First impressions can sure last a long time. This ten-acre park is a prime example as I remember when I came here for the first time way back in the late 1980's. It felt like a misbegotten haven for society's outcasts, and I remember feeling too antsy even to sit on a bench as the fear of a surprise ambush ran through me. I thought of the park rather unfairly as the ugly stepsister to Washington Square Park, the one who couldn't afford to move out of the East Village. That myopic feeling honestly didn't dissipate until probably the last five years when I finally noticed the improvements around the park motivated no doubt by the encroaching gentrification. The renovated Field House was the first thing I noticed along with the clean, modernized restrooms. The surrounding fountains and gardens also made quite an impression. Overall the park felt a lot more vibrant on my recent visit, and its countercultural legacy and persistent political activism make it feel all the more essential. RELATED - Exploring NYC? Here's a collection of non-culinary places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/gN4VaqiLL3 read more

See all

One of my favorite NYC parks. My best friend has lived less than a five minute walk from the park since we graduated from art school way back when (decades now). I spend a lot of time in New York and always look forward to people watching in Tompkins Square. It's a haven for folks from all walks of life from the artistic and creative to the Wall Street type dude. Lots of characters! Lots of dogs...even better! Central to all of the best spots in Alphabet City (restaurants, bars, and shops). Love having a morning coffee here or a true New York slice while people watching. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Small square neighborhood park with plenty of seats, trees, shades, grass, kid's playground and statues. And it surrounds by appts, shops, and restaurants. Ate breakfast nearby and walked through the park for Sunday to relax in the park. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Cute park to take a stroll through during lunch time when the weather is nice. During the early spring there are many tulips and flowers. The park is always full of park goers when the weather is nice. read more

See all

Pleasant park to stroll through. Lots of sitting areas and saw a lot of people walking their dogs here. Many food joints nearby. read more

Tompkins Square Park - A squirrel hanging upside down from the tree bark with a slice of bread for its meal lol - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

The park was nice to take our food to until I saw a ton of rats in an enclosed space of the park which was absolutely disgusting and a health hazard. read more

Tompkins Square Park is basically an off the beaten path version of Washington Square Park. It's safe- though you should still exercise discretion at night. There's a basketball court, playground, dog run, outdoor exercise equipment, and plenty of green space. They have concerts and parties at the park. There are many bars and restaurant near the park. Tompkins Square Park is about a 10 minute walk from the First Avenue station on the L. There's only one thing that I dislike about the park: The stench of cigarettes and weed. It's legal to smoke a cigarette or a joint. Nevertheless, it's still harmful to the body. When I visited, many people were smoking. Fortunately, there were a few areas of the park where people didn't smoke. read more

PUBLIC PARK: A Park named in honor of DANIEL D. TOMPKINS a former Vice President of the USA (1817-1825) which opened in 1834. The major Monument in the Park is a Statue of SAMUEL S. COX (1824-1889) a Politician and Diplomat. The TEMPERANCE FOUNTAIN in the Park was erected during 1888. Do you remember the Summer Riots of 1988 when the druggies, squatters and homeless took over the Park? The Park isn't as seedy nowadays but proceed with caution. WORTH VISITING. read more

See all

Tompkins Square Park is the heartbeat of Alphabet City. Where lovers come to cry and cryers come to love. Okay that made no sense ahahaha let me try again: Where cryers come to cry and lovers come to love. Yeah, that's the one. Whether it's going for a stroll just to get out of the crib or stumbling through the park in a drunken haze, every East Village/Alphabet City resident has an intimate relationship with Tompkins. I always see big groups of people having picnics in the spring/summer and always wonder how y'all know 10 people that would wanna hang out together. That's a cool concept. I love picnics would love to be a part of one someday. ALPHABET CITY STAND UP! read more

See all

Tompkins Square Park is located in the East Village and is named after Daniel Tompkins, the fifth governor of New York and the sixth vice president of the United States. Like the other parks in New York this one makes for a great place to people watch, eat lunch, or relax on any of the benches. For more activity this park also has basketball courts, a dog park, a skate park. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

