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Uptown
Central Park
Central Park spans two and a half miles from 59th Street to 110th Street and half a mile from Fifth Avenue to Eighth Avenue and was the first urban landscaped park in the United States. Originally conceived in the salons of wealthy New Yorkers in the early 1850's, the park project spanned more than a decade and cost the city ten million dollars. Today, the park is home to numerous restaurants, playgrounds, the Metropolitan Museum, the Central Park Zoo, and Wollman Rink.
Location : Uptown
Subway :
N/R/W Line 59th St-5th Ave
N/R/W/Q Line 57th St
1/A/B/C/D Line 59th - Columbus Cicle
2/3 Line Central Park North
B/C Line 72,81,86,96,103 St
Lasker Rink & Pool
Photo Copyright (C) Mark H.
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Situated between 106th and 108th Streets in mid-park, nestled between loops of the park drive, you'll find Lasker Rink and Pool. It was constructed in the late 1960fs, made possible by a contribution by the extremely philanthropic (and wealthy) Lasker sisters. While they clearly had the best of intentions, and there is no doubt that the facilities have provided a wonderful boon to the community, the project itself was fought over bitterly for years. It displaced a corner of The Meer and was therefore seen by park purists to be nothing short of desecration. While we may thank the vigilance of concerned citizens and dedicated commissioners for keeping literally dozens of absurd and inappropriate additions from ever coming to fruition (a racetrack and a housing project being just two examples), it is difficult to get too worked up over this installation. Especially if you are close enough to hear the happy screams of landlocked city children splashing about on a hot summer day. (from centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lasker-pool-rink.html
Subway : 2/3 Line 110th St
North Meadow
Photo Copyright (C) centralpark.com
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The recently renovated North Meadow is, at 23 acres, one of Central Parkfs largest open areas. Ball fields first appeared there in the 1870s and it has been extensively refitted with carefully managed baseball diamonds which are in use throughout the spring and summer. Located just to the north of the reservoir the gently rolling landscape around it creates a slightly more secluded ambience than the Great Lawn to the south. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park at 97th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/north-meadow.html
Subway : B/C Line 103rd St
Delacorte Theater
The outdoor Delacorte Theatre is the summer home of the annual "Shakespeare in the Park" production. Begun in 1957 by Joseph Papp as part of the Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival the annual productions draw thousands to the open air theater at the heart of Central Park. Originally built as a temporary structure in 1962, the Delacorte Theater is the setting for the continuing series. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park at 80th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/delacorte-theatre.html
Subway : B/C Line 81st St
Swedish Cottage
For over fifty years, puppeteers have been bringing to life magical tales of princesses, paupers, genies, and giants to hundreds of youngsters and their parents at Central Park's Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater. The Marionette Theater originated as a 19th century schoolhouse designed for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia as an example of Swedish building design. At the end of the exposition, the NYC Parks Department purchased the schoolhouse for $1,500 and moved it to its present site. (centralpark.com)
Location : West Side at 79th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/swedish-cottage.html
Subway : B/C Line 81st St
Shakespeare Garden
One of the many hidden gems of Central Park, the Shakespeare Garden is a lovely spot to "stop and smell the roses". Nestled between Belvedere Castle and The Swedish Cottage the garden first came into existence in 1913. Known as the Garden of the Heart it was patterned after Victorian era rock gardens. Then, in 1916, to celebrate the tercentennial of Shakespeare's death, it was rechristened in honor of the Bard and only plants mentioned in his plays were planted there. These include columbine, primrose, wormwood, quince, lark's heel, rue, eglantine, flax and cowslip, many of which sound as if they would be right at home boiling and bubbling in a caldron. (centralpark.com)
Location : West Side between 79th and 80th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/shakespeare-garden.html
Subway : B/C Line 81st St
Belvedere Castle
Sitting high atop Vista Rock (the second highest natural elevation in the park) Belvedere Castle provides a panoramic view in almost every direction. It is also perhaps the most magical monument in Central Park, one that combines function, form and romance - all in one convenient, central location. Designed originally in 1865 by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould as a Victorian "Folly" (A fantasy building) that would provide an overlook to the scenic splendors around it. The views include the Delacorte Theater, home to the very popular Shakespeare in the Park series, the newly-restored, 55-acre Great Lawn, once one of the Park's original reservoirs and, directly below, Turtle Pond. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park at 79th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/belvedere-castle.html
