Stuart Little delights in watching the sailboat races at the model sailboat pond, otherwise known as the Conservatory Water, and as the scene is a key one in the novel, readers may find it interesting to explore in greater detail.
The Water is one of the most famous spots in Central Park, situated just north of the entrance to the park at 72nd street on the east side. It is neighbors with the Alice in Wonderland statue and the Hans Christian Anderson statue. The area is also known as a prominent site for watching red-tailed hawks.
The Water was not part of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s “Greensward Plan,” and was, as the official website for Central Park states, “initially intended to be a small pool for a glass house and a formal, ornamental flower garden.” But “when the upkeep of this plan proved itself too costly, Conservatory Water and Conservatory Garden were created in their place.” The pond was designed with a granite shoreline to resemble the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.
During the winter months it is used for ice skating, but the sailing races are what it is best known for. Most of the time visitors can rent model sailboats and yachts at Kerbs Boathouse nearby. Both adults and children delight in this activity, and Stuart Little accurately depicts the shared excitement and competitive spirit. Races are held Saturdays mornings at ten, sponsored by the Central Park Model Yacht Club.
