| Harlem Meer (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Harlem Meer
Photographer Description of Harlem Meer
This picture shows the view over the Harlem Meer on the norther edge of Central Park. South from here about 2.5 miles of park stretches down Manhattan.Harlem Meer - Further Information
Harlem Meer is a lake on the north-easterernmost edge of Central Park in New York. North of here is Harlem, and south lies the rest of the largest park in the US. The Harlem Meer is just north of the North Garden (part of the Conservatory Garden). The lake is fed from a stream that flows from The Pool along The Loch into the south west corner.The Harlem Meer covers 11 acres in Central Park. A 'Meer' is the Dutch name for a lake, the name was used in recognition of the Dutch roots of Harlem. It is the newest lake within the park, the second largest, and was recently renovated in the 1990's. The lake now has natural edges and there are a number of family orientated attractions nearby. On the northern edge is the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center which provides talks, exhibits and activities relevant to the park. On the southern side the Laser Rink provides ice skating and swimming.
On the southern hills overlooking the lake are Clinton Fort and Nutters Battery Site, forts built during the 1812 War to defend against the British. The Blockhouse to the west, the Battery (now Battery Park) on the southern tip of Manhattan and fortifications on Ellis Island were built around the same time.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
Subway: 110st Street (West side - A, B, C, D lines ), 110th Street (East side - 4, 5, 6 lines), Central Park North (2, 3 lines)