Subway : B/C Line 81st St
Loeb Boathouse
The Loeb Boathouse, one of the most famous icons of Central Park is located at the northeastern tip of the Lake and houses the Boathouse Restaurant. It is a romantic setting for dinner on a mid-summerfs evening, watching the sun sink behind the trees and maybe catching a gondola slowly poling past. (centralpark.com)
Location : East Side between 74th and 75th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/loeb-boathouse.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Alice in Wonderland
Photo Copyright (C) nycgovparks.org
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At the northern end of Conservatory Water you will find yourself at perhaps the least exclusive soiree in Manhattan, a party where everyone is the guest of honor 364 days a year. It is, of course, Central Parkfs permanent installation of itfs very own unbirthday party. (centralpark.com)
Location : East 74th Street, north of Conservatory Water
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/alice-in-wonderland.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Hans Christian Andersen
Photo Copyright (C) nycgovparks.org
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At the western edge of Conservatory Water is one of the most popular staues in the park - a statue of master storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. Created by George Lober and donated to the park in 1956 this statue of the beloved Danish storyteller, along with his famous duckling companion, is the site of a story telling program that delights children every summer. (centralpark.com)
Location : East 74th Street, north of Conservatory Water
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/hans-christian-andersen.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Bethesda Fountain
Bethesda Fountain rises high above Bethesda Terrace, looking over the hundreds of visitors that come every day to enjoy the view of the Lake and relax at the "heart" of the Central Park. The sculpture that tops it, Angel of Waters, was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873 and is one of the most recognizable icons in the entire park. Stebbins designed the statue to celebrate the new Croton Aqueduct which not only fed the fountain, but also supplied fresh water to a city that had long been plagued by infectious diseases caused by an unsafe water supply. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park at 72nd Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/bethesda-terrace/bethesda-fountain.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Strawberry Fields
On December 8th, 1980 John Lennon was shot dead as he entered his home at the Dakota Apartment Building at 72nd St. and Central Park West. A long time resident of New York City Mr. Lennon had taken many walks with his wife and young son through the friendly confines of Central Park. Long a favorite son of his adopted city John Lennon wasnft simply New Yorkfs Beatle, he was, for many, the embodiment of the spirit on which city had been built. One half urbane cynic and one half romantic dreamer, he unabashedly embraced the disparate parts which, as every New Yorker knows, combine to form a uniquely gifted, passionate individual. And city. (centralpark.com)
Location : West Side between 71st and 74th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/strawberry-fields.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
The Mall
Designed by Vaux and Olmsted as a ggrand promenadeh the mall joins with Bethesda Terrace, both geographically and stylistically, to fulfill the parkfs need for a place that offered visitors a chance to socialize; an alternative to the secluded paths and solitary walks that populate so much of the terrain. The forty foot wide Mall, flanked by its majestic rows of American Elms, provides the perfect place for a leisurely stroll in any season. One can easily imagine the scene a century ago, women with parasols and men in top hats perambulating towards the Concert Ground that stood adjacent to its northern end. Now you are more likely to find skateboards than waistcoats, but the effect is still the same and even the visitors on wheels are apt to slow down just a bit and admire the cathedral-like ambience. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/mall.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Children's Zoo
Photo Copyright (C) PapaAndDaddy
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One of the most popular additions to Central Park in recent years is the Tisch Children's Zoo. Lying at the northern edge of the Central Park Zoo it was added in 1997 and financed by a generous gift from philanthropist Laurence A. Tisch. With its imaginatively designed and little-user friendly exhibits the Childrenfs Zoo offers a magical, as well as educational, experience for children and their parents. It also offers year-round education programs, including the zoofs fascinating "Wildlife Theater", which encourage visitors of all ages to become aware of the natural world that they live in and how they can help in protecting it. (centralpark.com)
Location : Just north of the Central Park Zoo at 64th St.
