By: Victoria Tang, Suki Tsang, and Jessina Wong
Bryant Park is 9.6 acre,1 French-themed public park located between 5th and 6th Ave and between W40th and W42nd St. The park is managed by the private, not-for-profit Bryant Park Corporation. It draws thousands of visitors daily from the five boroughs, various states, and even other countries.
Contents
1. History
2. The Great Lawn
3. Ping Pong (The Tables)
4. Pétanque Courts
5. Fountain Terrace
6. ‘wichcraft Kiosks
7. Chess & Backgammon Games Area
8. Southwest Porch
9. Games Tables
10. Le Carrousel & Children’s Reading Room
11. 40th St Plaza
12. Bryant Park Grill
13. Upper Terrace
14. Bryant Park Cafe
15. Fifth Ave Terrace
16. Bryant Park Reading Room
17. 42nd St & 6th Ave Birding Tours
18. Ending Analysis and Remarks
(Activities and events are organized by locations, beginning in the center, then going counterclockwise, along 6th Ave to 40th St, around the park starting from the Ping Pong Tables.)
1. History
Bryant Park offers different events, activities, and classes for local residents, commuters from the five boroughs and the tri-state area, and for tourists coming from throughout the country and around the world. This is an exploration of how different people and cultures use the park and how the park introduces new cultures to people.
2. The Great Lawn
A. Citi Pond Skating Rink & Holiday Shops
In the winter, the Great Lawn transforms into an ice skating rink, the only free rink in New York City. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds come to skate and thousands more come to watch. For those who do not ice skate, Citi Pond also features live music, skating performances and rink-side dining. As a result, even non-skaters enjoy the Bryant Park’s transformation during the winter season. In addition to the Pond, over 100 Holiday Shops deck the paths of Bryant Park. Small kiosks sell jewelry, gifts, imported food, and clothing. Tourists and residents alike drop by to browse the Shops’ offerings.
B. HBO Summer Film Festival
The HBO Summer Film Festival started twenty years ago. Every Monday at 5 P.M. from June to August, people of all ages come to the Lawn, sit on the green chairs, and enjoy a classic Hollywood film on the big projection screen. This is a highly popular event aimed towards anyone who wants to see a free film.
C. Broadway at Bryant Park
The casts from popular on and off Broadway musicals perform on Thursday afternoons in July and August. This event draws viewers from all over the city and from tourists who happen to be around. Attendees come from all backgrounds, however, they general share a common interest: Broadway!
D. Yoga (also at Upper Terrace)
Bryant Park has been able to incorporate a healthy lifestyle along with a hectic schedule. These free yoga classes start at different times on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they are for people of all levels. Bryant Park partners with Lululemon Athletica to provide a free professional trainer, and most importantly yoga mats are included!
E. Bryant Park Moves
On Saturday mornings in the summer, people of all ages come to learn dance moves with former and current members of Limón Dance, an internationally renowned modern dance company.3
3. Ping Pong (The Tables)
Ping Pong is a popular activity at Bryant Park. There are two tables located near 42nd St and 6th Ave. It is open from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M, April to November, in basically all weather except downpour. There are free paddles and balls for anyone to use. However, you can bring your own. Games last for ten minutes.
Additionally, there are monthly tournaments from May to October, in which anyone can take part, as long as he/she registers beforehand. According to the attendant, on an average day, there are about 80-100 males and 42-45 females who play and/or watch. Participants range from ten years old to 72 years old and come from all backgrounds. Many of the ping pong players know each other from years of playing together. Some come as regularly as everyday.4
4. Pétanque Courts
Pétanque is a game that originated in France. The rules of the game are players form two teams and alternately throw boules (metal balls) as close as possible to the cochonett (a small wooden ball) while standing inside a circle, both feet planted on the ground. The game is usually played on gravel or hard dirt.
At Bryant Park, there are two gravel courts, near 6th Ave and 42nd St, dedicated to Pétanque. There are free lessons every weekday, from 11:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., April to October. New York City tournaments are generally held at Bryant Park. Here, the regular Pétanque players are men, ranging in age from late-twenties to mid-seventies, usually of European descent. Most of them are members of La Boule New Yorkaise, a New York City pétanque club.
We interviewed Yngve Bilsted, former president of La Boule New Yorkaise. He came to New York from Denmark in 1986 and now resides in the East Village. He first learned about the sport in 1974 in France. In 1988, two years after coming to New York, he started playing pétanque at Washington Square Park. One day in 1996, while standing on the 23rd floor of a nearby building, he saw the courts, which seemed like gravel, at Bryant Park. He contacted Bryant Park and talked to Jerome Barth, then an Administrative Assistant, about starting pétanque here. Mr. Barth, formerly from France, was already acquainted with the sport. Hence, a couple years later, pétanque at Bryant Park began. Mr. Bilsted is currently retired and has instructed free lessons on pétanque for six years already. He comes to Bryant Park approximately twice a week.
