Sprawling along the East River and partially hidden from view, Carl Schurz Park is one of the city’s best-concealed secrets, especially for families. An almost-15-acre oasis filled with windy paths, shady trees, waterfront views, a broad promenade for walking and jogging and lush green lawns, this park is the perfect spot for a relaxing and peaceful afternoon.

However, the park, which was named after Germany-born American statesman, journalist and photographer Carl Schurz, still provides plenty of amenities to keep kids happy and entertained, like a large playground, basketball courts, open spaces and two popular dog runs. For Disney fans, the park is home to the famous bronze Peter Pan statue, (created in 1928 for a fountain in Times Square and eventually relocated to the park) which can be found in the northeast section of the park and surrounded by a courtyard.

The park is also home to the Gracie Mansion, which was built in 1779 and is the official residence of the Mayor of New York, though Mayor Bloomberg doesn’t live there, preferring his own apartment. However, there are frequent guided tours throughout the mansion, which houses plentiful art work and NYC relics from days gone by.

Once serving as the private garden to Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park was redesigned as a public park in the 1970s by a small group of neighbors on the Upper East Side looking to create a safe, well-maintained and fun refuge for the neighborhood children. Since the ‘70s, the park’s association has grown to include more than 1200 members, who continue their efforts to beautify, restore and improve the park.

Recent New York City improvements to the park include a complete resurfacing of the perimeter sidewalks and a restoration of the vintage bluestone pavement. Major projects include a re-landscaping of the park’s “Axis Garden,” which runs the length of Gracie Square on the park’s southern border, and the “Hoop Garden,” a gently sloping garden encircled by the East 86th Street staircase.

While it may not boast the amenities and high-take playgrounds of other parks, Carl Schurz Park is an Upper East Side family-favorite, revered for its peace and quiet and breathtaking scenic views.

Take a stroll along the promenade to see beautiful views of the river, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, the Triborough Bridge, Randall's and Ward's Island. Take a tour of Gracie Mansion before heading to the massive playground where your little ones can enjoy frequent animal story times with Art Farm In the City and music performances.Set up a picnic, read, people watch, fly a kite, or sunbathe on the grass.

Finally, besides being a picturesque oasis, Carl Schurz is one of the city's most dog-friendly parks, providing two dog runs which offer plenty of space for your dogs to run around. In fact, the park loves dogs so much, it sponsors frequent dog costume events, like the Halloween Howl.  The beautiful views, massive playground and family events make Charles Schurz an unforgettable city park.

Upcoming Events

“Tuesdays in the Sandbox”, Playground 4:00-4:30p.m.

July 27 Animal Story time with the Art Farm 

August 3 Animal Story time with the Art Farm

August 10 Music 

August 17 Music

Summer Sounds 2010

Open air concerts on the John Finley Walk at the top of the East 86^th Street staircase. Free and open to the public!

Wednesday, July 28, Rain Date, Thursday, July 29

7:00-8:30 PM

Steve Shaiman and Swingtime Big Band

Swing, Sway and Groove to the music

Sunset Film Festival

Screened in the hockey and basketball courts, Gracie Square and the Finley Walk.

Screenings start at 8:30 PM and are free to the public. Free popcorn, too!

Tuesday, August 3

“Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs”

Tuesday, August 10

“Chocolat”