The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind... literally. It's the weather, not an arbitrary date which determines the fountain's functioning. It's been turned off in warm weather too, if there's a drought, and times when it might freeze in April. So, sorry, there may be guidance for the park engineers about environmental & plumbing accommodations. But it's weather. You won't find an annual schedule, ever, anywhere, that I've seen.

Yes. There are entrances to the park at west 72d street and Central Park West and East 72d Street and Fifth Ave. The Terrace Drive is essentially an extension of 72d Street and connects the two entrances. The Betthesda Terrace and Fountain are on the North side of Terrace Drive, midway between the east and west entrances-- about 1.5 crosstown city blocks from either entrance. The West 72 Street entrance is right across the street from the B and C subway station. Easy to take a taxi to either entrance. Since "tremendous amount" is a relative concept, let me add that the southern entrances to the park are on 59th street, so slightly more than a .5 mike walk. Hope this helps.

On weekdays -- yes. but it is tricky, doable on weekdays only and probably a bad idea. Get out your map. On weekdays, not weekends, cars can enter the park until 6 or 7PM at 6th Avenue and Central Park So. (59th Street) and must exit the park at East 72d Street. Now, the road entering the Park at 6th Ave is known as Center Drive and it merges with and becomes East Drive at about 66th Street. There is a traffic light at the merger point and the south end of the Mall is just off to the left of the merger point. Your driver has to leave you off on the right side of the road, and he will not know any of this. Worse comes to worse, you driver will have no trouble leaving you off at 72d Street exit and from there it is a easy walk to the fountain.

Hi! I agree with the previous answers. A place to be visited in the daylight I would say. I don't know the times it is turned on as the times I visited it it was on. By the way, I was there early in the morning once and after lunch the other. Enjoy!