One player, approximately sixty years old, immigrated from France in 1957. He first played pétanque at Central Park, but when his friends told him about pétanque at Bryant Park, he began playing at this park instead. Ten years already, he has been coming to Bryant Park everyday solely to play pétanque.
Another regular player, a man of around thirty years of age, immigrated from Paris in 1995. With his workplace nearby, in 2006, he discovered the pétanque courts at Bryant Park. Now, he comes here everyday to play, not only pétanque, but also ping pong.
5. Fountain Terrace
A. Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that focuses on the internal state. Bryant Park brings free classes to the public, under the direction of Master C.K. Chu, on Tuesday and Thursday early mornings. Visitors can participate in this art for defense or health benefits. This is one of the ways that Bryant Park introduces specific cultures to people of all backgrounds. Although Tai Chi practice is usually associated with Asian senior citizens, particularly men, at Bryant Park, these classes are diverse. Students come from all ethnicities and ages and include both men and women.
B. Bryant Park After Work
Bryant Park After Work is a program that provides free live music during the hours after 6PM, (when most people are off from work). It includes rock, folk, and jazz music from musicians that have mastered it in their own ways. These bands have come from all different parts of the United States, as well as different parts of the world. One band comes from Korea and are known for their improvisational creativity. It’s a fun night for the adults, to relax, or the kids to just listen to music.
C. Accordion
Keeping in the French theme, throughout the summer, Bryant Park features professional accordion players in various locations of the park. While visitors sit by the Kiosks, sipping on coffee and eating lunch, musicians play musette-style accordion for them to enjoy. This is another one of the many ways Bryant Park introduces other cultures to the community and to tourists.
6. ‘wichcraft Kiosks
There are five kiosks throughout the park, each serving different kinds of food: soups & salads, coffee and pastry, ice cream/hot chocolate, and sandwiches.
7. Chess & Backgammon Games Area
The Chess Area inside the park, located by the Fountain Terrace on 6th Ave, began
20 years ago when the park re-opened. However, table concessions outside of the park existed 40 years ago. This section of the park was originally created for members of the Marshall Chess Club, but it is open to the public for a fee. Enthusiastic members 
from the Club monitor the games. Nowadays, backgammon is more popular than chess in this area. Tables are occupied once in a while. This activity tends to draw older men, from forty years old and up, and every so often women. They come from all ethnicities.4
We interviewed Zion, a middle-aged man playing backgammon. He grew up in France and immigrated from Iran to New York in the 1990s. He started coming to Bryant Park twenty-two years ago because his workplace is nearby. Now, he stops by everyday during lunchtime. When he comes to Bryant Park, he usually plays backgammon (a game he played a bit back in France and Iran), hangs out, relaxes. Having seen the park transform, he says that much has changed. The park has been very likable. He loves it.
8. Southwest Porch
The Southwest Porch features a lounge with Adirondack chairs and sofas. The ‘witchcraft kiosk at this station serves customized, casual outdoor food and drinks. This hangout caters towards adults. 
A. Breakfast Briefings
Once a month, on Tuesdays mornings, adults come to The Southwest Porch to have some breakfast and coffee while talking to senior executives of local businesses about opportunities and challenges in their workplace. This event draws aspiring business professionals from all over the city because it is a great way to network.
B. Summer Cult Movie Trivia Festival
This year, the Southwest Porch will be filled with trivia at 6:30 P.M. on hot Tuesday summer nights. The Summer Cult Movie Trivia Festival has a trivia on a variety of films, such as: Sixteen Candles, Dazed and Confused, The Princess Bride, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Big Lebowski, and Wet Hot American Summer. Those who decide to participate go up against quiz masters from triviaad.com. Previous years have included game nights, cook outs, and live music. Participants range from teenagers to adults, but most are film buffs.
C. Sip & Speak: Language Meet-Ups
This event, on Tuesdays after work hours, aims towards adults practicing new languages. Attendees meet with language instructors and practice their skills over a drink. Like the language classes at the Upper Terrace, Sip & Speak aims towards promoting other cultures to residents of the city. Rather than having people bring their cultures to the park, Bryant Park brings various cultures to the people.
D. Game Nights
On Wednesday evenings, all the way until closing, adults take part in free games, including giant Jenga, Taboo, and Risk. This activity brings together all sorts of game-loving NYC residents.
