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Things to Do > Parks Highlights

Parks Highlights

Features

Forever Wild Wild Grasses
You don't need to leave the City to get a taste of the wilderness--nature is all around you!
New Parks Merchandise Image of Parks Tshirt
NYC Parks introduces our favorite T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, and accessories. Sport your park!

Special Events

Play. Run. Walk. Bike. Breathe. summer streets
The city streets are your playground on Saturdays this August with Summer Streets!
NYC400: Quadricentennial Celebration children at the fishing festival
Enjoy a year of free special events that celebrate Henry Hudson's arrival to NYC.
Download Our Special Events Highlights Calendar Medieval Festival dancers
Plan great activities for the whole family across the boroughs throughout the year.

Newsroom

Subscribe to Our Newsletters Woman and man at computers
Receive email newsletters about what’s new in City parks and recreation centers!
It's My Park: Video from NYC's Parks It
Watch this season of It's My Park on NYC TV Channel 25 and check out the online archive.
Photographer's Journal Photo Journal thumbnail
Explore the NYC Parks system through the lens of our Parks photographers.

Announcements & Notices

Veteran Survey veterans
Veterans, provide us with your contact information, so we can keep you updated on veteran benefits in New York City.
United States Census 2010 census logo
Your participation in the 2010 census is required by law and only takes 10 minutes of your time. Learn more.
Go Greener green roof
Learn what the Parks Department is doing to reduce its carbon footprint across the five boroughs.
Improvements to ADA Complaint Form handcyclist
Complainants can now upload videos and photos to illustrate ADA violations.

Development Projects

Bronx Parks for the 21st Century Thumbnail Map of Bronx Parks
More than $220 million will be spent on improvements to more than 70 Bronx Parks over the next five years.
Yankee Stadium Redevelopment Project Mayor Bloomberg at new Yankees Stadium groundbreaking
Get all the info on the exciting redevelopment of the new Yankee Stadium.
Greenpoint-Williamsburg Redevelopment Project Greenpoint-Williamsburg Redevlopment Project
The rezoning plan for Williamsburg and Greenpoint will result in new parkland along the waterfront.
Business Opportunities concessionaire
Learn about concessions opportunities and download capital RFPs.
Washington Square Park EAS Washington Square Park Arch
View the Environmental Assessment Statement for Washington Square Park.

Get Involved

Parks Swim Instructors Needed! Child Swimming
Organize and instruct children in our Learn to Swim program this summer.
Asian Longhorned Beetle Alert Asian longhorned beetle infesting a tree
Learn how to spot this invasive pest, so you can stop its spread in New York City.
MTNYC Training Program A boy waters a tree
Apply to train in arboriculture, ecological restoration, and garden/landscape design with MillionTreesNYC.
GreenThumb Garden
Strengthen gardens and strengthen communities by becoming a part of the nation's largest urban gardening program!

Recreation, Health & Fitness

NYC Water Trail Kayak on the water
NYC Water Trail connects 160 square miles of rivers, bays, creeks, inlets and ocean for kayaks and openwater rowing.
Go Fish! Boy holding fishing rod and fish.
The city's inland lakes, rivers, and over 500 miles of shoreline offer a world of opportunities to enjoy both freshwater and saltwater sport fishing.
Alley Pond Park Adventure Course adventure course
Holiday Special: Friday-Sunday, the course is free and open to the public (first come, first served)!
Free Adult Summer Fitness Programs yoga in the park
Take advantage of the coolest parts of hot summer days—mornings and evenings—to get fit in a park.
Parks Citywide Aquatics Swim Lessons
This summer, enjoy free, water-based programs for all ages and levels throughout the five boroughs.
Mobile Recreation Vans mobile van fun
Reserve a free recreation van today for your summer block party or other warm weather event!
Summer Sports Experience children playing baseball
Treat your child to free, intensive, structured lessons in a variety of sports!
Family Camping Rangers and kids pitch tents
Camp under the stars with the Urban Park Rangers in all five boroughs!
Citywide Beach Volleyball Tournament beach volleyball players
Register your team for the largest free amateur beach volleyball competition on the East Coast!
SchoolFood Summer Meals Program SchoolFood logo
This program provides children and young adults with a healthy alternative to junk food.
Paralympic Sport New York City man playing soccer
Join us for a six-week Paralympic track & field program in Thomas Jefferson Park!
Let's Get Moving! stretching
Fort Tryon Park is a big, green gym, and we want you to get the most out of its amenities.

Art, Culture, & Performances

Free Summer Music & Dance Events Concerts
For world-class performances under the stars, head to your local park!
Public Art
Explore the temporary public art exhibits in the Parks and find information about permanent monuments.
Free Movies in Parks Film screening
Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and come watch these films with your fellow New Yorkers!
Monument Collection Image of the Gay Liberation Monument in Christopher Park
Explore a catalog of permanent monuments in NYC parks.

Education

Wildlife in Parks Heron in water
Find out what critters you're likely to spot in a New York City park!
Birding in Parks bird
Find out which feathered friends have settled in New York City parks for the warm season!
Nature Centers Natural
Come visit one of our in-park community centers for public education and environmental studies.