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/children-s-zoo.html
Subway : F Line 63rd St
The Caroucel
As the park spins by and the calliope tootles it is easy to imagine yourself at a country fair miles outside the urban confines of New York City. The original park carousel opened in 1871 and was powered by a blind mule and a horse which walked a treadmill in an underground pit. It almost immediately became one of the parkfs most popular attractions and remains so to this day, with almost 250,000 riders a year. Originally the park commissioners had frowned upon commercial enterprises in the Park, but they eventually saw the popular attractions as valuable assets. They also recognized the not insignificant fees that the city earned on the carouselfs operation as a welcome source of needed revenue. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park at 64th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/carousel.html
Subway : A/C/B/D/1 Line 59th St
Wollman Memorial Rink
Wollman Rink was built in 1949 when Kate Wollman donated $600,000 for it's construction. In the early 1990's, it was purchased and is now run by Donald Trump. It has been a success from the day it opened - over 300,000 skaters glided across the ice in its first year of operation. In use the year round the summer months find hundreds of in-line skaters taking lessons or perfecting more advanced skills. (centralpark.com)
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/wollman-rink.html
Subway : N/R/W Line 5th Ave-59th St
The Pond
Located at the southeast corner of the park, near the entrance at Grand Army Plaza, the Pond provides immediate relief from the hustle and bustle of the city just outside. This is due to a veritable wall of trees and shrubs, as well as the inspired landscaping of Olmsted and Vaux, which placed the pond below street level. This entrance was originally designed to handle most of the traffic into the park, and continues to do so until this day. (centralpark.com)
Location : Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/pond.html
Subway : N/R/W Line 5th Ave-59th St
Conservatory Garden
One of the hidden wonders of Central Park is the Conservatory Garden at Fifth Avenue and 105th St. A secluded oasis, just a few steps down from one of the Cityfs busiest thoroughfares; the garden offers a fragrant respite from the gasp and clatter of the urban afternoon. To enter the six-acre Garden from Fifth Avenue and 105th Street, you must pass through the Vanderbilt Gate. Installed in 1939, it originally served as the entrance to the Vanderbilt Mansion at Fifth Avenue and 58th Street (at the present site of the Bergdorf Goodman department store) until its demolition in 1927. One of the best examples of wrought iron work in New York City, the gate was made in France with designs by American architect George B. Post. The only formal garden in Central Park, the Conservatory Garden derives its name from a huge glass conservatory that once stood on the same spot, which was built in 1898. While not the impressive construct included by Olmsted and Vaux in the original Greensward Plan, it was put to brilliant use by the head gardener of the new park, Ignaz Pilat. It was here that many of the first shrubs and trees that were later planted in the park were first cultivated. When maintenance of the facility became too costly it was torn down in 1934 and replaced with the present garden in 1934. (centralpark.com)
Location : 5th Ave and 105th St.
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/conservatory-garden.html
Subway : 2/3 Line 110th St
The Great Hill
Photo Copyright (C) Paul Moeller
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The Great Hill is an open hilltop meadow with picnic tables, a three-quarter mile soft surface oval path (good for a jog), and green grass under stately American elms. Olmsted and Vaux designed the Great Hill as a carriage concourse where passengers could enjoy commanding views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. (centralparknyc.org)
URL : http://www.centralparknyc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=virtualpark_northend_greathill
Subway : B/C Line 103rd St
Jacqueline Kennedy Oassis Reservoir
The Central Park Reservoir - now offi-cially named the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir - is located between 86th and 96th and covers a full one eight of the parkfs surface. The 106-acre water body is 40 feet deep and holds over a billion gallons of water. Once a critical part of the cityfs fresh water system it was disconnected as an active component since the new water tunnel was opened in 1991. It is probably best known now as home to the 1.58 mile running track that surrounds it. The reservoir is also currently the subject of a very public debate as several different plans are considered for its future; these include fishing piers, a marina, ball fields, restaurants and beaches. Hopefully the debate will rage on indefinitely and the current configuration will remain as it is. (centralpark.com)
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/reservoir.html
Subway : 4/5/6 Line 86th St
Sheep Meadow
While it has been many years since sheep actually inhabited this verdant lawn on the west side of the park, Robert Moses having exiled the sheep to Prospect Park in 1934, it still remains a pastoral setting that invites sunbathing and the enjoyment of a good book. Original entries to the design competition for Central Park were required to include a parade ground and Olmsted and Vaux reluctantly included one in the first Greensward Plan. Soon after winning, however, they managed to convince the commissioners that a quiet park landscape was perhaps not the best place for military displays. To re-enforce the quiet nature of the gGreenh as it was then called a flock of sheep was added in 1864. A Sheepfold was built across the drive in 1870 and twice a day a shepherd would hold up carriage traffic, and later automobiles, as he drove the animals to and from the meadow. After the sheep had been banished to Brooklyn the Sheepfold was converted into what is now the world famous restaurant Tavern on the Green. (centralpark.com)
Location : West side, mid-Park from 66th to 69th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/sheep-meadow.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Central Park Zoo
A walk around the Zoofs five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house. At the left youfll see a list of links to the pages describing all of the Zoofs inhabitants. The Polar Circle contains two of the Zoo's most popular guests - Polar Bears Ida (on the right) and Gus. Alongside Polar Bears lies an exhibit featuring Harbor Seals and nearby is the Ice Pack building which houses 61 Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins along with the Tufted Puffins. The Rain Forest houses a brilliant collection of tropical birds including the Fairy Blue Bird of Southeast Asia and the Scarlet-chested Parrot of Southern Australia. Here youfll also find enough frogs, lizards, snakes, toads and various other squirmy things to keep any little boy enraptured for his entire visit. Then there are the Colobus Monkeys, as well as three species of Tamarins, to represent the primates of the tropics. The Temperate Territory includes the California Sea Lion tank at the center of the exhibit and stretches around the rear of the Zoo. This section is home to the Red Pandas, Japanese Macaques and the almost urbanly manic North American River Otter. Here youfll also find the Mandarin Ducks (happier residents then their cousins at nearby restaurants) and the lovely Swan Geese.
