New York, NY

Central Park
Bounded by Fifth Avenue, Central Park West, Central Park South and 110th Street, this man-made park is visited by more than 14 million people each year; work began on the park in 1857 with the motto by its landscape architect that “everything should be placed where it has a purpose”; when work completed 230 species of evergreens, 815 varieties of shrubs, a pond, 58 miles of trails and but less than 7 miles of roads make this a very people and animal friendly place throughout the year; a skating rink America’s most celebrated urban park began as a playground for the wealthy, but public clamor opened it up for he masses; we should all be grateful, whether visiting alone, with someone special or with your family; despite improvements in safety, it is wise for women not to walk or jog alone here at night

Wollman Skating Rink requires a admission fee for skate rental

ADDRESS: Central Park  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.centralparknyc.org

Marcus Garvey Park
In 1973, this square block park in Harlem was re-named in honor of Marcus Mosiah Garvey (1887-1940), a great Black leader

ADDRESS: bounded by 120th & 124th Streets, Mt. Morris Park West & Madison Ave  MAP

Jackie Robinson Park and Recreation Center
This 13 acre linear park, one block wide by 10 blocks long was renamed in honors the baseball great Jackie Robinson in 1978; also active on warm days, it features basketball and volleyball courts, fitness center, softball field, a pool and many youth programs; the recreation center includes a small sculpture and two plaque honoring Jackie Robinson

ADDRESS: 89 Bradhurst Ave  MAP

PHONE: 212-234-9606

St. Nicholas Park
A popular linear park for families to picnic and a fantastic place to play and watch some of the best basketball in Harlem

ADDRESS: bounded by St. Nicholas Place, 141st street, and 127th street  MAP

Bryant Park
Lush landscaping, gravel paths, green chairs, a carousel and throngs of people speak to its rebirth over a long history since 1842; the park has not always been so lovely; by 1979, it was the site of frequent muggings and drug deals; in 1980, a non-profit corporation was set-up to transform the park and its reputation; the results are spectacular

ADDRESS: behind NY Public Library on 42nd Street  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.bryantpark.org

Riverside Park
New Yorkers love this park almost as much as Central Park for its wonderful cliff views of the Hudson River in the spring and fall

ADDRESS: park extends from the Middle West side and after a small break extends several miles up to the northern tip of Manhattan adjacent to Riverside Drive  MAP

Washington Square
A great hangout for artists, NYU students, children and visitors; a memorial Arch that that remains one of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and flea markets/fairs on weekends make this and 9 on the people-watching meter

ADDRESS: bounded by Washington Square East, Washington Square West, Washington Square North and Washington Square South  MAP

Battery Park
Though Peter Minuit of reportedly purchased Manhattan from the Native Americans here in 1626, the park is named after the battery of British cannons which lined the rim of the park during the late 1600s. Today it’s a place to watch the ferries traveling to Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty

ADDRESS: southernmost point of New York City  MAP

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Opened in 1912, it is one of New York City’s premier plant kingdoms, housing some 12,000 varieties of flora on 50 acres, including one of the largest rose gardens in the nation

ADDRESS: 1000 Washington Ave  MAP

PHONE: 718-623-7200

Prospect Park
Although less famous than its sibling Central Park in Manhattan, this 526-acre landscaped treasure features a historic carousel, the country’s largest children zoo, a skating rink, meadowlands, jogging paths and playgrounds -- more importantly it is well loved and tended; the park is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation in parts to maintain its stately condition

ADDRESS: 95 Prospect Park West & 4th Street  MAP

PHONE: 718-965-8999

Fort Greene Park
Local park and popular playground area maintained by NYC Parks and Fort Greene Park Conservancy
ADDRESS: 85 South Oxford Street  MAP

WEBSITE: http://www.fortgreenepark.org

Queens, NY

Queens Botanical Gardens
Originally created as an exhibit for the 1939 World’s Fair, the 39-acres of city-owned land boasts five teaching collections: bee, bird, herb and woodland gardens, as well as backyard demonstration gardens, an arboretum, and seasonal displays of flowers

ADDRESS: 43-50 Flushing Ave  MAP

PHONE: 718-886-3800

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Parkland built on reclaimed land; this park hosted the 1939-40 and 1964-65 New York World Fairs in Queens; on its grounds are Shea Stadium, Science Playground, Hall of Science, Queens Museum of Art, Queens Wildlife Center and the USTA National Tennis Center

ADDRESS: Van Wyck Expressway at 111 Street  MAP

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
This man-made National Recreation Area illustrates that we can also give back to Mother Nature; the tidal wetlands have become a haven for migratory birds and many species of tidal area plants; Fall is a good time to bird-watch

ADDRESS: visitor center at Cross Bay Blvd near First Road  MAP

PHONE: 718-318-4340