After grabbing our breakfast bagels from Tompkins Square Bagels, we headed to the park as it was a beautiful day. There were quite a few benches when you first entered and we parked ourselves on a far one as it was well within the shade. The park has a lot of people walking their dogs through here so if you're a dog lover, it's a great spot for pup watching. Outside of just enjoying the weather and the park, we didn't do much exploring here. read more

Beautiful neighborhood/ community park. You will find a kid play area here along with benches and a paved path. The park is not small but also not overly big (please see images). At Tompkins Square Park, you will find a statue of the Congressman Samuel Cox. The park is located in East Village just past Ukraine Village. The park itself is quite busy during the day especially on weekends. Also the park itself looks pretty well maintain and in good condition. read more

See all

This is by far my favorite park in the city. There's always something going on there! Either a band is playing music, a farmers market is selling goodies, a street sale is bustling or just a cool dressed crowd is walking through. Perfect for people watching or grabbing food nearby and eating on one of the benches in the sun. I do wish they'd take care of the bathrooms and clean up the druggie activities. But if you know which corner not to hang in, it won't really mess up your chill park day. read more

Awesome Mural by Tompkins park. The colors, and crispness of the illustration provided a magical view of The King of Pop and put a topper on my trip. The detail was stunning and the fact that you can make out the individual strands of hair is next level artistry. Please come set for yourself because photos simply do not do it justice! read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

For such an interesting progressive area the parks sort of a desolate dump; & Maybe that's why read more

This is an update of a previous review I posted June 3, 2018. There are significant changes. (See image below) Red areas are best avoided. The one near the letter A is mostly occupied by drug addicts and alcoholics. The rectangle at the top is a hangout for gang kids. It's only accessible from the basketball court area (K); it's not accessible through I or J. Yellow areas are yellow because they're near red areas. They seem to be where people hang out who identify with the drug addicts and alcoholics, but aren't drug addicts or alcoholics themselves. I could be wrong, though. A - This is the chess-table area. Unfortunately, it's been completely taken over by drug addicts and alcoholics. I've seen people playing chess here, but be aware. B - This is the most popular children's playground in the park. There are two others (S and T, below), but this is the one most parents take their kids to. It has sprinklers and a big sandbox, too. C - This is called Multi-Purpose Courts. Most times, it's filled with skateboarders, but it can be reserved for other activities like pavement hockey, and then the skateboarders have to leave. D & E - D is a men's restroom and E is a women's restroom. These are horrendous. Do not use them. Actually, I've never seen the women's restroom, but I can't imagine it would be any better than the men's. But who knows? Maybe it has a couch! F - This is the entrance to a really excellent kid's sprinkler area, the swimming pool, and significantly better restrooms. I think you have to be a kid, or with a kid, to get in here. This is also where the park workers are when they're not somewhere else. G - Significantly better men's restroom and changing room. H - Significantly better women's restroom and changing room. I - Very cool sprinkler area for kids. It's called Slocum Memorial Fountain. J - Not the cleanest swimming pool. It's a bit like bath water after you've had your bath. Kids don't seem to mind though, and as far as I know, no one ever got sick from swimming here (pre-covid). You have to shower before you go in; it's a good idea to shower before you leave too! K - Basketball courts. L - Exercise area. My sense is that this is where guys go to exercise who are out on bail and awaiting their court appearances. M - Handball courts. N - Dog run. A fine place to take your dog to run with other dogs. This is also the location of the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, the highlight of the East Village social calendar! O - In the Winter, this is where parents take their kids sled riding. The hill's not that big, but little kids love it! In the Summer, it's where people go to work on their sun tans. The area under the trees to the left of the letter O is where crusties gather. Crusties don't change into bathing suits. Thank God, right?! P - Back in the bad old days, there was a bandshell in the park, but anarchists ruined it and the city tore it down. Today, remnants of anarchists have concerts here. These days, they set up a stage. If you're into this kind of thing, this is where they occur. Also, every August, the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is held here. It's much bigger, and crusties hate jazz, so they find somewhere else to go that day! Q - Some years ago, hawks moved into Tompkins Square Park. Some people think they're cool. Of course, raptors are cool, but they belong in the wild, not in a city park. If you want to see them, this is the area to go. Once you're here, look for people holding cameras with lenses as long as your forearm, and look in the direction they're all pointed. Keep in mind that hawks are dangerous -- do not try to approach or feed one! R & S - Two other playgrounds. These are both very nice. I don't know why more people don't take their kids to them. Recently, they were renovated, at a cost of $2,527,000. That's it -- have fun! read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This park is... Hotter than a set of twin babies in a Mercedez Benz with the windows up when the Tompkins up to the mid 80s. Lovely little Park featuring The Samuel Cox statue right in the heart of Alphabet City and the East Village offering a nice green space in amongst the urban landscape which is always a very good idea. A lovely little park, and definitely one of my favourites in Manhattan. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Tomp of the mornin to you - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

