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
redesigned as a public park in the 1970s by a small group of neighbors on the
Side
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
City
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
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
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 86th 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,
Square
too!
Tuesday, August 3
“Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs”
Tuesday, August 10
“Chocolat”
