First Mow event hosted by the Central Park Conservancy, ABC7NY

CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) -- Eyewitness News is in Central Park Thursday to help welcome springtime visitors, as the team joins the Central Park Conservancy for the ceremonial First Mow of the season at the Sheep Meadow.

On Saturday, all Central Park lawns and ballfields will reopen to the public for the year, conditions permitting.

The 15-acre meadow is one of Central Park's most popular lawns for picnicking and relaxing. Central Park's lawns are closed every winter.

The crew for Central Park Conservancy, a private nonprofit organization responsible for the park, maintains the lawns. The conservancy also raises 75 percent of its budget to maintain Central Park for more than 42 million visitors per year.

Eyewitness News meteorologist Bill Evans on what the Central Park Conservancy does:

Meteorologist Bill Evans talks with Russell Fredericks of the Central Park Conservancy.

Check out the First Mow in 360 on YouTube! (Must be viewed using a Chrome or Firefox browser, or using the YouTube app.)