9. The Games Tables
The Games Table just started a month ago, however, according to the attendant, it is already warmly received. It runs from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M. The games, which include mancala, Jenga, dominos, Scrabble, Bananagrams, Apples to Apples, ring toss and Chinese chess, are all free. Participants greatly range in age and ethnicity. They come from all over the world. The attendant calls this station, “one of the more equalizing activities of Bryant Park.” On average, approximately fifty people stop by to play some games. And already once, a group of visitors completely filled up all the game tables.4
When we visited Bryant Park, two students from Berkley College stopped by and were enticed into playing, instead of studying. Avery, of Jamaican and German descent, and Jesus of Chinese and Puerto Rican descent told us that they both were born in New York and have been coming to Bryant Park for almost four years now because they go to school nearby. Avery comes about three times a week, while Jesus visits once. When they come, they usually come to study and read. And now, they have added playing at the Games Table to their activities at the park. Avery also mentioned that he sometimes participates in the Tai Chi sessions.
10. Le Carrousel & Children’s Reading Room
Le Carrousel is Bryant Park’s own merry-go-round for children. It was created 
specifically to add to the park’s French classical theme. Parents from all over the world stop by the carousel and let their children go for a $2 ride. While they wait for their turn, they sit at the adjacent children’s reading room and flip through picture books. The events held at Le Carrousel are widely enjoyed by children, usually younger in age, of all backgrounds.
One of the mothers we interviewed immigrated from the Republic of Kosovo ten years ago. She only visits Bryant Park about once a month during the summertime because she lives in Brooklyn. But when she does come here, besides relaxing and reading, she takes her son to Le Carrousel.
A. Mardi Gras Party at Le Carrousel
Keeping with the French theme of Bryant Park, in February, there is a Mardi Gras Party for kids. Children of all ages come for free masks, beads, music, chocolate coins, and warm apple cider. They dress up to walk in the parade, which is later followed by a free magic show.2
B. Flaubert Frog & Friends
Flaubert Frog comes out every Saturday, from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. from June to August to sing songs and to tell kids of winter tales. There are also games and arts and crafts for children to engage in. 
C. Le Carrousel Magique
On Sunday afternoons in June and July, master magicians entertain children and their parents with their magic tricks. Magicians include Ben Nemzer, Chris Capehart, and R. J. Lewis.
D. Meet the Birds
On Tuesdays from May to September, Meet the Birds allows for visitors to get a close-up view of exotic birds from the Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Educational Center. Since this event is at Le Carrousel, many children and their parents populate the area. However, visitors of all ages and backgrounds come to enjoy the sight.
11. 40th St Plaza
A. Juggling (also at the Lawn)
Every Tuesday from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., people gather to juggle. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Classes are offered to beginners, and equipment is provided. On Fridays from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M., there is also juggling at the Great Lawn.
12. Bryant Park Grill
Bryant Park Grill is a restaurant that leans on the more sophisticated side, with pricier American cuisine than the other food venues at the park. Adults willing to spend more money for fancier dining reserve at the Grill.
13. Upper Terrace
A. Bloomsday Breakfast
Bryant Park hosts the Bloomsday Breakfast every June. This celebration is a direct connection to Ireland and the Irish Arts. Dancers wear costumes from the Edwardian era. Passages are read from Ulysses in celebration of the Irish author James Joyce. Bloomsday Breakfast is served from 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. to recreate the breakfast scene at the beginning of the novel. Afterwards, there are musical performances that continue throughout the day. People are generally very excited to be part of this culture, whether or not they are Irish. Many attendees even dress in “Bloomsday attire.” This is a prime example of Bryant Park as an enforcer of spreading cultures to the masses.
B. Bryant Park Knits
Every Tuesday at 1:30 P.M. to 3 P.M., Bryant Park gives free knitting lessons for beginners. Yarns and needles are provided. June 10th is World Wide Knitting in Public Day, though, which falls on a Sunday. This means that, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. on that day, knitting organizations, such as The Big Apple Knitting Guild, NYC Crochet Guild, The Harlem Needlearts, and The Seaman’ Institute, will join the knitting circle to exchange ideas and patterns.
C. Language Classes
Language is a barrier no more! These language classes are free at Bryant Park and range from Japanese, Italian, Spanish and French. They offer both beginner and intermediate levels. It’s another way Bryant Park promotes knowledge of different cultures.
D. Piano in Bryant Park
Every weekday from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M., famous pianists from all over New York play the piano at Bryant Park. Each month, there is a new pianist. Anyone who wants to dance, or just listen in, is welcome.