Location : East Side between 63rd and 66th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/central-park-zoo.html
Subway : F Line 63rd St
Dairy
At its inception the southern portion of Central Park was considered by designers Olmsted and Vaux as the Childrenfs District. This was because it was the first area of the park that would be reached by families traveling from the heart of the city, most of which lay below 38th St. at the time. One critical need of children at the time was for fresh milk, a series of scandals, as well as cholera outbreaks, having placed the dairy production of the city under a cloud of suspicion. To satisfy this need and provide a place where families could find a ready supply of fresh milk when traveling to the park the dairy was built. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid Park at 65th St.
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/dairy.html
Subway : N/R/W Line 5th Ave-59th St
The Great Lawn
The Great Lawn has, over the years, hosted some of the most popular musical events in the cityfs history. Besides hosting the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera for two free performances every summer the area just north of Belvedere castle has been the stage for acts as diverse as Simon and Garfunkel and Pope John Paul II. It was even the site for the 1996 opening of the Disney Movie "Pocahantas". (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park from 79th to 85th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/great-lawn.html
Subway : B/C Line 86th St, B/C Line 81st St
Turtle Pond
Turtle Pond, so designated in 1987 in honor of its most prominent residents, began life as Belvedere Lake, which was, in turn, originally part of the Croton Reservoir that once covered what is now the Great Lawn. At its inception Belvedere Lake was a shallow pool of nondescript shape that soon became the home to an itinerant collection of fish, frogs, turtles, dragonflies, and aquatic fowl. While not part of the original park plan it quickly became clear that the pond was in an ideal location at the base of Vista Rock, perfectly complimenting the view of Belvedere Castle. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park between 79th and 80th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/turtle-pond.html
Subway : B/C Line 81st St
The Lake
At twenty-two acres the Lake is Central Parkfs largest body of water, excluding the Reservoir, and offers a variety of activities for park visitors to enjoy. It also offers a startling array of views as its meandering shoreline snakes around the landscape. Created originally from a large swamp the lake has provided generations of park visitors with startling vistas and countless opportunities for exploration. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park from 71st to 78th Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lake.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Harlem Meer
The northern end of the park was the last to be constructed as the blocks from 106th to 110th Sts. were the last to be purchased. Nestled up in the north east corner is the Harlem Meer, at 11 acres the second largest manmade body of water inside the park and, since its renovation during the mid-nineties, considered to be one of the loveliest. (centralpark.com)
Location : Eastside from 106th to 110th Street
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lake.html
Subway : 2/3 Line 110th St
Naumburg Bandshell
Standing at the edge of the Mall, just south of Bethesda Terrace, the Naumburg Bandshell has been home to an eclectic array of popular musical entertainers. Acts as diverse as John Phillip Sousa, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin and The Grateful Dead have performed upon its stage to the delight of thousands of park visitors. The Bandshell was originally built in 1923, funded by donations from banker Elkan Naumburg and replaced an earlier ornate cast-iron bandstand that had been designed by Jacob Wrey Mould. It stands at the edge of an area known as The Concert Ground, which was included in Olmsted and Vauxfs 1851 Greensward Plan. In 1922, due to the popularity of the musical diversions, the original Concert Ground was expanded to its current size. This, unfortunately, resulted in the loss of the filigreed metal bird cages, ornamental drinking fountains, display fountains and Vaux designed benches. The current park music series known as Summerstage, which now calls the Rumsey Playfield its home, originated at the Bandshell and moved only when its popularity had outgrown the confines of the Concert Ground. (centralpark.com)
Location : Mid-Park from 66th to 72nd Streets
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lake.html
Subway : B/C Line 72nd St
Carl Schurz Park
The park is located between East River and East End Avenue. From the pavement, it's so exciting to watch the view over East River.
