General Park Information tel 212/360-3444. Also tel 1-888/NYPARKS for special events information.

Founded in 1980, the Central Park Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and managing the park. It operates four Visitor Centers , with free maps and other helpful literature, as well as special events. All are open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm: The Dairy (mid-park at 65th St; tel 212/794-6564);

Belvedere Castle (mid-park at 79th St; tel 212/772-0210); North Meadow Recreation Center (mid-park at 97th St; tel 212/348-4867; also open Mon); and the Dana Discovery Center (110th St off Fifth Ave; tel 212/860-1370).

Restrooms are available at Hecksher Playground, the Boat Pond (Conservatory Water), Mineral Springs House (northwest end of Sheep Meadow), Loeb Boathouse, the Delacorte Theater, the North Meadow Recreation Center, The Conservatory Garden and the Dana Discovery Center.

In case of emergency, use the emergency call boxes located throughout the park and along the Park Drives (they provide a direct connection to the Central Park Precinct), or dial 911 at any pay phone.