round community activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Central Park Davis
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Central Park's Davis Center offers a free public pool in summer and an ice rink in winter, plus year-round community activities.
"The Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center is a beautiful, free, and welcoming spot for heat relief."
Free Entry to Pool
No tickets or reservations needed for the Gottesman Pool! Just show up and enjoy the splash. :ticket:
Bring a Lock
You'll need a lock for the lockers at the Davis Center pool. Don't forget it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gottesman Pool
Davis Center, Central Park
NYC's largest free public pool, offering a refreshing escape with a capacity for 1400 swimmers.
Davis Center Multipurpose Facility
Harlem Meer, Central Park
A stunning year-round hub with a turf field, ice rink, and community spaces for recreation and events.
Playground & Musical Toys
Central Park (near Davis Center)
Kid-friendly play structures with interactive musical elements, perfect for family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive into the Davis Center Pool
Beyond the Pool: Year-Round Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry to Pool
No tickets or reservations needed for the Gottesman Pool! Just show up and enjoy the splash. :ticket:
Bring a Lock
You'll need a lock for the lockers at the Davis Center pool. Don't forget it!
Check Pool Hours
The pool is open 11 AM-7 PM daily, with a closure from 3-4 PM for cleaning. :clock:
Year-Round Activities
Beyond the pool, enjoy ice skating in winter and turf fields in warmer months. :ice_skate:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry to Pool
No tickets or reservations needed for the Gottesman Pool! Just show up and enjoy the splash. :ticket:
Bring a Lock
You'll need a lock for the lockers at the Davis Center pool. Don't forget it!
Check Pool Hours
The pool is open 11 AM-7 PM daily, with a closure from 3-4 PM for cleaning. :clock:
Year-Round Activities
Beyond the pool, enjoy ice skating in winter and turf fields in warmer months. :ice_skate:
Family-Friendly Fun
Great playground with musical toys and picnic areas for a fun family outing. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the new Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center for its free access and refreshing escape during hot weather. The surrounding park and playground are also highlighted as great family-friendly amenities. Some reviews mention potential issues with crowds and the slides getting too hot in direct sunlight.
"We went to the Splash park at 6 pm on a 102° day. It is beautiful and a lovely tribute the the fallen Officer Natalie Corona. The structures are beautiful and the park is welcoming and clean.
I was visiting from out of town my daughter and granddaughter (8 yrs) and I really enjoyed this heat relief. It is open to the public, FREE and is open 10-7 everyday in summer. They may keep it open past Labor Day ."
Evolving Daily
"A nice space to stretch out enjoy the garden or open grassy areas. Apparently on Sunday they have farmers market there. A good place to run dogs around or kids or anybody who just needs some fresh air and relaxation."
Robert Cunningham
"We loved stopping by this park! There are three main play structures (signs posted for recommended age ranges) with lots of fun things for kids in between like a farmers market stand and musical toys. There are some picnic tables inside the play area and also a large area outside with many tables. There is a building nearby with a restroom as well. When we came (Sunday around 10am) there was a decent amount of street parking and the park itself wasn't too crowded. It seems like the area nearby hosts a farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well. Overall a nice area that we would definitely visit again!"
Allison Woodward
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Davis Center is located at the north end of Central Park, near the Harlem Meer, accessible via 110th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard or Lenox Avenue. Public transportation options include subway lines 2 and 3 to 110th Street or bus routes M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, M10, M11, M100, M101, M102, M104, and M116.
Street parking is available in the surrounding areas, though it can be competitive, especially on weekends. Some reviews suggest decent street parking availability on Sundays around 10 AM.
Yes, the Davis Center is integrated into Central Park. You can walk or bike to it from other sections of the park, enjoying the scenery along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Gottesman Pool is completely free and does not require tickets or reservations. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 
The Gottesman Pool is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM during the summer season. There is a cleaning break from 3 PM to 4 PM.
The Davis Center facility is generally open to the public, and many of its activities, including the pool, are free.
The pool usually opens in late June and remains open through early September, often past Labor Day.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The pool area offers ample space for swimmers, with lockers available for use (bring your own lock). There are also restrooms and nearby picnic areas.
While specific age restrictions aren't detailed, the pool is generally open to the public. Families with children are frequent visitors.
The Davis Center features a turf field for recreation, an ice rink in winter, and hosts various community programs like yoga and art activities throughout the year.
The facility is designed to be a modern community center, implying accessibility features, though specific details should be confirmed with park authorities.
Picnic tables are available, suggesting that bringing food and non-alcoholic beverages is permitted. However, check park rules for specific restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While specific food vendors are not consistently mentioned, the presence of picnic tables suggests visitors can bring their own food. Some TikToks mention free summer meals for children.
The Davis Center is located in Harlem, an area rich with diverse dining options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Exploring the streets around 110th Street will yield many choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The modern architecture of the Davis Center itself, the expansive pool area, and the surrounding Harlem Meer offer great photographic opportunities. The changing seasons also provide unique backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas of Central Park, including the Davis Center and its pool. Be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the pool, the park features a well-equipped playground with engaging musical toys and diverse play structures suitable for various ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the pool, the park itself is free to explore, offering green spaces for relaxation and picnics.
☀️ Summer Visitors
Remember the pool's operating hours (11 AM-7 PM, closed 3-4 PM) and bring a lock for your belongings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gottesman Pool: A Summer Oasis
+1This free public pool is a testament to the city's commitment to providing accessible recreational spaces. Its opening has been met with excitement, though some social media commentary has touched on potential overcrowding and management challenges. Despite this, it remains a popular destination for families and individuals seeking to cool off and enjoy the summer weather in a beautiful park setting.
Beyond just swimming, the Davis Center aims to be a comprehensive community hub. The pool area is complemented by nearby restrooms and picnic spots, making it an ideal location for a full day of outdoor enjoyment. The free access ensures that this amenity is available to all residents, regardless of their economic background.
Davis Center: More Than Just a Pool
+1This $160 million transformation has brought fresh energy to the north end of Central Park. Beyond the seasonal attractions, the Davis Center is a venue for a variety of free and low-cost community programming. Visitors can expect activities such as yoga classes, art workshops, and other recreational events designed to engage the local community and park-goers alike.
The architectural design of the Davis Center has also been praised, blending modern aesthetics with the natural beauty of Central Park. It serves as a gathering place, fostering a sense of community and providing a space for relaxation and recreation. The integration of the facility into the park landscape has been a key focus, making it a harmonious addition to the iconic urban oasis.
Community and Recreation at the Harlem Meer
Social media content highlights the community spirit surrounding the Davis Center's opening, with parades and local music groups like the Marching Cobras of New York participating in festivities. This underscores the center's role as a focal point for local engagement and celebration.
+1For families, the nearby playground, complete with interactive musical toys and varied play structures, offers additional entertainment. The presence of picnic tables and restrooms further enhances the family-friendly nature of the area, making it a well-rounded destination for a day out in Central Park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit