If Central Park in the frigid weather isn't for you, cure your winter woes at an indoor park just minutes away from Washington Square Park.
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The Openhouse Gallery in NoLiTa has converted three and a half of their rooms into Park Here, a 4,500-square-foot indoor park blooming with plush grass, artificial foliage and faux flowers. The space provides refuge for New Yorkers during the harsh winter. Equipped with benches, red-checkered blankets, picnic tables, oversized bean bags and hammocks, Park Here is guaranteed to furnish a comfortable environment whether you're planning to study, work or host an afternoon picnic with friends.
"An oasis in the middle of a harsh New York City winter sounds like a great idea," LSP freshman Justin Turlip said.
The venue is even equipped with Seasonal Affective Disorder lighting designed to create a serene and therapeutic environment. Soothing sounds of birds chirping and mellow music play in the background.
Open from 12 to 8 p.m. daily until Feb. 15, NoLiTa's pop-up indoor park offers free admission and hosts entertainment and food for families and visitors.
Enjoy ordering food from popular New York food vendors such as Luke's Lobster, Filled with Sweets, The Jam Stand, Intoxicating Confections and many more. Come with your laptop for access to the fast and free Wi-Fi. Plenty of tables are available where you can crack open your textbooks.
On Jan. 24, Park Here hosted Afternoon Tea at the Park with Tea by Tiffany, an afternoon tea party where visitors indulged in organic teas, biscuits and scones. Upcoming special events include Nerd Nite's Trivia Night, a four-round, 40-question game show on Feb. 2 and an all-day Ping Pong tournament hosted by Puma Social on Feb. 11. For more laid-back and relaxing activities, sign up to take a yoga or Pilates class.
"It would be pretty amazing to go sledding in Central Park and then head to NoLiTa to sit on the lawn and for some studying in the spring air," Turlip said. "Plus, the free concerts and special events would make a trip to the indoor park more lively and entertaining."
Park Here is located at 201 Mulberry St. between Spring and Kenmare streets. For more information, visit openhousegallery.org.
