Van Cortlandt Park, in the Riverdale/Kingsbridge section of the Bronx, is much larger than…read moreManhattan's Central Park at over 1,000 acres. The park has many trails for hikers, runners, walkers and cyclists, plus horseback riding. There are horse stables on the grounds near the vast Putnam Trail. There is plenty of history here, starting from 1691 when the land was purchased by the Dutch Van Cortlandt family in the colonial era. There is a wide open field by the famous statue of the Tortoise & the Hare named "Parade Grounds" where you will find a variety of activities: Soccer, Rugby, Croquet, Cricket, Soft Ball, etc. There are tennis courts, hand-ball & basketball courts, plus swimming pools during the summer months, and a lake with swans, geese and mallards. Many Bird watchers are often here early mornings. Plus by the lake, there is the first original public golf course in the United States, with a golf house that has hosted quite a few weddings, award parties and barbecues over the years. It was opened in 1895. Van Cortlandt Park is an oasis and pleasant escape from the concrete jungle of New York City in the beautiful Bronx. Enjoy! Thank you.

US NAVY VET Really…read morejust wanted to watch my daughter in swimming lessons maybe record her swim. Walked up to enter and the security guard although respectfully noted issues that wouldn't let me enter. She told me about three issues my black tank top, my Durag, my phone. Then said all my items would need to be checked in and I cannot walk around with them. I explained my wife was inside has a lock and I'll put my stuff up when I'm in. But she said she couldn't even do that. And if she did she would be talked to about it...?? This was while other people walked in and out with black shirts and tops on. Some people with black hats and full black garments and dresses on. I asked if I leave my things with her is that ok, she then stated again I would have to take my Durag off and my shirt. She went on to explain how some parents may feel a way about me what I'm wearing and how they might complain and create an issue. (Horrible) That to me seems like profiling. Even after stating I just wanted to watch and not swim she repeated what she said. Then tried to explain how if I did bring my phone in how I would look and how others could perceive me ... I'm not new to this type of ordeal. It's just sad to see some people still judge and then enforce rules/ policies. Sad to see I can't walk and not be seen as an issue / threat / problem. Or even allowed in because MAYBE it'll create an issue. Once again I did not want to swim. I understand wanting to stop a problem before it happens but there is definitely a line I think being crossed here based off of presumptions.

Although needs upgrade but is maintained. Has a basketball court, tennis court, football field,…read moreplayground and an old skating rink which is now closed. See images and video for reference.

Wonderfully manicured and well maintained park…read more Great place to take a seat and relax. Admire the flowers and greenery. Relish the escape from the concretel jungle. Check out the Doughboy statue in the middle of the park. Constructed in 1836 and reconstructed in 2004 this is one of the cleanest parks I've had the pleasure to visit here.

The only public parks very close to my apartment are Union Square and Washington Square. I also…read morepretty routinely walk by Madison Square Park. Acknowledging those are my baselines, it's refreshing to come across a public park in the city that isn't seething with hordes of people -- locals and tourists alike. It was such a pleasure to just sit for a spell on one of the ample benches and finish my bubble tea from Chelsea Market while enjoying the cool breeze. I fell into a reverie, lulled by the dappled light filtering through the towering shady trees that protected us from the glare of the scorching summer sun. Although Abingdon Square's located in the heart of the West Village, the sounds of the city and the traffic outside of the park just gently blend into the background. I wish we had more serene reprieves from Manhattan's hustle and bustle akin to this little oasis.

Small neighborhood park for kids. I like that's it's gated in and has one gate to get in and out…read more There's swings, climbing structures and , dragonfly seesaw. It's a cute bug themed playground for young kids. Plenty of benches and some trees for shade. It works.

What a cute and unspoilt calm spot!. Tucked away on the edge of The Lake, Wagner Cove is one of the…read morepark's lesser-known treasures. This peaceful hideaway, located just west of Cherry Hill and east of the 72nd Street and Central Park West entrance, is ideal for quiet reflections and special celebrations. Originally known as the Cherry Hill Boat Landing, the cove was renamed after Robert F. Wagner, a former New York City Mayor who played a significant role in reforming city politics in the 1950s. In its early years, it functioned as one of the many docks where passengers could board rowboats to travel to other points on The Lake.

This is a cute pretty park located in the back of the Museum of Natural History. Some people may…read morenot realize there is this park here. I just recently realized it was there and I walk by there alot. Great place to hang and just take in the air especially on a nice day. There are no playgrounds from what I saw and it's on the smaller side. Nice little area to walk around in.

A cute little small park with flowers next to the the Museum of Natural History and across from…read moreCentral Park. It's the park to whet your appetite for parks. There's a Nobel Statue, and I saw the cutest little dogs. If you're in the upper west side and had a heavier meal, I would walk around here.

I try to visit this park almost every day since I am not working. It is shady and has a…read morewalking/jogging path that goes all the way around it equalling about 1/4 mile. You will see many families, people exercising, and doing yoga. There are two playgrounds and many other game areas as well as bathrooms. I walk here to use the walking and jogging path, as well as sit down afterwards and admire the trees and the view West of midtown. There are also benches specifically for doing sit-ups and pull-ups. Unlike many of the parks in the city, you will not see homeless people here or drug addicts. There is quite a bit of litter on the ground which is sad, since there are so many garbage cans in the vicinity. However, I am so happy to have found this park near my residence.

I'm delighted to have discovered this park. It appears small on a map, and it is, but feels wide…read moreopen and spacious once you're walking in it. There are trees, slopes, benches and all the other usuals in adequate abundance. I was worried that since it is near a high school it would become crowded and loud, but not so. The teenagers are scarce and mostly very polite. It is a happy place, where people bring their kids and dogs. For us young at heart, the swings are often available :) Pro-tip: for a tranquil, quiet stroll visit the ancillary cemetery where you can walk completely unhealed.

Very nice and clean little park we found while running uptown during marathon training. What was a…read morelife saver here were the clean bathrooms open for the public! It's actually a community green space which is well maintained. The park is named after local community activist Yolanda García, and is a tribute to her planning and perseverance for affordable housing and parkland. There's a playground with equipment for kids to play on, lawns to relax on, bathrooms with water fountains, and walkways with benches to sit and relax. Open 8am-4pm daily.