Spring Ahead Fall Back Amy, a college student who had removed her shoes and rolled up her khaki pants to soak in some rays while reading in the sun at the Columbus Circle entrance to the park, said her enjoyment of the day was dimmed by concern about the threat of drought in the northeast and worries about global warming.
"I think some of this weather is related, undoubtedly," Amy said about the general climate. "But I don't let it worry me as much as it probably should, I suppose."
One group reveling in the heat were a few hundred yards into the park at the Heckscher Ball Fields, home to numerous softball leagues.
It was Opening Day for the Show Business League and movie and theater critic Jeffrey Lyons, manager of the "Gallery" team and one of the founders of the league, gave the weather a rave review.
"A day like today makes you glad to be alive," said Lyons.