Best track I've been on in NYC. It's recently restored, and has a great bounce to it. I have only gone in the morning, but look forward to visiting in the late afternoon to do some track work. I do love how people are taking full advantage and working out on various sides in the track area, including in the designated workout location, but not only. I look forward to returning. read more

McCarren Park Track - Parks Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The NYC Parks Department did a great job renovating this park. I like the water fountain where you can refill your bottles- it's cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying Poland Spring from a bodega. There's also exercise equipment so you can do some pull-ups before or after a run. Football teams from nearby schools often train on the field adjacent to the track. The track is at a convenient location (roughly a five minute walk from the Nassau Avenue station on the G line). I have one major complaint. There is no place where you can store your belongings. The bleachers and the grass are the de facto options. So basically, while you're running you have to constantly keep an eye on your belongings rather than to just focus on running. I wish their were lockers. I happen to be a member of the Metropolitan Rec Center, which is about a half mile away. Unfortunately, you can't leave your items in the building while you run on the track. If you live in the area then this track is a great way to stay in shape. If you don't then I still encourage you to come, but exercise discretion. read more

This is one of the best outdoor tracks in the city. The track is in excellent shape, like the soccer field at the center of it. I like to come here to run ocasionally, and it gets crowded on weekends but it is always manageable. There are two underused bocce fields on one side of the track, and plenty of space to just relax while watching other people sweating it out. The neighborhood (Greenpoint) offers some interesting post-run distractions, which is always a plus. read more

New York actually has my ass running...in the cold! I'm not about self hate but, I've decided to put more giggle in my pants and little less jiggle so, I started running here at the McCarren Park Track. Its great because there are lights after dark for a "Oops, too many after dinner pints of craft beer" run Or an "OMG I have made friends with the local barkeep and he makes margaritas from scratch" penance run. Mc Carren Park's track is also great because there are a variety of runners who use the track. Everything from fat-assed novice (cough* raises hand*) to the experienced. Last week one of the experienced runners was even kind enough to give me some running tips such as: ~"Stop crying" ~"You can-not just lay there in the middle of the track" ~"No, I will not carry you for $5" The other runners are kind indeed. read more

while getting ready to hit the McCarren Park Track, I was telling my friend about one of my favorite running tracks back at home - the Campbell Community Center in California. I was telling her how I love that track because it's open to the public, and it's a rubber track. Haven't had much luck finding rubber tracks specifically open to the public. Lo and behold, we get to McCarren Park Track and I'm secretly ecstatic inside that the track is a rubber one. (running on rubber is one of the few sure proof ways that my joints don't all start hurting) anyhow, nice track with nice views of apartments/buildings that I wish I lived in.. we were here on a Sunday around 4pm-ish and it wasn't too packed at all.. there's people in the middle playing soccer, runners of all abilities around the track, and even entertaining people doing some hardcore dancing for the public to see. read more

Oh, how I miss you so! Only now, when I run around the barren wasteland that is Bushwick, do I realize how amazing you are. I miss not having to stare at my feet to avoid twisting an ankle or stepping in dog crap. I miss not having to break my stride and strain my neck to avoid getting hit by cars. I miss your springy surface that is ever so soft on my knees. I miss you being a block from my apartment. I would gladly get blindsided in the face with a soccer ball every once and a while if it meant having you in my life again. I am so sorry I under appreciated you. Move to Bushwick with me? Please? read more

Discovered this green pasture after completing my morning jog on Williamsburg bridge.It is a great asset for Greenpoint and Williamsburg hoods in Brooklyn.It is a place where one can engage in kickball, soccer, baseball, handball, basketball, football, and tennis. It is quite big and is spread across couple of acres and is always bustling with people. read more

Nice track with open space and Workout Bars. Sayin" If you can get a run-in in the midst of Pinata Birthday parties, cookouts, urban trash all over the place then go there on weekend afternoons, you'll luv it. Otherwise, go there early mornings when they are asleep and have a nice run. read more

I have to say if it weren't for the outdoor gym, I wouldn't come here too too often. The track is in excellent condition, but there are constantly kids riding their bikes on it. Sure they'll get tickets sometimes, but not often enough to discourage them apparently. Occasionally I'll do laps, but not if kids are backing up into your lane. Not fun. It's too bad too, because it's a very nice track. read more

This park got a overhaul a while back and now its busier then ever. Full track, tons of exercise areas, you can do just about anything field and track here. (without the throwing stuff of course) Due to the Bedford boom, a lot more hipsters are now in the park which gives the park another unique feeling. Seriously, couple years back, who would sun bath, picnic, break dance in the park? sometimes the track would get crowded, cant really get a pace going while running. oh also, random bikes, stray soccer balls, might need to be avoided sometimes. ps: they have lights at night which is awesome for people who enjoys running at later hours. read more