As an East Village local for 10 years ..... I'm just crazy about this park . Listen , it's not perfect , but it's got character coming out it's A$$ !!!!! The SW corner is still kinda occupied by the drug users and homeless , but the kids playground is great , and always in the shade. So many great places around here to get coffee and/or food to go and enjoy in the park. Don't forget the dog park if you have a puppy or 2. And by the way , in the fall , this park is magic !!!! read more

See all

Always my favorite park in my neighbourhood. Not too big but it has everything - a lawn for the sun, benches for lunch and coffee, live music from performers. If you are into sports there is a table tennis table, basketball courts, a big multipurpose court usually for skaters, and even a small swimming pool. Love walking pass this park every day! read more

Tompkins Square Park - lawn - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

It's a nice park in a cool neighborhood. Lots of good businesses surround it. The park isn't that big but there are some things to do inside there. A good playground for kids. There's also lots of benches throughout. It may not be as nice as it was, but it didn't seem that bad. Of course there's a few sketchy people. What park in New York doesn't have these? Better to go in the morning or afternoon. Not much good happens in any park at night. It has a great location in a happening part of the city. The library is right across Ninth Street. If you go at the right time, it's nice. Just ignore the drug addicts. There's usually police around the park, so they keep it safe. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Entrance - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Pleasant park in the East Village with a TON of history. Like, read a book. It attracts all kinds of people: gutter punks, stroller nannies, lost tourists, and those people who ride around on motorized bikes and scooters blasting music from a powered speaker. Great scene! The green space in the middle is also a prime location to brown-bag brews with the crew. You'll notice that the trash cans are often full of empties, from White Claw to craft beer, and the occasional champagne bottle. Get your drink on responsibly but only use the public restrooms as a last resort. You've been warned. read more

I made a side trip to this park while roaming around Lower East Side . It's a small park but has big things to offer. A beautiful garden, a dog run, children playground and plentiful benches to sit and enjoy the day. I see staff maintaining the park and happier to see of its improvement comparing to last visit. Itis surrounded by businesses that you may not think will be in the area. A little bit far from the closest train station as L train is currently suspended to this part of the city. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

A park in the middle of East Village. Lots of artists, radicals, fashion lovers, and many who have lived in the neighborhood for decades and witnessed its many changes. The performances hosted by the park are as unique as its visitors. They have the outdoor drag festival Wigstock, the Howl Festival commemorating Allen Ginsberg, and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Nice place for take a break on their benches and people watch. The park is equipped with two playgrounds, a handball court, chess tables, and a basketball court. read more

See all

Recent visit was an exploration to the discovery of a dog park which includes a pool and run/walk area covered in sand. For the dog lover, the joy to watch and adore dogs chasing balls, jumping in the pool, and playing amongst others enable a great joy away from one's daily stresses. This is the first dog park I've encountered, amid a cat lover. Free Wi-Fi service is provided by AT&T. A garden inhabits within Tompkins Square Park, Sandra Turner Garden but is accessible only to admire behind the fence railing. Sundays host free outdoor concerts of emerging musician artists. Temperance Fountain is a beautiful monument. Samuel Sullivan Cox watches over Tompkins Square Park. Facilities are available at decent conditions with bare essentials. read more

