Despite the change in seasons, parks have become sanctuaries for New Yorkers. When the sirens and constant buzzing of notifications take over your day, parks are the best way to detach from city life. By taking a moment to walk your dog or even just grabbing a coffee to enjoy the greenery New York has to offer people are able to experience a moment of fresh air in their neighborhood. In a city with five different boroughs and 339 neighborhoods, here are multiple gems you may want to visit.
Manhattan
In the concrete jungle, sometimes it’s hard to find a park that doesn’t feel like you’re in the city. With Central Park being the focal point of Manhattan, it may be hard to think of alternative locations near you that don’t require transportation. That being said, here are a few other beautiful parks that will take you out of the hustle and bustle of the city, and into nature:
Elizabeth Street Garden, Nolita, Manhattan
Elizabeth Street Garden is located between Prince and Spring Street in Nolita. With its convenient location in the city, it is also one of the best places to feel as though you have stepped out of Manhattan and into a European city with its sculptures spread all around the lawn. It is a great place to bring your lunch with available tables to sit outside either by yourself or with a friend.
Conservatory Garden in Central Park, Uptown Manhattan
Located inside Central Park, the Conservatory Garden is a great place to enjoy the well-known park from a new perspective. By entering the park through its cast iron gates that were executed in an iron foundry in Paris, at first glance it feels as though you are stepping into the Tuileries Garden in France. Early summer is the perfect time to experience the park when the blooming of the colorful flowers contrasts the concrete buildings of Manhattan.
Carl Schurz Park, Upper East Side
Hidden along the East River, Carl Schurz Park has great views of the city with a lovely promenade to take a walk on. It is one of the most dog-friendly parks, perfect for picnics and sitting to take in the sunset over the river while looking at the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. Additionally, for history buffs to enjoy the park has the famous 18th century house located inwards the park called Gracie Mansion, where the mayor resides.
Seward Park, Lower East Side
Easily accessible on the Lower East Side, Seward Park is hard to miss. One of the most lively parks full of activities in the city with access to a playground, basketball courts, volleyball courts, spray showers, and multiple seating options, it is one of the most family-friendly parks.
Central Park Boathouse, Upper East Side
After just reopening this summer, the Central Park Boathouse has restaurants with a lake view where you can have intimate lunches with friends and family. On a warm day, it is the ideal spot to rent rowboats to experience the beauty of the historical 1950s Victorian two-story wooden building while dining on the water and feeling like you are part of a classic New York rom-com.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, better known for its accessible neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces might just be what converts Manhattanites to Brooklynites. Known for its proximity to beautiful brownstones with quaint cafes and restaurants, Brooklyn has shown to be a perfect location for those who want to enjoy a slightly slower lifestyle.
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
Fort Greene Park, located in Fort Greene near Clinton Hill with access to restaurants and cafes on Dekalb Avenue is the best park to socialize with friends, family, and dogs. Walking over to Willoughby to grab a coffee and stroll around the small hilled park is the ideal break to take from the city. Alternatively, with five tennis courts and a basketball court near the entrance, this park offers great options for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Hugging the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Flatbush, Prospect Park is the Central Park of Brooklyn. A popular park in the summer with free concerts and big green spaces for picnics, it is the ultimate park to escape from the noise of the city. In the colder seasons, it is perfect for strolling next to the river or grabbing a Citi bike to ride around for some fresh air.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Dumbo
Just between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge rests Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park has access to the Time Out 100 Market, it is the best place to go for lunch if you are in an indecisive mood with food ranging from New York-style bagels to Italian to Thai food. After grabbing lunch the park offers various seating options overlooking the Hudson River.
Domino Park, Williamsburg
Finally, the most industrial-looking park out of all the parks, Domino Park, has recently been renovated with seating areas, volleyball courts and a promenade to stroll next to the riverside. Near Metropolitan Avenue, where most coffee shops and restaurants exist, it is a great place to walk to after you grab your mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re interested in renting or buying a property that’s close to one of these gorgeous city parks, reach out to Platinum Properties today to be connected with an agent who can help kick off your home search.
