Central Park is a green 843-acre land that has been having visitors for more than 150 years. It is managed by the central park conservancy and the public. It is open to the public from 6a to 1 am and then closed from 1 am to 6 am. If you love hammocking and love parks, you have thought about doing it in the central park.
Can you hammock in central park? This is a question asked by many people who love the hammock, but the answer is no. Central park does not allow camping of any kind. You are not allowed to pitch a tent, a hammock, or use open flames and grills. We are going to discuss the reasons why you are not permitted to hammock in this park.
Source: wikipedia.org
Contents
Why Are You Not Allowed to Hammock in Central Park?
There are three main reasons people are not allowed to hammock in central parks or other parks. They include tree protection, inconsiderate placement, and some safety concerns. We are going to discuss them further so that you can understand them better.
Tree Protection
This is the main reason that central park does not allow people to the hammock. If you are not using any trace straps, the hammock will harm the tree in many ways. If you are using thin ropes or straps, they will cut into the tree back and even strip it off. That means the tree will become vulnerable to insects, animals, fungus, and even drying from wind and sun effects. Trees are essential for any park, and if hammocks compromise them, they will not be allowed.
Inconsiderate Placement
Another reason the central park does not allow hammocks is the users themselves. One can be very inconsiderate when hanging hammocks by hanging on pathways and even ruining views by stacking hammocks together. When people who hammock do that, they make it hard for others to enjoy the park, so it is not allowed.
Source: wikipedia.org
Safety Concerns
The central park does not want to become liable if anything happens to you while you hammock there. That is why even most universities have banned hammocks because it was an increasing danger. The same applies to the park, and people will want to climb tall trees to install the hammock, which can be very dangerous.
How to Ethically Use a Hammock in a Park
Just because the central park does not allow hammocks does not mean all parks don’t. If you get a chance to hammock in a park, then there are things you should ethically do. That way, you can enjoy being in the park, and nothing will be harmed.
The first thing to do is to check up on the regulations of the park. Make sure that you follow all the rules. Setting up a hammock ensures that you use tree stumps or slings that don’t leave a trace, hence not damaging the trees.
You can also come with your hammock stand, and that way, you will not have to use the trees in any way. If you want to hammock in a park that has banned the activity, use an ethical way to make your voice heard. You can start a petition so that to get other like-minded people to support your cause.
Hammocks can be very relaxing and fun, so you need to be considerable and self-aware in everything you do. Hammocking is not a crime, and you have to ensure that you do it considerately and safely.
How to Do Hammock Camping in a Park
If you are a beginner, then hammock camping can feel like so much stress. To enjoy the experiment, you have to ensure you have the proper hammock and do it right. That way, you will create a comfortable camp and relax and enjoy the experience. Below are tips for enjoying hammock camping.
Buy the Right Hammock
If you have found a nice park that allows hammocks and camping, the first thing is to get suitable backpacking or camping hammock. That is if you plan to sleep there over the night. These kinds of hammocks are specially designed to boost asymmetrical designs so that you can achieve a flat sleeping position. They are also of higher quality material and will be more durable and reduce the overall weight.
Hang Your Hammock Correctly
Hammocks are mostly hanged between two trees as that is the best way. Select two trees that look sturdy and are 10 feet apart. Please make sure they are no dead or loose branches as they can be very dangerous. Attach the hammock straps to each tree at head height, and the hammock should be adjusted to be waist height. It should sag 18 inches off the ground when you are on it. Thirty degrees is the ideal hand angle to form a flat position easy to lay on.
Carry the Right Accessories
If there are two things, you should not forget when going camping, the rainfly and bug net. The two are very important as they will ensure you remain dry when it rains and keep the bugs away. If you are hammock camping in winter, add extra insulation under the quilt in your sleeping bag. For even more comfort, carry a sleeping pad and more insulation so that you remain warm.
Keep Safety in Mind
Hammocks can be very dangerous, especially if you fall. To ensure that it does not happen, inspect the hammock before you use it. Please make sure the straps are okay and check them before making any trip. Don’t sleep in a damaged hammock as that is very risky; make sure it is very secure. Set the hammock between two trees that are very sturdy and test it before placing your whole weight.
Park Ethics
Ensure that you follow all the rules and regulations of the park whenever you are hammocking. Below are ways in which you can lower the impact of hammocking on the park.
Tree saver straps – make sure you use tree-friendly straps like ones made of polyester webbing and nylon so that you don’t damage the trees.
Established Campsites: Set up your hammock in the areas that have been established.
Hammocks Allowed – don’t just go to a park and set up a hammock; make sure they are allowed.
No Dead Trees – don’t set the hammock on dead trees; they will end up decaying and finally destroying them.
Sensitive Plant Life – don’t set up your hammock on a tree with sensitive life if camping at high elevations.
Conclusion
As discussed above, you are not allowed to hammock in the central park for various reasons. However, if you manage to get a park that will enable it, ensure that you follow all their rules and regulations. Put your safety in mind, too; make sure that the hammock is appropriately set up, and don’t forget to carry a rainfly and bug net.
