Cop Cot is one of several Central Park rustic structures created with rough-hewn logs.
Cop Cot is one of the older structures in Central Park; it is a reproduction of one of the original wooden shelters that were common in the park in the late 1860s.
The reproduction was built in 1985, thanks to a donation by Mae and Lawrence A. Wien. It is the largest of the three remaining wooden shelters in the park. Of the other two, one is at the Dene and the other is at the Ramble.
Cop Cot can be found mid-Park at 60th Street, not far from Central Park South. It is located on the top of a small hill for which it was named (Cop Cot means "little house on the crest of the hill" in Scottish). It is also close to Artists' Gate at 6th Avenue, Hecksher Playground and the Driprock Arch.
Cop Cot is sheltered by trees and offers a shady, semi-private space for viewing Central Park. Built on a rock outcropping under a canopy of trees above the park's Center Drive, this location is peaceful and secluded.
Cop Cot is constructed of rustic dark wood reminiscent of the mountains in upstate New York. The interior benches are made of locally harvested red cedar. During construction, the natural appearance of the tree branches was preserved to enhance the location's charm.
It is in the shape of a rough hexagon that maintains a light and airy feel, with an attractive roof made of dark wood arranged in concentric circles. The structure provides some protection from the elements and is a good spot for lunch on dreary days. The gray and slate rocks at Cop Cot provide a rich contrast to the green of the trees and grass.
Because of its attractive location and relative privacy, Cop Cot is a favorite place for weddings. The tree canopy and sparse roof help to navigate some of the weather-related challenges of outdoor wedding planning, since they do offer some protection from light rain and dreary weather.
The location can host between 10 and 30 people, making it a suitable option for intimate weddings. This spot is aesthetically pleasing and requires little dressing up, but the park does permit some decorations if desired.
Spring is a traditional wedding season and the perfect time to take advantage of the blooming black locust trees that surround Cop Cot. Near the structure are plants like yucca and Spanish bayonet. Fall weddings offer the rich oranges, burgundies, and ochres of the changing trees.
Cop Cot's location near the entrance to the park allows for a beautiful ceremony convenient to many restaurants for a post-ceremony reception. Cop Cot and the ground around it are also suitable for a festive wedding picnic. Though vehicles are not permitted into the park, the structure is close enough to the streets that the small amount of setup that is allowed (usually a few folding tables and minimal decorations) can be brought into the park on foot.