Center at the Harlem Meer (formerly Lasker Rink and Pool)
The new center at the Harlem Meer will offer new and enhanced outdoor activities, and increase access for communities around the north end of Central Park.
The Central Park Conservancy in partnership with NYC Parks is redeveloping the Lasker Rink and Pool site as a state-of-the-art facility. The new center at the Harlem Meer will be uniquely sited within the context of a restored and enhanced landscape and will continue to accommodate recreational and lap swimming and support a robust skating and hockey program. In addition, it will be open year-round for new community-focused programming. Learn more about this Central Park Conservancy project.
While the facility is under construction, swimmers can use one of many nearby NYC public pools, including: Thomas Jefferson Pool (East Harlem), Marcus Garvey Pool (Central Harlem), Sheltering Arms Pool (Manhattanville/West Harlem), Wagner Pool (East Harlem), Jackie Robinson Pool (North Harlem), Highbridge Pool (Washington Heights), and John Jay Pool (Upper East Side). Swimmers also have the option to use the Riverbank State Pool (West Harlem).
The Park’s other skating facility, Wollman Rink, remains open for ice skating in winter. Hockey players should consult their organization or league regarding plans for the coming seasons.
Things you can do here
Guides
Snow Guide
Ready for a snow day in Central Park?
Tags: Winter / Kids and Families / Health & Fitness
Also in the area
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Things to See and Do
How to Spend the Holiday Season in Central Park
The holidays are a wonderful time to visit Central Park! Here are some ways to make lasting memories in the Park during the final few months of the year.
Tags: Winter
About the Conservancy
What is Landscape Architecture?
Communities and nature converge across every inch of Central Park, where 42 million annual visitors explore diverse, human-made natural landscapes in the heart of Manhattan. This interaction is possible through the work of landscape architects. But what, exactly, is landscape architecture—and how does it come to life at the new Harlem Meer Center?
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / History / Staff Picks / Nature Lovers / Architecture / Landscape Design / Plants and Trees / Restoration and Maintenance
Things to See and Do
20 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Central Park
Tags: Tips for Visiting / Winter
Park History
The History of Ice Skating in Central Park
Ice skating in Central Park is a wintertime ritual for New Yorkers. Learn about its history and how the tradition lives on at today’s NYC ice rinks, including the famed Wollman Rink and the new Harlem Meer Center.
Tags: Park Design / Winter / History / Landscape Design / Restoration and Maintenance
Park Information
What is Biodiversity?
Even so-called concrete jungles like New York City have their own degree of biodiversity. Amid a significant reduction in global biodiversity, thriving urban ecosystems are essential to the health and resilience of highly developed areas. Learn what biodiversity is and its importance in Central Park.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / Flowers / Pollinators / About the Conservancy / Trees / Highlights / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / Landscape Design / Wildlife / Plants and Trees / Landscapes / Restoration and Maintenance
Plants and Trees
A Tree Lover’s Guide to the Harlem Meer and North Woods
The North Woods and the landscapes around the Harlem Meer are home to a collection of New York City’s most showstopping trees—many of which are over 100 years old! Explore the Central Park Conservancy’s guide to the area’s best longtime leafy residents, curated by our expert arborists.
Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / Trees / Highlights / Nature Lovers / Park Experts / Plants and Trees / Landscapes / Restoration and Maintenance
Restoration and Maintenance
New Rink and Pool to Expand Recreational Opportunities
The Conservancy has unveiled its capstone project of its decades-long work in the north end of Central Park.
Wildlife
5 Questions with Birding Expert & Harlem Local Ruben Giron
Meet Ruben, a seasoned birder and Harlem local, who has dedicated over a decade to photographing birds in Central Park’s north end and passionately educates fellow Park visitors about the Conservancy’s crucial role in preserving vital habitats.
Tags: About the Conservancy / Nature Lovers / Wildlife / Plants and Trees / Restoration and Maintenance