McCarren Track, I hate you but it's not your fault. I push myself on your even surface, rain or shine. I observe the people, young and old, enjoying every part of you. All the while I'm huffing and puffing like a loser. When it snows you're a winter wonderland. I greet you when my boyfriend shoves my face to the ground to be pummeled with ice. I don't deserve you, but I appreciate you. read more

This is a great track, like everyone says, it's really well-maintained. I can't run here every day because going in circles gets old fast, but I probably come twice a week to do some speedwork. Come early, around 7:30, and it's not crowded at all. I think the best part is when I've just circled the top, and you're coming down the straightaway, picking up a little speed, and the Empire State Building comes into view, catching a little bit of the morning sun...it makes me happy to be in New York. read more

I love this outdoor track. Came here for a run on Saturday, and it really was very invigorating and motivating. Its been a while since I have been a running regularly, but this track made me see what I have been missing! So many people here, and all enjoying the great outdoors! I love that there were children on tricycles, and adult men playing soccer, and lovers lounging and even people playing bocce! It was very kewl! Will definitely come back for another run! read more

I live near McCarren Park and I love it. It has everything from a beautiful track, exercise area and a dog park. As well as softball fields and soccer. Maybe lacking in the natural beauty of Prospect Park and Central Park, it has a real community feeling. Also very well maintained. Very clean except on Sunday mornings when the "zombies" are out. AKA drunks trying to find their way home, or just sleeping it off on the benches. read more

Good track and turf fields at McCarren Park. There's also a gym where one can do sit ups, pull ups, push ups and stretch. Lighted fields ought to be the norm in NYC. Very safe area and usually crowded with soccer, ultimate frisbee and runners. There's handball courts too and a grass fields across the street. I find it odd that some people bike laps around the track. The track is for running! Please. Warning: it is crowded, so run at off-peak hours, usually after 9PM. Expect to find a million rubber pellets in your shoes if you use the turf fields. read more

Great track to run on so my knees don't hate me (as much). Usually never crowded to be annoying and is kept as clean as possible with the assholes leaving the amount of trash that they do around. I wish there was a little shade as it CAN get pretty hot. They also have water fountains and some bodyweight workout equipment. It is pretty nice to walk up to here, take a run and grab some food from the farmer's market that borders the south of the track. read more

A free, lit-up spongy donut on which to run without much interference? What's there to really complain about? Oh. Soccer balls, sure. Just kick them back to the field. Old guys on bicycles, yeah. Just tell them to move over. Winded hipsters puking on the sidelines, well, of course. Just tell them there's free blow at the end of the marathon. Your butt looks great. Have you lost weight? read more

There is a vibrant and dynamic community on the track every morning noon and night. I try to jog a couple laps myself three times a week. On weekday morning personal fitness trainers work with individuals or groups taking full advantage of the space and equipment in the park. People walk dogs, bicycle, and run sprints all in a glorious dance of anonymity and community. I am not a huge fan of the Astroturf but it supports the chronic soccer games that would otherwise create a dust bowl on the grounds. Most of my time is spent running on the track or using the bars and platforms for sit ups and pull ups. My favorite sight there was a pair of Hasidc Jews running in full uniform of black slacks, dress shoes, and white oxfords. They went for a couple of miles and were sweating terribly after but hey, even they have to exercise. read more

I've got to admit, I was HIGHLY amused by the crowds of people running the track, shoving past one another, and the small breathing space between them. It wasn't made easier by the soccer field in the middle. It seems as if there was no breathing space outdoors. Whatever floats their boat. The territory surrounding the track could be in a better condition, but trash infiltrates the park. Nobody cleans up the trash cans and they reek from benches and benches away (too bad there are trash cans on either sides of all benches, you can't escape!) The grass area isn't great and there's usually litter or it's always crowded or there is a lack of shade. read more

Run, Bocce, Soccer, and Exercise bars. Much needed option for a sunny day. read more

Memories of living in little Poland, walking over to McCarren to chill & people-watch the Hassidics pass by the sprinkled Hipsters as Mexican midgets played impromptu soccer. Can you beat that? Can you? read more

the track is great. i prefer to never actually exercise on it, and rather, watch all of the exercisers. good for them, running around like maniacs. the land surrounding the track is not so great. and it seems to have gotten worse in recent times. no one is mowing the grass, everything smells like pee, and there's trash strewn all over. which is very sad because the park is a great spot and could be lovely. also, on my most recent subathing trip, jokers were driving around the perimeter roads and throwing fireworks at people - the nearby cops did nothing! what the! read more

good *quality* track-- 400m, newish rubber-- but it's ridiculous to run on except at, like, 2am or when it's hailing out. this track (and the field inside the oval) get CROWDED. it's awesome that this track exists at all, and it's fine for longer/slower runs (though why not run the bridge for that?) and it's great if you're just getting into or back into shape. but if you think you're hoping to do your yasso 800s or some timed 400s for speedwork, forget it-- you'll wreck your time dodging soccerballs, walkers with no sense to walk on the outside, walkers and slower runners with no idea of what "on your left" or "TRAAACKKK" means, and kids on little huffys weaving in and out of the lanes. during busy hours (9am-10pm), consider this more of a flat trail run or an obstacle course than a place for a standard track workout. plus- it does have lights at night during summer months. read more

