I know a lot of people play in Washington Square Park, but-

Does anybody play in Central Park?

Played a couple of games in Central Park in 2010. But unfortunately it's a bit to far to play there more often...

Did you know Humphrey Bogart used to play in central park for quarters? From what I read a pretty good player also.

The reason I asked was because I told about somebody I knew who said he used to play in Central Park, and somebody on here said that Washington Square was the place everybody people played.

From what I remember there were about 8 (quite old) stone tables outside with a chess board print on it. It didn't look like the tables were being used much, but a few people were playing when we were there. 

It's more or less private, the chess tables are not visible from the regular park paths.

EDIT: I think it is a cool place to play chess though!

Interesting. The who said he used to play there made it sound like it was crowded with chess players.

Maybe it is crowded when the visitor center is open? Unfortunately it was closed at the time.

There was enough space for quite some more tables outside. And I assume inside the center too (tried to look through the window but couldn't see much).

He just made it sound like Central was where all the chess action was, other than the clubs.