See all

One time I brought my daughter to Tompkins Square Park. She said "where are you taking me"! You can always find a group of stoned out people somewhere sitting around. I don't think she wanted to see that side of the city. Her friends told her to stay away from the park and neighboring streets. Just keep your eyes and ears open. Things can happen anywhere. I did notice an abundance of rats in this park!! This is really a neighborhood park for those that live on the Lower East Side. I like to wander the streets and shops in the neighborhood. The street art is great. The park is kept up the best they can. The last time I went I saw park employees working. I'd been hiking so long I needed to use the bathroom. I decided against it. I didn't feel safe. Too many homeless men hanging out nearby that day. Every now and then I go to the park to see the changes in neighborhood demographics. I like to document change!! Change for the better, or for the worse. Some great Ice Cream Shops in the neighborhood!! read more

See all

The park gets hero-level status for being responsible for gathering all of NY's costumed canines together once a year for Halloween. That alone is 5-star worthy. But then there's the great people watching, the gorgeous scenery, the colorful characters, the proximity to so much nearby food (but RIP Life Cafe), the presence of so many pups who are adorable even when not in costume. And someday I'll be able to stroll through the park resist the urge to hum "I'll Cover You" from RENT. But that day is not today. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Unsilent Night 2015 - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Cute dog park but at night when you want to sit on the bench and relax you have to fear these HUGE RATS. I know it's NYC BUT HOLY SHIP these rats are big. You also see the baby rats nearby kind of gross. read more

I love this place! It reflects the creativity and diversity of New York City. Sadly it also reflects the gross incompetence of our city government, which hasn't renovated and doesn't regularly clean and repair the most disgusting mens bathroom I have ever seen. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Tompkins Square Park unflushable urinal - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

See all

Right off of St. Marks, this park is pretty decent. Not the cleanest but there are plenty of playgrounds. Nice for a quick walk. There were vendors doing a mini flea market so if you're into buying little bits-and-bobs definitely come here. read more

Since I'm normally in this area when I visit NYC I always make it a point to walk through this park. I also love watching the pups play in the dog park area. This past week I met a little puppy who has the cutest name, "Ravioli Guacamole." Love it!! It can be a little dusty there so where shoes that you find appropriate for that. They also have farmers markets on certain days, since I don't live here I'm not sure what days exactly but I do know they do it on Sunday's. If you are in the area and love pups then take a stroll through here. Cheers & Enjoy! read more

good for sitting, reading, napping, people watching, dog parking, jungle gyming, chess playing, softballing, soccering, ping ponging, meeting up, chilling out, casual dates, laying out in the sun, rolling on the lush lawn, brown-bagging lunch for some outside time, strumming a guitar, etc. it's a park with a multitude of obvious uses--and new ones are being thought of by residents, hipsters, punk rockers, tourists, LIFE HACKERS, etc. all the time. i don't need to tell you what to do here. just stroll in and relax. remember no smoking or tipping back booze, beer, wine, etc. in the confines of the park as it's a public place. love those sunny mornings. smell of fresh cut summer park grass. stop by...the warm weather and cool breezes will be gone before you know what to do with yourself! park yourself. read more

See all

The dog park is all fun and games until your buddy's one-year-old puppy gets triple-teamed. Sadly, I don't have a dog; I don't have the time, money, or space to properly care for one. But I love them, and whenever I'm walking around in Alphabet City, I make a point to stop by Tompkins Square Park and spend a few minutes watching the pups run around and sniff each other's bottoms. It's just a cute, lovable, often hilarious distraction. But believe me when I tell you that the real Panic in Needle Park* had nothing to do with Al Pacino. You've never SEEN panic until you've brought this adorable little pup to TSP. Granted, she's a desirable little doggie (see "not pete" photos on my profile), but this was absurd, and probably somewhat traumatizing for her. She's now big enough to take care of herself against one, or even two dogs, but these three lecherous old dogs humped her from all sides. And it was funny. ________ *http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067549/. And although TSP is SIGNIFICANTLY cleaner and safer than it used to be, don't be shocked if you come across a syringe or two. read more

This is a great park..it has soo much history! See my review on Rays.. http://www.yelp.com/biz/belgian-fries-new-york#hrid:0MKh894Y_cxb6H3qUOG1Hw I spent many a summer in college playing 3 on 3 basketball in this park. I would see some crazy stuff...once there was a topless event where like 100 women walked topless through the park. You would think it would cause all sorts of tents to go up...however, it was quite disturbing who decided to partake in that particular exercise. There were young women, grandmothers, skinny big they were lovin the day... read more

