Carl Schurz Park

NYC PARKS BREAKS GROUND ON CARL SCHURZ PARK PLAYGROUND RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT

NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro yesterday joined Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, New York City Council Member Ben Kallos, and members of the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy and Manhattan Community Board 8 to break ground on a $3.3 million reconstruction of the children’s playground at Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side.

“We are happy to break ground on this reconstruction project,” said Borough Commissioner Castro. “The updated layout will provide a brighter, safer and more welcoming playground for the community. Thanks to Council Member Kallos and Borough President Brewer for this wonderful investment in Carl Schurz Park.”

“A safe and inviting place for children to play is a cornerstone of any community,” said Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Thank you to Councilmember Kallos for joining me to make sure that we invest in these vital spaces for New Yorkers.”

“Children and families deserve a safe place to play in their neighborhood. As a new parent, all I want is a park where my daughter can play safely so I can relax for a moment,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “We as a city need to do a better job keeping our parks in better shape. Thank you to Manhattan Borough President Brewer for joining me in investing in parks. We will be working closely with the Parks Department to ensure this project is completed on time, if not early.”

The project at Carl Schurz Park will renovate the playground. A bright color palette will highlight new swings, a reconstructed and ADA-accessible spray shower, and play equipment for different age groups. The project will also feature new benches; lighting; native tree and plant beds, and an ADA-accessible ramp connecting to the adjacent Catbird Playground.

The $3.3 million project was funded by $2.5 million from Council Member Kallos, $775,000 from Borough President Brewer and $89,000 from Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The playground is in the southwest corner of the 15-acre Carl Schurz Park. The park, which includes Gracie Mansion, was named for the soldier, statesman and journalist Carl Schurz in 1910. This picturesque park offers beautiful views of the East River, the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse and Randall’s Island.