Central Park Dance Skaters Association
If you love to open-air skate, Central Park is the place to be!
The variety of paved drives and walkways in Central Park offer conditions for skaters of all levels. From flat paths and scenic views to challenging inclines and winding roads, learn about the best places to skate, speed skate, roller skate, and roller dance in Central Park. Be sure to check out the free stopping clinics available for beginners!
Roller Skating at the Skate Circle
The Central Park Dance Skaters Association (CPDSA) hosts free weekend parties at the Skate Circle with live DJs. It's as much fun to watch as it is to join in! Bring your own skates and get ready to roller dance. All levels are welcome!
Days: Most Saturdays & Sundays (April to October) Check here for the calendar of events and skating guidelines.
Time: Music is played from 2:45 PM to 6:45 PM.
Location: Skate Circle, Mid-Park about 69th Street. When entering the Circle, walk in along the fence and cross into the center when the rink is clear of skate traffic. Do not enter from the path or cross the skating area on foot.
Watch this short film from PBS Voices about how skaters in Central Park have kept roller skating alive:
Inline Skating
Central Park is full of miles of paved parkways and drives that are ideal for inline skating. These roads are paved and mostly flat, with some hillier inclines in the north.
The Loop
The most popular place to skate in Central Park is the Loop, traveling approximately 6 miles around the park. It's a solid workout that may take around 30 minutes for someone in good shape to complete (professional speedskaters about 20 minutes).
Variations of the Loop are listed below:
- 6.03-mile Full Loop: Circles the entire park. East Drive and West Drive connect at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).
- 5.14-mile Lower Loop: Skips the area north of 102nd Street Crossing. East Drive and West Drive connect at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop).
- 4.92-mile Upper Loop: Skips the area south of Terrace Drive. East Drive and West Drive connect at Terrace Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).
- 4.04-mile Loop: Skips the areas south of Terrace Drive and north of 102nd Street Crossing. East Drive and West Drive connect at Terrace Drive (bottom of the loop) and at 102nd Street Crossing (top of the loop).
- 1.71-mile Lower Loop: Skips the area north of Terrace Drive. East Drive and West Drive connect at Center Drive (bottom of the loop) and at Terrace Drive (top of the loop).
- 1.42-mile Upper Loop: Skips the area south of 102nd Street Crossing. East Drive and West Drive connect at 102nd Street Crossing (bottom of the loop) and at Central Park North & Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (top of the loop).
Traffic on the Loop is one-way and can only be traveled counterclockwise. Follow the safety rules and be mindful of other users on the trail, since the Loop is not just for inline skaters. The far-right lane is reserved for the user of joggers, and at some spots the Loop intersects with pedestrian paths, such as near the Obelisk.
The Bandshell
If you'd like to practice inline skating maneuvers, the Bandshell, located just east of the Skate Circle, is a popular place to do so. It sometimes features cones on nearby pathways.
"The Curb"
If you're interested in meeting speedskaters, there is also "The Curb" - located just north of Tavern on the Green and the West 67th Street entrance of the Park. You can catch your breath sitting on the curb (or on a bench) near the path that goes along the north side of Sheep Meadow.
Free Stopping Clinics, Plus Inline Skate Classes
If you're new to skating and looking to improve your skills, the Central Park Skate Patrol safety crew runs a free stopping clinic on some weekends, from 1pm to 4pm, just inside the West 72nd Street entrance to the Park.
To find out whether the free clinic will take place, check here and sign up.
There are also inline skate classes, for beginner to intermediate levels ($25.00).
Some Additional Tips
Please note that the park is open daily from 6am to 1am.
Traffic on the Loop is one-way and can only be traveled counterclockwise.
Always watch for cyclists and be sure to avoid the bike lanes.
Water fountains do not stay on year-round (please bring cash in winter if you will need to purchase water).