Running Central Park: A Design Concept

Michael R

I found the Flyers in a roundabout way while teaching a design course at Parsons The New School for Design.  The emphasis of the course is to base a design project on a careful understanding of human needs.  A group of students chose to work on improving the running experience in Central Park.  Their project piqued my curiosity about running clubs and ultimately led me to join the Flyers.  That was lucky for me!

The students who developed this project were Maria Dontas, Sophie Elliot, Jacob Stein and Helen Weselcouch.  They started with the basic observation that different types of runners use Central Park and that its 843 acres can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the park and lacking in some desirable features for more experienced runners.  They called the project Running Central Park (RCP).

The students spent time on different days and at different hours observing and interviewing Central Park runners.  Some were locals only a short walk from home and all the conveniences a home provides.  Some traveled from other parts of the city to enjoy the park’s beauty but they were away from their home amenities.  Others were tourists wanting to run through one of the most famous parks on the planet but not sure where to start (or finish!).  Runners varied in experience level, home proximity, frequency of use and familiarity with the park.  The students also uncovered a variety of running goals including weight loss, fitness, fun, socializing, de-stressing and of course, training for specific performance objectives like distance or time.

The students analyzed these runners’ needs and came up with a list of amenities and services for RCP that would improve the overall running experience through the park:

The students incorporated these key features into the overall RCP concept design.  The major components of the concept are the “main hub” and “mini hub” buildings.  A “main hub” offers a lounge/rest area, staffed information desk, trainer’s office, basic first aid, lockers, restrooms, showers, towels, beverages, snacks and basic toiletries.

A “mini hub” is similar but with fewer amenities and services.  It includes a lounge, basic first aid, restrooms, beverages and snacks.

The hubs are strategically located throughout the park at convenient access points and within easy reach of public transportation.  Entry to the hubs is restricted to RCP members. The students proposed four locations for the main hubs and three locations for the mini hubs (see map, below):

The students also created a web site to support the concept.  It highlights the services and social activities available through RCP.  The site is actually similar to the Flyers’ web site although it relates more directly to RCP’s focus on Central Park and its hub facilities within the park.

Finally, the students created a pricing /membership model for RCP that is designed to accommodate anyone from one-time tourists to regular park runners.

The Running Central Park concept represents one model for enhancing the running experience in Central Park.  It transforms the park into a huge health club for runners.   The ideas are based on a researched understanding of the needs of runners who actually use the park.  As a frequent park runner I would find a service like this very appealing.

Even though I live only a few blocks from Central Park, I’ve often been in need of a Band-Aid, working water fountain, storage space, cool-down or advice while using the park.  It also is easy to see how the concept would be useful to other runners with different needs be they regular or infrequent park users and whether they live nearby, one borough over or a continent away. It would be interesting to hear how other Flyers respond to the RCP concept.

-Michael R