City parks are often focal points for residents and tourists. They offer a respite from the hectic daily activity of a city and a place for solitude and contemplation. They typically provide a tranquil and attractive environment, a place for meeting friends, playing a game, or reading a book. Frequently city parks offer other attractions as well. Many parks feature museums or zoos; others have walking paths or bike trails. Note that many of these locations are featured on my walking tours which are available for purchase on the website.

             New York City has probably the most well-known park in the world. Central Park is huge; it extends from 59th Street in the south to 110th street, and from 5th Avenue to 8th Avenue, east to west. It contains acres and acres of lakes and rivers and woodlands, besides the grassy areas and the inherent structures such as the Zoo. It is enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.                        

Central Park

          Another of New York City’s parks is Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan. Besides the city fortifications which gave the park its name, this is also the embarkation point for boats to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.                   

Battery Park

         The city of Saratoga Springs, in Upstate New York, just north of Albany, has a wonderful park known as Congress Park. Besides a carousel for kids and several of the springs for which the city got its name, the park offers quiet pathways, sculptures and a pleasant ambience.                    

Congress Park, Saratoga

        These parks are an integral part of my walking tours of New York City and Saratoga Springs. Purchase these or other walking tours by clicking on Walking Tour Store on the website. They are only $1.49 each.