Bryant Park
A Plot of Green in Mid-Manhattan
I have been in or around Bryant Park hundreds of times each year. Never did I know it’s amazing history. I did know that the New York Public Library which sits to the east of the park was at one time the Croton Reservoir, from which New Yorkers got their water. But I always thought the Reservoir took up the entire plot of land between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Now I know it didn’t!
The reservoir only took up the land where the library sits. The land now known to us as Bryant Park has had many purposes including a one-time potter’s field where poor New Yorkers who couldn’t afford burial were laid to rest. (They no longer rest there, so when you enjoy this green space in summer, you are not treading on someone’s grave.)
It was also the location for the “Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations” from 1853-1854. This was the US version of Prince Albert’s Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. New York City even had its own Crystal Palace, copied in design and building material, which sadly burned to the ground on October 5, 1856. It was not rebuilt.
Mini Crystal Palaces for the Holiday Market
Today Bryant Park is a hub almost year-round for enjoying green space in the densely populated 42nd Street corridor. Weather permitting, tables and chairs line the perimeter of the park where visitors gather to catch some sun or take a nap on the lawn and recharge while enjoying coffee or lunch bought from one of the park’s food vendors.
Throughout the seasons entertainment is offered including summer movie nights where a large movie screen is dropped at one end and moviegoers are invited to watch the latest offerings under the stars. Some days a piano is rolled out at the eastern end of the park and visitors enjoy anything from Broadway showtunes to Mozart. Children love the carrousel on the 40th street side. Beginning in early November the ice-skating rink opens and you can complete your Christma shopping early at the holiday market, which is set up until January 2.
Skating Under the Stars
Using a mobility scooter here is tricky. The pathways are uneven and navigating through the thick crowds requires patience and humor. Adding a pole flag to your scooter during the holidays might be a good idea. It is easy to get lost in this crowd.
Location:
Between 5th and Sixth Avenues between 42nd and 40th Streets
Open: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the holidays the park stays open to 10 p.m., but please check the website before you go for specific times.
Scooter entry to the park:
The ramp on 42nd Street that takes you to the door of the library. Stay on the lower level just below the door and drive into the park. There is another ramp, somewhat hidden, to take you down to the shops. When you come off the ramp from the library turn left to head a bit further into the park. About 40 feet in on the right, is another ramp which will take you down on the 42nd Street side of the Park.
2. The ramp on 42nd Street that takes you to the public restrooms. Just past the restrooms at the top of the ramp is the second ramp you need to take to go down to the lawn and kiosks.
3. The sidewalk on 40th Street just past the Bryant Park Grill.
There are no ramps near or on Sixth Avenue to enter the park.
To Enter the Skating Rink area:
There is a ramp for scooters and wheelchairs near the large fountain on the Sixth Avenue side inside the park.
Here is the link to the map for the Park during the holidays.
Ramp on West 42nd Street to NYPL and Bryant Park
Restrooms:
The restrooms on 42nd Street (Mid-block) are new and kept clean, but they are TINY and you cannot take a scooter into the handicapped stall. That restroom is always crazy busy, and the line can be very long. There are other restrooms inside the park on the 40th Street side just outside the skating rink. I have not investigated these.
Our suggestion is to use the new, beautiful handicap friendly restrooms on the 1st floor of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building right next to the park. While you’re there tour the library and be sure to visit their new gift shop, which is filled with beautiful books and items that make great presents. Please note: we do not get anything for promoting the library gift shop. We just happen to really like it and hope you will too! 😊
How to get there:
Buses:
Crosstown M42 stops at 5th Avenue and Sixth Avenue (Fifth Avenue is closer to the usable ramp.
All downtown buses along Fifth Avenue
M1, M2, M3, M4, M55, Q32
Outer borough buses:
Bay Ridge x27
Bensonhurst/Seagate x28
Bay Ridge x37
Bensonhurst x38
Subway:
All trains that go to Times Square and then ride your scooter to the park or take the M42 heated to the East River.
All trains that go to Grand Central and then ride your scooter to the ramp on 42nd Street just past 5th Avenue headed west.