Location : Upper East Side
URL : http://www.carlschurzparknyc.org/
Subway : 4/5/6 Line 86th St
Riverside Park
This long park along Riverside Dr. is facing Hadson River where a many people living in Upper West getting together to take a rest. The park was designed by the same desiner who designed Central Park. The 91st Street Garden is famous in the movie, "You've got mail".
Location : Upper West Side
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/.../vt_riverside_park.html
Subway : 1/2/3 Line 96th St
Fort Tryon Park
Photo courtesy of Jane Schachat
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With 66.627 acres wide, it is the host park for the Cloisters in the very northern edge in Inwood, Manhattan which has a pavement for the walkers on the nature born landscape that is really enjoyable. You can feel it is never the area in Manhattan !
Location : Upper Manhattan
Address : Riverside Dr to Broadway, W 192nd St to Dyckman St
URL : http://www.nyrp.org/theparks-forttryon.htm
Subway : A Line 190th St
Marcus Garvey Park
Copyright (C) bridgeandtunnelclub.com
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The main attraction at this park is the three-tier, 47-foot cast-iron watchtower (Julius Kroel, 1856), the only remaining part of a now defunct citywide network used to spot and report fires in the days before the telephone. Originally Mount Morris Park, this rocky plot of land was renamed in 1973 after Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), who preached from nearby street corners and led the back-to-Africa movement. The handsome neoclassical row houses of the Mount Morris Park Historic District front the west side of the park and line side streets.
Location : Harlem
Address : Madison Ave, E 120th - 124th Sts
URL : http://www.east-harlem.com/parks_mg.htm
Subway : 2/3 Line 125th St
Grand Army Plaza
Grand Army Plaza features the statue of General William Tecumseh Sherman astride his horse. Across the street is the Plaza Hotel, the scene of countless movies, from North by Northwest to Home Alone. The Grand Army Plaza was completed in 1916 and is named after the Grand Army of the Potomac that fought for the Union side during the Civil War. The statue of General Sherman is by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. This was his last great work and fulfilled a long standing dream of his to pay tribute to the heroes of the Civil War. (centralpark.com)
Location : Upper East Side
Address : Cetral Park South (59th Street) and Fifth Avenue
URL : http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/grand-army-plaza.html
Subway : N/R/W Line 5th Ave-59th St
Midtown
Bryant Park
Bryant park, an 8 acre large green oasis at the intersection of 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue is one of the most pleasant parks in Manhattan. Even though the park is bordered by heavily trafficked streets, it is a very relaxing park. It has a simple but effective design, with a large, central lawn surrounded by trees.
From the park you have a great view on some great architectural landmarks, including the former American Radiator Building. Similar to some Parisian parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg, you can take one of the 2,000 available chairs and sit wherever you prefer.
Location : Midtown
URL : http://www.bryantpark.org/
Address : 42nd Street, bet 5th and 6th Aves
Subway : B/D/F/V Line 42nd St - Bryant Park, 7 Line 5th Ave-Bryant Park
Herald Square
Herald Square is a typical Manhattan bow-tie square that consists of two named squares: Herald Square; and Greeley Square, which is specifically the portion between West 32nd Street and West 33rd Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue (Avenue of The Americas). Herald Square is formed by the intersection of Broadway, Sixth Avenue (officially named Avenue of the Americas) and 34th Street in New York City. The area was named for the New York Herald, now the International Herald Tribune, a famous newspaper originally headquartered there. Befitting its newspaper heritage, a triangular park formed by Broadway, Sixth Avenue, and West 32nd Street is named Horace Greeley Square, after the New York Tribune publisher. There is a statue of Horace Greeley seated inside the park, that was created in 1890 by Alexander Doyle (the Tribune was later acquired by the Herald). There also is a huge mechanical clock located in the companion park, formerly the site of the New York Herald building, at the north end of the square between West 34th Street and West 35th Street, whose mechanical structures were constructed in 1895 by the sculptor Antonin Jean Carles.
Location : Midtown
Address : 34th Broadway and 6th Ave
Subway : B/D/F/V/N/Q/R/W Line 34th St-Herald Sq
Downtown
Bowling Green
Bowling Green is a small public park in Lower Manhattan at the foot of Broadway next to the site of the original Dutch fort. It is the oldest existing public park in New York City. At the present time, it is probably most known for being the location of the sculpture Charging Bull.
