Review Highlights
“It's family friendly and dog friendly, the community really respects this space and Gracie Mansion is not bad either.” in 20 reviews
“This is an amazing space in the UES with beautiful landscaping and a perfect view of the river and Roosevelt Island.” in 14 reviews
“Never knew about it until I moved to the UES but its is beautiful and one of the nicer parks in Manhattan.” in 14 reviews
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Established in 1974. The Carl Schurz Park Conservancy, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit corporation in the state of New York, is the oldest park conservancy in New York City. Carl Schurz Park, a 15.2 acre space on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, extends from East 84th Street to East 90th Street, and from East End Avenue to the East River. In the late 1960's, a small group of neighbors on New York's Upper East Side banded together to help upgrade Carl Schurz Park, giving particular emphasis to its playground, which served the needs of the neighborhood children. Their highest priority was to make sure the playground was safe and well maintained for the hundreds of families who used it.
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Overall rating
155 reviews
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- Nov 10, 2022
I am visiting NYC and staying on the upper east side. My friend was on a work call so I ventured out for a walk on this beautiful day. I walked down 87st and it led me here. I knew I was headed towards something great as I saw so many dogs walking in the same direction.
The park was on the water and was such a refreshing scene from the city streets I just walked down. There were tons of people playing pickle ball. People chilling on park benches and just an overall good vibe.
I didn't get pics of any dogs because I was petting them. :)Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 4985400377000Nov 21, 2023Updated review
Carl Schurz is close to the East River with beautiful views. There's so much to see here and there's restrooms! This is another park that I bring family and friends to visit. Just ask Gerald from Newtown Pennsylvania. Within the park there are separate gardens and playgrounds. There's dog play areas. It's a great park for everyone!
If you enjoy exploring parks and visit the Upper East Side let me know. I'll meet you there!Helpful 30Thanks 6Love this 37Oh no 0Apr 9, 2021Previous reviewCarl Schurz Park is looking much cleaner and safer than in the past. Maybe because so many people are working from home and spending more time here! Today was a beautiful day to visit for everyone. I even used the bathroom near Gracie Mansion and it was pretty clean with toilet paper! I saw employees or volunteers caring for the plants. There's plenty of park benches so even with the crowds I found a seat. The playground and dog runs were clean. Everyone was getting along and having a good time! It's definitely a favorite park in my neighborhood. I'm sure I'll return.
Nov 11, 2015Previous reviewNice Park on the Upper East side. It runs along the East River. When I visited I had to use the bathroom. I won't do that again!
This park is close to Gracie Mansion. There is a cute little area with a Peter Pan Statue in a fountain. I'm not sure if it's part of this park. Every time I go, there are professional photographers taking shots for one reason or another. The last time it was a wedding.
It's nice to sit quietly by the water. You can see the lighthouse, boats go by, while I relax on a bench. People are friendly for the most part. - 271010135946Jul 4, 2022
I almost always rate parks with 5 stars. Located in the chic Upper East Side, Carl Schurz Park is almost 15 acres. The park contains Gracie Mansion, the official home of the Mayor of New York.
There a plenty of gardens and benches, so feel free to people watch or sunbathe. I enjoyed walking along the East River and seeing the Roosevelt Island lighthouse as well as all the boats and yachts passing by.
I think it's great.Helpful 10Thanks 0Love this 9Oh no 1 - Jun 23, 2022
Carl Schurz Park is a nice neighborhood Park on the Upper East Side. The flowers are in bloom and it's rather picturesque this time of year.
Hidden along the East River you can find it off of 86th and York. Lots of walkways with views of the river and if you walk up to 88thst you can get a nice view of Gracie Mansion. The new mayor took down the fences so there's a clear view of the historic mansion that's home to the NYC Mayor.
Dog owners and their furry pets love the park as it houses 2 nice sized dog runs. Plenty of park benches, so grab a coffee or an ice cream and enjoy the people watching.Helpful 20Thanks 0Love this 14Oh no 0 - Jun 1, 2022Updated review
The park looks terrific as the conservancy volunteers do a wonderful job on maintaining the plants, trees, shrubs, walkways, flowers, and all the flora here.
Plus, it's nice to see the current mayor has removed the fencing and barricades which our former idiot mayor Dumblasio had placed to cut off Gracie Mansion like his personal fortress. Good riddance to that imbecile. More paths and entrances are now open to the public.Helpful 10Thanks 1Love this 14Oh no 0May 28, 2012Previous reviewThe park is in full bloom and is a terrific spot to take a jog along the water. Just a terrific scenic view of the east river to focus on, and the park even has a small dog run and a large dog run to check out. I took a break yesterday to watch the small dogs and they are maniacs!
Carl Schurz Park is well maintained to the point of being immaculate. Wonderful landscaping and foliage with plenty of benches to plop down on, and shaded spots to lay a blanket down and relax on.
