Heckscher Ballfields

Heckscher Ballfields consists of six fields for softball in an area defined by mature trees, impressive rock outcrops, and the midtown skyline in the south end of Central Park.

It’s one of three areas in Central Park with sports fields—the others being the Great Lawn and the North Meadow. All require a permit.

This area was designated in the 19th-century design for Central Park as the “Ball-ground” or the “Play-ground,” a place for playing fields games such as cricket or baseball. Although the growing popularity of these games led the Park planners to envision additional fields as part of the Park, they ultimately created only one. Because of overwhelming demand, they decided to prioritize its use for children. The nearby Ball-players House was created as a changing room and is now a cafe.

Later, more fields were added to the Park. Adults began to play on the ballfields in the 1920s.

How We Care for Ballfields

Learn how Central Park's ballfields are meticulously maintained by Conservancy staff, who keep them dry and safe.

View with audio description

 

Ballplayers waiting for the pitch under a lush canopy of green leaves.

Support the Park

Help Central Park Conservancy staff keep ballfields dry and clean by funding our work to pump water from clay surfaces after rain and raking the diamonds on your favorite ballfields.

Donate Now

Things you can do here

  • Activities

    Baseball & Softball

    Head to one of Central Park’s 26 ballfields for a great game of baseball or softball with your friends, family, or colleagues.

    Tags: For Groups / Kids and Families / Health & Fitness

  • Self-Guided Tours

    Richard Gilder Walk

    This self-guided tour is dedicated to Richard “Dick” Gilder, Jr., a visionary philanthropist who grew up playing in Central Park.

    Tags: History

  • Tours

    Iconic Views of Central Park Tour

    10:00 am

    Visit the iconic landmarks and landscapes that make Central Park the world’s most famous park.

    Tags: History / Art & Architecture / Daily Tours

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  • About the Conservancy

    Central Park's Iconic Chess & Checkers House is Revived and Kinderberg Restored

    Central Park's iconic Chess & Checkers House and Kinderberg are newly restored. See how the Conservancy's expert team of landscape architects, architects, project managers, and historians worked to revive the site, a destination for kids of all ages for over 150 years.

    Tags: Conservancy Staff / Park Design / About the Conservancy / Rustic Architecture / History / Park Experts / Landscape Design / Restoration and Maintenance

  • Park History

    The Children's District: Then and Now

    Not long after construction of Central Park began, the Park’s designers created the Children’s District in the lower end of the Park.

    Tags: Families / Best for Kids

  • Park Information

    10 New Year’s Resolutions for a Central Park-Lover

    Here are 10 ways to combine a desire for a new you in the new year with the joy of spending time in Central Park.

  • Things to See and Do

    From the Mailbag: Solitude, Sports, and Skyline Views

    We received curious inquiries on everything from the best places to take skyline photos to the history of the Minton tile ceiling in the Bethesda Terrace Arcade.

    Tags: Tips for Visiting