Location : Lower Manhattan
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/.../bowling_green.html
Subway : 4/5 Line Bowling Green
Battery Park
Battery Park is a 21-acre (8.5 ha) public park located at the southern tip of Manhattan in New York City. The park is named for the artillery that was stationed there at various times by the Dutch and British. At one end of the park is Hope Garden, a memorial to AIDS victims. At the other end, ferries depart for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Location : Lower Manhattan
Subway : 4/5 Line Bowling Green, 1 Line South Ferry
Sara D Roosevelt Park
Sara D. Roosevelt park is lacated on E Houston St to Canal St with 7.85 acres width. The name of the park is definitely from "Sara Delano Roosevelt (1854-1941)", mother of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) who is well known as the President to deal with economic damage after the black Tuesday with "New Deal".
Location : Lower East Side
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..._info.php?propID=M105
Address : bet E Houston and Canal Sts, bet Chrystie and Forsyth Sts
Subway : F Line 2nd Ave
Duane Park
Duane Park, located at Hudson and Duane Streets in Manhattan, was the first public space acquired by the City specifically for use as a public park. This park and the adjacent street take the name of James Duane (1733-1797), New York's first mayor after the Revolutionary War. New York City bought this calm, shady triangle from Trinity Church in 1797 for $5. Cheese, butter, and egg warehouses surrounded this oasis for more than a century.@
Location : Tribeca
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..._info.php?propID=M025
Address : Bordered by Hudson, Duane, and Staple Sts
Subway : 1/2/3/A/C Line Chambers St
Washington Market Park
This much-needed recreation space was named after the great food market that once sprawled over the area. It's now a green, landscaped stretch with a playground and a gazebo across from a public elementary school. At the corner, a stout little red tower resembles a lighthouse, and iron ship figures are worked into the playground fence -- reminders of the neighborhood's long-gone dockside past.
Location : Tribeca
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..._info.php?propID=M308
Address : Greenwich St. between Chambers and Duane Sts
Subway : 1/2/3 Line Chambers St
City Hall Park
Originally used as a sheep meadow, this green spot was known in colonial times as the Fields or the Common. It went on to become a graveyard for the impoverished, the site of an almshouse, and then the home of the notorious Bridewell jail before it became a park. Even as a park, the locale was far from peaceful: it hosted hangings, riots, and political demonstrations. A bronze statue of patriot Nathan Hale, who was hanged in 1776 as a spy by the British troops occupying New York City, stands facing City Hall.
Location : Civic Center
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..._info.php?propID=M013
Address : Bordered by Broadway, Park Row, and Chambers St
Subway : 4/5/6 Line Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall
Columbus Park
Mornings bring groups of elderly Chinese practicing the graceful movements of tai chi to this shady space. During the afternoons the tables fill for heated games of mah-jongg. In the mid-19th century, the swampy area was known as the Five Points -- after the intersection of Mulberry Street, Anthony (now Worth) Street, Cross (now Park) Street, Orange (now Baxter) Street, and Little Water Street (no longer in existence) -- and was notoriously ruled by dangerous Irish gangs. In the 1880s a neighborhood-improvement campaign brought about the park's creation.
Location : Chinatown
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..._info.php?propID=M015
Address : Baxter, Mulberry, Bayard and Worth Sts
Subway : N/Q/R/W/6 Line Canal St
Tompkins Square Park
In the past, it was called as most dangerous place in the Alphabet City. After the clean-up operation, it could be a safe place for citizens and visitors in the day time. Still dangerous in the night.
Location : East Village
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..php?id=12589
Address : Bet 7th and 10th St. and Bet Ave. A and C
Subway : F/V Line 2nd Ave - Lower East Side
Washington Square
W 4th St. - Waverly Pl. and University Pl.- MacDougal St.; A hub for street performers, artists, students. Its side streets lead to to cafes, pubs, curio shops.
Location : Greenwich Village
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/...php?propID=M098
Subway : A/C/E/B/D/F/V Line W 4th St - Washington Square
Gramercy Park
Gramercy Park was developed in the middle of 19th century, located on Lexington Ave. and 20th St., only permitted to enter for the residents and we can watch sculptures by Wyatt. The visitors staying at Gramercy Park Hotel can get into the park.
