by Lynn Sniffen
In an economy where every penny makes a difference, we all often choke on the $12.75 movie ticket price. But for two hours of mindless entertainment, we sometimes find ourselves giving in and forking over the cash.
Upper East-Siders, jam those crumpled bills back in your pocket and save your money for a rainy day; There is a constant source of entertainment only steps outside your front door. Is it movies you want? It’s got ‘em. A bouncy puppy to play with? Check. Running, hockey, basketball, swings…. You name it, it has the sport. Gardening, politics, art shows, there’s an endless amount of entertainment for every age group over at Carl Schurz Park – for the cost of, well… free.
Carl Schurz Park (not to be confused with Carl Schultz, of “Peanuts” Cartoon fame) runs between East 84th St and East 90th Street between East End Avenue and the East River waterfront. Six blocks and barely 15 acres doesn’t seem to be much to cram in all the fun I’ve described – But one step inside Carl Schurz and it seems to stretch for miles.
For the ideal view, enter at 84th Street and East End Avenue. Walk down the tree-covered path, pass a fenced playground and continue til you hit the water. Here there are dozens of benches to take up a seat and enjoy the view. The water is crowded from day to night with everything from small jet skis to cute tug boats to massive barges. Take a moment to wave or shout hello at the tour boats as they pass by, their passengers all jockeying for space to wave at the park-goers. All year round these benches are filled with sun-bathers, readers, and young families. As day falls towards night the air fills with the sweet scent of pipe-smoke as older men take their seats to watch the boats pass on the water. Look to the left for a priceless view of the Triborough (now re-named the “RFK”) Bridge and to the right for a glimpse of the draped twinkling lights of the 59th Street Bridge.
Grab a seat on one of these benches early on Concert Nights, when bands make appearances along the esplanade. There’s nothing quite so calming as hearing the river water lapping and crickets chirping as a background to booming old-school big band jazz and blues.
Same goes for Movie Nights, when the basketball court is turned into a completely cost-free cinema. There’s ample seating provided, but most come prepared with their own blankets and coolers to hunker down for a night of film under the stars. Forgot your snacks? No problem. All-you-can-eat popcorn is provided at no charge. (Check out www.carlschurzparknyc.org for schedules of events.)
Continuing on along the water, you’ll come upon the small dog run. It’s hardly ever empty and the regulars who frequent the spot seem more than happy to let strangers get a few dog cuddles in. Life in Manhattan can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but I’ve found that it’s nothing a few puppy kisses can’t fix. This goes from the tiniest of children to the most massive of burly men; I’ve seen more than a few of each don ear-to-ear grins and hoist themselves over the railing to scoop up a wriggling ball of fur.
As you continue up the esplanade or “boardwalk” as most call it, you’ll notice there’s no end in sight to the walk. Starting at 59th Street, this popular runner’s path extends up to125th Street, only briefly passing through the park itself. The runners are just another part of the Carl Schurz population, darting among the families, meanderers, and sports nut-teens who bounce around the basketball court like pros. Following the path to its end is an adventure in itself; From the park it goes northward down a small hill, curves around the water along the FDR, and juts out into several tiny docks for exploring. Along the way there are countless fisherman using everything from the most elite rod and reel to an old branch tied with fishing line and bait.
If these activities sound summer-bound, think again. The gardeners get down and dirty in the flower beds throughout the winter, but other events continue as well. Try finding another activity like the “Halloween Howl” anywhere in the city. The Sunday before Halloween, dogs from teacup-size to St. Bernard descend upon the park, decked out in the most elaborate of costumes. While there are a few frisky pups that take nibbles out of their costume before they get very far, the majority surprisingly take the task with pride. The image of a dachshund dressed as a New York City MTA articulated bus proudly trotting around the park is one that might never be beat in my mind.
Come fall the park fills with easels for the Annual Art Show, and late into December a Holiday Candlelight Celebration takes place. Rockefeller center tree lighting it is not, and that’s meant as a good thing. There’s caroling, hot cider, a tree-lighting, and a sense of community and warmth that envelops the park – without the crowds or commercialism of its midtown counterpart.
Perhaps the sense of calm that blankets the park any time of year comes from its watchtower, the home that overlooks all of Carl Schurz, Gracie Mansion. The “official” residence of the Mayor, the 18th-century-built Gracie Mansion houses only antique furniture and a sense of history. Tours are usually given on Wednesdays, although peeking through the gates at the majesty of this noteworthy building is allowed any day of the week.
There’s so much more that Carl Schurz has to offer that can hardly be contained in written word. After a day working in midtown when the city seems so big - or a day stuck in your apartment when the rooms seem too small, Carl Schurz is the antidote to both. Whether you’re looking for sports, celebrations or some old-fashioned people watching, nothing says entertainment like a trip to the park.
Back in the park, the paths twist and turn up and down sloping staircases, moving further away from the water into the impeccably groomed gardens. Feel like imbibing your green thumb? The gardens are maintained with the utmost care year-round by a group of local volunteers who pick up their trowels and seeds to give a little something back to the community.
If these activities sound summer-bound, think again. The gardeners get down and dirty in the flower beds throughout the winter, but other events continue as well. Try finding another activity like the “Halloween Howl” anywhere in the city. The Sunday before Halloween, dogs from teacup-size to St. Bernard descend upon the park, decked out in the most elaborate of costumes. While there are a few frisky pups that take nibbles out of their costume before they get very far, the majority surprisingly take the task with pride. The image of a dachshund dressed as a New York City MTA articulated bus proudly trotting around the park is one that might never be beat in my mind.
Come fall the park fills with easels for the Annual Art Show, and late into December a Holiday Candlelight Celebration takes place. Rockefeller center tree lighting it is not, and that’s meant as a good thing. There’s caroling, hot cider, a tree-lighting, and a sense of community and warmth that envelops the park – without the crowds or commercialism of its midtown counterpart.
Perhaps the sense of calm that blankets the park any time of year comes from its watchtower, the home that overlooks all of Carl Schurz, Gracie Mansion. The “official” residence of the Mayor, the 18th-century-built Gracie Mansion houses only antique furniture and a sense of history. Tours are usually given on Wednesdays, although peeking through the gates at the majesty of this noteworthy building is allowed any day of the week.
There’s so much more that Carl Schurz has to offer that can hardly be contained in written word. After a day working in midtown when the city seems so big - or a day stuck in your apartment when the rooms seem too small, Carl Schurz is the antidote to both. Whether you’re looking for sports, celebrations or some old-fashioned people watching, nothing says entertainment like a trip to the park.