Great atmosphere on a Saturday morning. Easy to get parking as well! There are no bathrooms or water fountains though which is unfortunate. There is also some basic equipment that people use to work out. read more

Great, under-utilized park. Well maintained, lots of green space, nice dog park.. As a real estate broker I feel the property values around the park are going to skyrocket in the coming years.. FYI.. read more

favorite things to do at the track: -count my good fortune that i live so close to a place that is so wide open and beautiful - watch little kids ride their small bikes the wrong direction on the track - run (ok run a lap, walk 2 laps) -pretend to know what i'm doing on the wooden exercise equipment -watch pumped up guys show off the fact that they actually DO know what they are doing on the wooden exercise equipment -check out dogs the way that many people check out the ladies (more on that later) -recline on benches like a hobo -watch youth soccer - watch older dudes who can't keep the ball on the field soccer -run/walk with a buddy -admire the lovely rubber surface of the track -speculate about bocci -gaze admiringly at the green building at the end of the track. read more

Amazingly useful place. And they updated the center of the track with Astroturf so people can use it all the time now. Totally revitalized the park. Grew up in BK, have been in Williamsburg for 10+ years now and have never seen a park this functional and useful to so many people and such a diverse group of people in my life. Biggest disadvantage is just that -- all the kids bikeriding little tricycles on the track. I personally prefer to cross the street and run on the dirt path on the other side. Shh... don't tell anyone. It's not as crowded! Except when Sunday folks decide to picnic right on the track and you need to run around them. But most every day, you have the path to yourself. read more

Great park, great BBQ, great friends. The whole area is on the up swing. Clean, well lite and busy. Allot of bikes using the track.

Nice bouncy track, better for the ankles and joints than street running. The only downside is the soccer games and associated play in the middle. You've got to avoid soccer balls, soccer players, kids on bikes, spectators, and the occasional stroller. But that's okay. read more

This park is a beat up sh*thole, but I like it like that! The grass is overgrown, the cement has potholes everywhere. Many old Polish drunk men sitting around without their shirts on. Lots of benches to chill on. People playing frisbee, hula hooping, sitting in the grass reading. As one of my friends said, it looks like a place where all the workers at Urban Outfitters come to hang out. The best part is there are TONS of dogs..probably bc of the dogpark close by. read more

The track is beautiful...but as a park, this place is kind of sad...there is no green space.

A good recreation option if you're in the area and like running around a character-less circle -- apparently Fitbits and similar devices didn't encourage people to run elsewhere and track distance that way. read more

I've clocked many miles on this baby! Great track all around. Never too busy and great for all ages. I wish they'd update the calisthenics gym section... read more

This park is alright. It's not a park I'd exactly travel to or plan an outing at, but if I was in the neighborhood I'd take a walk over. I mean that is how I ended up here in the first place. A friend of mine was in town and it was a gorgeous day, we decided to walk around Williamsburg since she has never been. After exploring all the shops and a few bars we ended up here. We walked around and there wasn't a ton to see, but it was cute, it had a track and it has a dog park. I must say though the bathrooms, these were to date the most disgusting bathrooms I have ever been in, in my entire life. They really need to get that together. Honestly if a homeless person was sleeping in the bathroom it wouldn't make it any more smelly. Besides that the park was alright. read more

Great atmosphere & mix of different crowd to use this public domain! A well maintained park by the Dept of Park Services!

Got to walk through here on my visit to the area. I am not a park expert when it comes to NYC, but to me this place seemed pretty cool and nicer then I would expect for a park in the middle of Brooklyn. There were people playing with their dogs off leash, playing music, relaxing, playing kickball on the well lit softball fields. Needless to say, i thought this place was a welcome break from all the cement and seemed rather well kept. A true green space in the middle of anything but. read more

Ran into McCarren Park (literally) while jogging through Williamsburg. So cool to have a spongey outdoor track open to the public as an option to running through the streets. Excellent outdoor gym area to do push-ups, sit-ups, etc, as well. read more

This is a great park, and the track area is my favorite thing about the place! On a nice day, it's gorgeous out there. The track is new and very nice, and has an astro turf football field inside it so it's quite large. It's a great space to walk or jog and people-watch at the same time. read more

It's a track. Nice on the ankles and knees. Get a load of the hip hop dancers being total goofs. You'll see some real nut job runners, fully dressed, straight up running laps in their Sunday best, pockets full of rattling keys and jingling change. Jam packed in the evening hours, go in the mornings, when all of Williamsburg is still sleeping it off. read more

When I lived in Williamsburg, this track had not been fixed up yet. I was quite surprised when I went past there a few years ago and saw a lovely new little track. I've only went there twice, but from what I can see, it is great to use during off peak hours but probably tough during the morning. If you wanna do some real running, hit up the Williamsburg bridge! read more