Top-secret section of Central Park reopens after 82 years

A SECRET section of New York’s famed Central Park is finally open to the public after being closed for nearly a century.

A SECRET section of New York’s famed Central Park is finally open to the public after being closed for nearly a century.

The newly renovated Hallett Nature Sanctuary hasn’t experienced the bustle of park visitors since Roosevelt was president. It was closed in 1934 by the NYC Parks Commissioner at the time, Robert Moses, who wanted to transform it into a bird refuge.

But the attraction, located near The Pond, was all-but forgotten until the Central Park conservancy began renovations in 2001. The 15-year revamp of the urban escape was part of a $US40 million ($55 million) Central Park revitalisation project, CBS News reports.

Neglected for decades and overrun by weeds, the once roped-off, four-acre peninsula is now back in action and bursting with life.

The landscape makeover included the addition of a new rustic fence, benches, trails and plenty of plants. There’s also a mini-sanctuary within the sanctuary.

Inside Central Park's Hallett Nature Sanctuary. Open for the first time since 1934. You def forget this is NYC. pic.twitter.com/fTisrVoeb4

— Josh Morrissey (@joshmorrissey) May 11, 2016

Visitors walk around the Central Park Hallett Nature Sanctuary in New York. Picture: AFP/Timothy A Clary

Hallett Nature Sanctuary, which offers unique views of the city, now joins the list of famous attractions in Central Park, including Loeb Boathouse, Wollman Rink and Tavern on the Green.

New Yorkers, having never had a chance to take a peek inside the forgotten paradise, have been flocking in droves to catch a glimpse.

But they’ll have to get in line. The sanctuary is only open during restricted hours, with only 20 people allowed in at a time to protect the pristine condition of the peninsula.

“The Hallett Nature Sanctuary is a perfect example of how even the ‘wildest’, most naturalistic habitats in Central Park require constant planning and care in order to thrive,” the Conservancy notes on its website.

4-acre section of Central Park, closed since the 1930's, called Hallett Nature Sanctuary, will reopen to the public. pic.twitter.com/Rpw3bvnbOg

— Legacy (@ThinkOfUrLegacy) May 10, 2016