14. Bryant Park Café
The Café features a casual American-style menu. During the spring and summer, the outdoor section of the café is heavily populated, particularly by the bar. The usual customers are mostly local businessmen and a few women of all ages who come for a drink after work. At the outdoor café tables, diners generally consist of male and female adults who work nearby or are visiting the area.
15. Fifth Ave Terrace (in front of the New York Public Library)
A. Fencing
Fencing is a sport based on dueling. Fencers try to hit the other person with his or her sword while trying to avoid a hit. The sport originated from Spain and Italy, with improvement from France. On Wednesdays at Bryant Park, there are free beginner fencing lessons from 1 P.M. – 2 P.M., with equipment provided. Teenagers and young adults usually participate in these free lessons. This activity does not target a specific group of people, rather, it brings different kinds of people to explore the other cultures.
B. Fly Fishing Classes
Bryant Park offers classes on fly fishing, an angling technique to catch fish. They just began this year and probably attract quite a number of local fishing hobbyists.
16. Bryant Park Reading Room
In August 1935, during the Great Depression era, the New York Public Library created this open-air library for businessmen who were out of work. This library required no money, no ID, no valid address, and no library card. Most of the books were from the NYPL’s circulation, however, magazines were donated by publishers and individuals. In 1944, the Reading Room closed due to an increase in jobs and WWII. During the renovation, the BPC recreated the Reading Room, modeling it after the original. It is open during the spring and summer for all ages.4
The books and magazines are donations, with publications for adults, teenagers, and even children. Use of cellphones is prohibited, as in actual libraries. According to the
attendant, on a typical day, over 200 people visit the Reading Room. Visitors come fromnot only around the country, but around the world. However, usually businessmen and -women from around the area stop by to browse the collection and read.4
We interviewed a middle-aged woman of Spanish heritage sitting at a table, flipping through a fashion magazine. She commutes from New Jersey to her office nearby. She usually passes by the park, but this day, for the first time, she and her husband actually decided to drop in. On this sunny Friday afternoon, after a morning of shopping, they visited Bryant Park to eat at one of the restaurants, take pictures, and relax.
A. Word for Word
On various days and times during the week, authors and poets share their works with the audience. Also part of Word for Word are workshops, with specific ones geared towards teens and adults, on writing and storytelling. There are also weekly meetings for group discussions on films and non-fiction and for book-
related children’s activities. A special event is the Word for Word Poem in Your Pocket, in which students come to the park to share their poems. Word for Word participants come from all cultures, but with a common love for books and discussion.
B. BookClub
Another activity associated with the Word for Word events is the Oxford University Press BookClub. On select Tuesdays throughout the summer, readers come to the Reading Room to discuss the day’s classic book.
17. 42nd St & 6th Ave Birding Tours
From April to October, Bryant Park offers birding tours. On Mondays from 8 A.M. to 9 A.M and Thursdays from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M., bird lovers join Gabriel Willow, from the New York City Audubon Society, in identifying birds. After each tour, the different types of birds spotted are recorded and posted onto Bryant Park’s blog.
18. Ending Analysis and Remarks
On a typical day, New York City residents and New York City tourists come to Bryant Park to explore, eat, nap, and engage in games and special events. There are no bicycle riders or joggers or field sports due to the park’s small size. Instead, visitors partake in activities that require little space and small movement. This truly is an urban park.
We bumped into a thirty-something year old man sitting by the Historic Sites sign, playing on his smartphone. He introduced himself as Tim, a native from Phoenix, Arizona on vacation in New York. When we asked what brought him to Bryant Park this day, he said he was visiting the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and decided to check out Bryant Park as well. He has simply been hanging out, photographing the park, taking in fresh air, and people-watching all afternoon.
New York City is a hodgepodge of cultures, whether from the local residents of the tourists who come to visit. And Bryant Park reflects that. During lunch hours, we saw many business people relaxing and eating their lunch in the park.
There are outlets to plug in your laptop if you want to do work at the park.
The park also has its own employees to keep it clean and keep pigeons out. On the weekend, we spotted many more tourists.
While walking around in the park, we passed by an elderly couple who stopped us to ask for help taking their picture. They came to Bryant Park to celebrate their 40th Anniversary and told us that they spent their honeymoon here as well. That was when we noticed a wedding proposal forming in the sky.
Not only does Bryant Park draw visitors from all backgrounds, it also introduces traditions of other cultures to visitors. Different from many other parks in NYC, the activities in Bryant Park are diverse and call for all sorts of cultures to mix.
Citations:
3 Bryant Park Spring Events 2012 booklet
4 Interviews from staff and visitors on May 11, 2012, from 2 P.M. to 5 P.M., and on May 12, 2012 from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.