Location : Gramercy
Subway : 6 Line 23rd St
Union Square Park
Famous with Green Market, filled with 70 shops, held four times in the week (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat). You can buy some non familiar good quality vesitables or famous "Apple Sider" there.
Location : Gramercy
URL : http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/
Subway : 4/5/6/N/Q/R/W/L Line 14th St - Union Square
Madison Square Park
The Madison Square park is bordered by Fifth and Madison Avenues and 23rd and 26th street. Since its rededication in 2001 this park is once again one of the most enjoyable parks in Manhattan. From anywhere in the park you have a great view on the surrounding architectural landmarks. The park is littered with mostly 19th century statues. At the southeast corner of the park is a statue of Senator Roscoe Conkling, who froze to death during the great 1888 blizzard. At the north end of Madison Square park is a 1880 statue, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It depicts the Civil War admiral David Farragut. Between 1876 and 1882, the right arm and torch of the Statue of Liberty were on display in the park, in order to raise money for the construction of the statue.
Location : Gramercy
URL : http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/
Subway : N/R/W Line 23rd St
Brooklyn
Prospect Park
The amenity that gave Park Slope its name, Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and completed in the late 1880s. It's rumored that the two liked this more naturalistic setting better than their previous creation, Manhattan's Central Park. At 526 acres, Prospect Park is about 60% the size of its more famous cousin. A good way to experience the park is to walk the entirety of its 3.3-mi circular drive and make detours off it as you wish. Joggers, skaters, and bicyclists have the drive to themselves weekdays 9-5 and 7-10 PM April-October and weekends year-round. There are not many vendors selling snacks and beverages in the park, except at the near the Grand Army Plaza entrance. On weekends and holidays throughout the year, from noon to 5 PM, the red "Heart of Brooklyn" trolley circles Prospect Park, leaving Wollman Rink on the hour and hitting the zoo, the Botanic Garden, the Band Shell, and most other sights.
Location : Brooklyn
URL : http://www.prospectpark.org/
Address : 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn
Subway : Q/D Line Prospect Park, 2/3 Line Eastern Parkway
The Bronx
Pelham Bay Park
Pelham Bay Park, located in the northeast corner of The Bronx, is the largest public park in New York City, more than three times the size of Manhattan's Central Park. It includes land on both sides of the Hutchinson River and all of Hunter Island in Long Island Sound (now also part of the mainland). On its north is the village of Pelham Manor in Westchester County. The park borders the Bronx neighborhoods of Spencer Estates, Pelham Bay, and Co-op City. The southern part of Rodman's Neck is not part of the park but is occupied by the NYPD Rodman's Neck Firing Range. The City Island Bridge connects the park to City Island. A very old plantation-style mansion called Bartow-Pell Mansion is a colonial remnant done in greek revival style. The lagoon nearby was once part of Pelham Bay and was called Le Roy's Bay in colonial times. The lagoon was widened and dredged to make way for the planned New York City Olympics in 1960's, but it may be useful in the 2012 NYC Olympics. At the northeast section of the park is Orchard Beach and a parking lot that were created by Robert Moses as the Riviera of Long Island Sound. One third of Pelham Bay, from which the park got it's name, was filled in with landfill to make Orchard Beach. The park is crossed by the New England Thruway, the Hutchinson River Parkway, and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor railroad.
Location : The Bronx
URL : http://www.prospectpark.org/
Address : N/A
Subway : 6 Line Pelham Bay Park
Queens
Socrates Sculpture Park
In 1985 local artist Mark di Suvero and other residents rallied to transform what had been an abandoned landfill and illegal dump site into this 4 & 1/2-acre park devoted to public art. The park was named in honor of the philosopher as well as the local Greek community. Today a superb view of the river and Manhattan frames huge, often playful works of art made of scrap metal, old tires, sand, and other recycled materials. You can climb on or walk through a number of the sculptures. www.socratessculpturepark.org. COST: Free. OPEN: Daily 10-sunset. Subway: N to Broadway, then walk west or take Q104 bus along Broadway to Vernon Blvd.
