Carl Schurz Park

One of the nicest little parks in New York City is located just a hop, skip and a jump (rope) away from several of Glenwood's most coveted luxury rentals. Rescued from dangerous dilapidation in the 1970s by a group of civic-minded Upper East Siders, Carl Schurz Park has since flourished to become a  model of cooperation and service between the NYC Parks Department and the private, volunteer organization, The Carl Schurz Park Association. The result is a lovely neighborhood enclave, managed and maintained by both parties, that offers a full array of recreation and relaxation options.

For families with young children, a good park means a good playground, and Carl Schurz definitely delivers for the toddler / elementary school set. Called "Catbird," this sprawling, shady space has all the expected apparati of fun--swings, slides, sand, sprinklers, climbing structures—in excellent condition.

 

If you're looking for more grown-up ways to run around and let off steam, there are full basketball courts where games of roller hockey have been known to break out. And if you're like us, and crave a bit of sun on a soft patch of green, or a quiet bench on which to read in the shade, well, there are plenty of sunny lawns and cozy little nooks here, too.

If all that isn't enough to get you to the river, Carl Schurz is also one of the great New York City dog parks, with access to the spectacular, walk-perfect promenade overlooking the turbulent tides of Hell Gate. Also here is Carl's Dog Run, where pooches of all shapes and sizes can meet cute; and the Park Association even sponsors the annual Halloween Howl, a heavily-attended canine costume competition.

 

Other events at the park include the annual Gracie Art Show, in the shadow of historic Gracie Mansion; a Sunset Film Festival of family-friendly outdoor movies (note: free popcorn!); the Summer Sounds series of concerts; and the heart-warming Holiday Tree Lighting and Candlelight Caroling ceremonies.

 

 

Carl Shurz Park is located between 84th and 90th Streets, between East End Avenue and the East River. The park is open every day from dawn until dusk.