What's even better is that this park along the water with amazing views is devoid of annoying tourists!Jul 7, 2011Previous reviewWonderful park on the East side alongside the East River. Almost like a hidden away secret enclave of flora and beautiful landscape. The park houses Gracie Mansion and extends down to the 80's on the UES.
On any given day you can jog or take a nice walk up and down the promenade which offers terrific views of the East River, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, the Triborough Bridge, Randall's and Wards islands, or just sit on a bench to relax and people watch.
There are both small and large dog runs here. Grassy areas to lay out and take in some sum. Shaded areas to pitch a blanket and have a picnic. There are playgrounds for the kids, basketball courts, bathrooms, and water fountains. The grounds are well kept and the landscaping is meticulous. There are many paths to stroll on and view the flowers and plantings. They even sometimes offer events and concerts here.
Since this is kind of a secret gem of a park hidden away on the far East side you will not find throngs of tourists here. It is also safe and well lit. Just a nice place to kick back in, read, take a nap, or wander around and forget your worries while looking out at the water. - Aug 16, 2022
Located at 86th and East End next to Gracie Mansion in the Upper East Side of NYC. This picturesque park next to the East River, offers views of the river, Roosevelt Island and the Triborough Bridge. This dog friendly park has areas of green space. The 14.9 acre public park is a great place to have a picnic, walk the pathways, or just sit on the benches for the view.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Tom G.New York, NY068Jun 15, 2023
It's a fine park with great views of the water and Roosevelt Island. It also feels safe but it needs like 10 or 20 times as many pickleball courts. The lines are insane to get into a game. (There are only three courts) There are miles and miles of huddle masses desperately seeking a chance to pick up their tiny rackets and step onto a court. And its not just peak hours either. Pickleball folk are trying to get into games from dawn till dusk and beyond. It's insane.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Lisa F.New York, NY8246171987Mar 23, 2021
An amazing kid, family and dog friendly park.
A large playground, a large basketball court, areas to lounge, pretty gardens, two dog parks (one for small and one for large dogs) and the walkway along the river make this an upper east side gem.
So many memories here, from Easter egg hunts, play dates and parties, and teaching my son to ride his bike.
All positive things to say about this great upper east side park.Helpful 56Thanks 0Love this 48Oh no 0 - Sep 11, 2019
It's a nice park. Dog friendly. And frequently lovely people. Down side is that Gracie mansion is here.
If your a fan of the deadbeat then go to the end of the park it's actually quite nice. I tend to stay towards the front. Not to gaze on unsightly places. Wish a coffee cart was closer by you have to walk to YORK but it's not to badHelpful 5Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 - Jul 16, 2019
Carl Schurz Park is a beautiful park made yet better by the fact that it is largely unknown to most, ensuring you will not have to compete for space or contend with loud music like you would in Central Park.
I visited the park with a friend after noticing several mentions of it during my perusal of Christie's real estate offerings in the area. Given its adjacency to some particularly upscale apartments and condos, it should come as no surprise that this is a beautiful, well-maintained park with a quiet dignity and terrific views of the East River and Roosevelt Island. It seems to be particularly appealing to local residents, sunbathers, and dog owners (there are several dog parks within the park itself).
The variety of plant life here is an unexpected bonus, since many of the planters within the park are maintained by local volunteers. There are many benches and open grass areas for your relaxing needs, including a few right next to the water with spectacular views (shame they didn't have trees next to them, as it would provide some cover from the high summer temps!). For aspiring chess players, there are some chess tables (bring your own pieces) in a shaded area, and a large basketball court as well.
The only disappointing part of the park is the mayoral residence itself, Gracie Mansion. It is a gorgeous home with plenty of history, not that you would ever be able to tell that given the way they have turned it into a fortress out of security concerns. It has ugly double fences all the way around it and a dour security detail eyeing all visitors who draw near. Here's an idea: if you feel the need for mayoral security is so great that the mansion can no longer be defended in its original form, maybe put the mayor somewhere else and turn Gracie Mansion into a museum so that visitors can actually see and appreciate it? If you are psyched by photos online about how pretty the mansion is, better manage your expectations beforehand since the only people who get that close of a look are the NYPD.
All things considered, Carl Schurz Park is a beautiful destination to relax, read a book, catch up on your tan, take your dog, or any other outdoor activity that suits your tastes. Definitely recommend it!
Overall: 4.0 stars
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Pros:
- Stunningly attractive park with plenty of space and plenty to do, with very little competition for it!
- Amazing views of the East River and Roosevelt Island while you relax on a bench.
- Quiet enough for a picnic date or a reading session, or even a chess game!
Cons:
- It's a terrible shame what they have done to Gracie Mansion in the name of security, making it nearly invisible behind double security fences. Hope the mayor enjoys it, since no one else can.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0
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