Location : Queens
URL : http://www.socratessculpturepark.org/
Address : 32-01 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City
Subway : N/W Line Broadway
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Facilities : 1. Shea Stadium, 2. Billy Jean King USTA National Tennis Center, 3. New York Hall of Science, 4. Queens Museum of Art, 5. Queens Wildlife Center, 6. Playground For All Children, 7. Meadow Lake, 8. Unisphere, 9. Rocket Thrower, 10. Form, 11. Freedom of the Human Spirit, 12. Time Capsules
Location : Queens
URL : http://flushingmeadowscoronapark.org/
Address : Flushing, Queens
Subway : 7 Line Willets Point/Shea Stadium
Forest Park
Forest Park is the third largest park in Queens. It is surrounded by five ethnically diverse neighborhoods, Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodhaven and Glendale. Forest Park, 538 acres of trees and fields, is a jewel of a park in Queens, New York, bordering the neighborhoods of Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Glendale, and Woodhaven. Designed by Frederick Olmsted in the 1890s, Forest Park is the third largest park in Queens. On its eastern side, enjoy strolling in thick woods plus trails for running, biking, skating, and horseback riding. To its west, find golfing, a merry-go-round carousel, bandshell concerts, and playing fields.
Location : Queens
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_forest_park/vt_forest_park.html
Address : Myrtle Ave., Park Lane South, Park Lane, Queens
Subway : J/Z Line 85 St/Forest Pkwy, Woodhaven Blvd, and 104-102 Sts, E/F Line Union Turnpike
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the northeastern United States (over 9,000 acres). Jamaica Bay is the best place in New York City to observe seasonal migration of birds. The Bay's islands and their ponds are a key layover spot for birds along the Atlantic Flyway. During the spring and late summer, it's possible to see over a hundred types of birds, including the wonderfully named Lesser Yellowlegs.
Location : Queens
Address : Jamaica Bay, Queens
Subway : A Line Broad Channel
Staten Island
Clove Lakes Park
With a beautiful 191 acre expanse, Clove Lakes Park is the perfect place for the active person or family. Inside this vast meadow, there are four lakes & connecting by streams where one can enjoy rowboating and freshwater fishing, as well as an outdoor ice skating rink (in season). Clove Lakes also offers picnic grounds, playgrounds, a baseball field, nature trails, bridle paths, a cross-country course, and a restaurant.
Parking and public transportation available.
Location : Staten Island
URL : http://nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=7659
Address : Slosson Ave, Victory Blvd, Clove Rd, Staten Island
Staten Island Bus : S62 to intersection of Victory Boulevard and Clove Road
Silverlake Park
Silverlake Park is a 107 acre recreational area where the public may enjoy an 18 hole golf course, tennis courts, lockers, showers, a lounge and restaurant, and a clubhouse. There is also plenty of room for sunbathing, rollerblading, or just relaxing and having a picnic on the vast green expanse which overlooks a picturesque water reservoir. This beautiful park is located at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Victory Boulevard. Parking & public transportation is available.
Location : Staten Island
Address : Forest Ave and Victory Blvd, Staten Island
Staten Island Bus : S62 10 minutes from Ferry Terminal
La Tourette Park
La Tourette Park & Golf Course is located in Staten Island's Greenbelt. This beautiful green park feature's an 18 hole golf course built upon 125 acres of land, complemented by 455 acres of woodlands. After a challenging day of golf, sportsmen and visitors alike may relax in either the clubhouse or the restaurant. When in season, ski and sleigh hills are available. Amenities also include showers and lockers.
Parking and public transportation are available.
Location : Staten Island
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/park_info_pages/park_info.php?propID=R013
Address : Foreset Hill & London Rds, Rockland Ave, Staten Island
Staten Island Bus : S74 to Richmond Hill Road
Clay Pit Ponds
Clay Pit Ponds is a 250 acre State Park Reserve with a diverse landscape. Streams, fields, woodlands, and wetlands harbor a wide array of plants and animals. This is a great place for nature lovers to visit. Horseowners have miles of bridle trails to traverse. There are also nature programs offered year-round to interested parties. Group programs require advanced registration.
Bus parking, car parking, and public transportation available.
Location : Staten Island
URL : http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=32
Address : 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island
Staten Island Bus : S74 to Sharrotts Road. Walk Sharrotts Road
Wolfe's Pond Beach & Park
Wolfe's Pond Beach & Park is a 170 acre wooded parkland, with 20 acres set aside for swimming, rowboating, and daytime freshwater fishing. Salt water fishing is permitted from October to May. Facilities in this park include picnic grounds, outdoor fireplaces, and a model yacht pond.
Car parking, bus parking, and public transportation available.
Location : Staten Island
URL : http://www.nycgovparks.org/..../hs_historical_sign.php?id=12300
Address : Cornelia, Holten & Luten Aves on Raritan Bay , Staten Island
Staten Island Bus : S78 to the corner of Hylan Boulevard
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