Where: Various locations
Who: All ages
When you think of Manhattan, you don't necessarily think of parks except for Central Park, which is arguably the most famous park in the world. However, there are numerous smaller parks where you can walk around, enjoy nature, take a breather, or engage in various other activities depending on location and availability. Here are just a few of them.
Bryant Park is located at 40th St & 42nd St. at 5th. Ave. & 6th Ave. It abuts the Stephen A. Schwartz branch of the New York Public Library. This is likely the most well-known branch of the New York Library system with its two famous lion statues on the steps outside the building.
Bryant Park offers numerous seating areas including at times the lawn. There are a variety of food options for purchase around the perimeter. In the wintertime, there is a popup ice skating rink as well as a popup Winter Village of stores. In the warmer weather, there are concerts including weekly Summer concerts by performers in current Broadway shows. There are also other events including free movies.
For more about Bryant Park, go to bryantpark.org.
The High Line is an elevated park that runs from the West Village to Hudson Yards. It is located along the former route of a now-defunct railroad line. The High Line also offers numerous seating areas, opportunities to convene with nature, a walking trail, and more. The Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum among other things are located around the perimeter of the park.
For more about the High Line, see our previous post Where-To-Go Wednesday - High Line Tour or visit www.thehighline.org
Hudson River Park stretches from Chambers Street to 59th Street and includes more than a dozen public piers. In various locations, different sporting activities, play areas, restaurants, nature activities, and more are offered. You can even visit the country's only steam-powered lighthouse tender, The Lilac, which is located at Pier 25 and is in the process of being restored. It will open for the season on May 9
For more about Hudson River Park, see our previous posts Where-To-Go Wednesday - Pier 25 Hudson River Park Minature Golf Course, Where-To-Go Wednesday - The Lilac, or go to hudsonriverpark.org
Washington Square Park is located at the intersections of 5th Ave., Waverly Place, 4th St., & MacDougal St. It is probably the most well known park in Manhattan aside from Central Park. It is well known for its arch as well as the big fountain at its center. Aside from being a good place to sit down and relax many activities and events occur here. Numerous walking tours start, end or otherwise, go through the park as well.
For more about Washington Square Park, go to www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washington-square-park
And that's our view. We hope to bring you more about these and other New York City parks including smaller pocket parks and parks in other boroughs in future posts.
Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.
Photo credits:
Photo 3 & 4 are our own
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