Pinetum Playground

Set in the Arthur Ross Pinetum, a small arboretum of pine trees, the playground was created in 1997 to provide an opportunity for play and relaxation in a more park-like setting. The playground has no fences or paving; the swings, exercise bars, and picnic tables are installed amongst the evergreen trees. This more open and natural setting has made it a popular place for family outings. Swinging high toward the treetops, an activity that is not often achieved in a traditional playground, is enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Central Park has 21 playgrounds that are unique in design and character. Most of them were built in the 1930s as part of a system of playgrounds located along the Park perimeter. The Central Park Conservancy regularly updates these spaces to include new equipment and infrastructure that reflect changing ideas about children’s play and safety and accessibility standards. Since 2011, the Conservancy has been working to rebuild or renovate all the Park’s playgrounds, with the goal of bringing each of them up to the same standard of excellence at the same time and focusing on making them feel more connected to the Park’s landscapes and experiences.