An old friend of mine and I had a phone conversation a little while back. Said friend was from a fly over state, and we had somehow descended into a conversation centering on the disparity of our rental payments. His rent being a fraction of what I pay, he questioned my choice of living in the city... "Why would you want to pay that much for rent and cost of living??" he challenged. My response: "Diversity" Not only diversity of food, music or the color of people's skin, but diversity of people. Spend a lazy afternoon or two in Tompkins Square Park, and you'll see what I mean. On some occasions, you'll walk by and hear strains of a live music performance, whether it be a Ramones cover band, or a jazz ensemble. On other days, you'll hear the roar of the crowd as people gather to protest the war, or cheers of celebration as people revel in the Giant's Superbowl Win, or the recent "Unemployment Olympics". Step inside the park and experience the cooling breeze of shade soaked sidewalks. Observe the piss soaked bums on the benches, watch the yuppie-ish young couples play with their dogs in the dog park. Twowo guys throwing around a frisbee narrowly miss the guy on rollerblades, dressed as a clown. Teenagers proudly show off their road burns and kick flips as they take turns showing their skateboarding prowess. A father teaches his son how to throw a baseball. On Saturdays, a mob of hungry pensioners line up for free food hand outs and on Sundays, a mob of hungry foodies descend on the Greenmarket for local produce, cheese and meats. The sights and sounds and people of Tompkins Square Park can hardly be described by words or pictures, and so I closed the subject of "diversity" without elaboration. However, if my friend had seen the huge grin on my face as I recalled my experiences, he would have understood. read more

See all

Lots of dogs playing in the dog park and people laying on blankets on a sunny day. Where did all the drug dealers go? Walking through here the other afternoon it seems as if this park has been finally cleaned up a bit after many years of crime and grime. Always fun to watch the dogs play and run around. No more syringes and used condoms laying about. Seems like a great spot now to sit on a bench to eat lunch, lay on the grass and take in some sun, exercise a little, or just take a stroll to people watch and take in the sights. One of those being a rat that I saw scurry by. No that wasn't a squirrel. It was a big ass rat! Oh well, some things never change. read more

I live a few steps away from the park, and have lived here since about 1990. When I first moved here, it was grubby and semi-dangerous, and WE LIKED IT THAT WAY! WE LOVED IT! (channeling Dana Carvey's grouchy old man character) It's still grubby, but sanitized for the kiddies, and now there's a curfew on it--as there is with most city parks. Of course, you can still jump the fence--but I didn't tell you that. When they curfewed the park, I was against it; I still grumble about it, because it makes my walk home at night longer. About a year ago, I saw an unmistakable drug deal go down in the back area by the fountain, and breathed a sigh of relief. Some things never change. read more

See all

Tompkins Square Park has gone through many incarnations. In the 1980's it became a refuge for the cast off members of society. The vagrants, junkies, prostitutes, etc.. They moved in and squatted the park, setting up tents and shacks. In the early 1990's the police reclaimed it after two attempts and two riots. They closed for 13 months and renovated it. Today's Tompkins Square Park is a beautiful peaceful place for everyone. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

Not the best park in the city but a perfect little oasis for the neighborhood kids and dogs. There are separate fenced in areas for the playground, basketball and dog run. On a Saturday afternoon the park was jam-packed! read more

Tompkins Square Park - Part of the playground - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

賑やかー、他人種、でも家のない人たちでいっぱい。 I love to go to farmers market. Only Sunday there is small market. But alot of pigeons and rats... there are kis space and dog run. But i love more quiet park .. if im going to park. read more

Tompkins Square Park - Parks Near Me - New York, New York

This park is always a great place to relax, but I find that there are too many people here that are drunk, sleeping, or trying to sell you drugs. There are other parks in the area that do not seem to have this much of a problem, or at least not in your face that when I come here. I will usually stay near the outer areas or the dog park, which is less creepy. The children's play area is decent, when I come here with family and children we spend some time here. Since the concrete is padded, the falls are not so bad and there is plenty of seating for the adults. My favorite area is the dog park, where the small and large dogs are in seperate areas. I hope to bring my pekingese here soon, when I have more time to take him with me into the city. read more