Midtown Manhattan contains many vibrant parks, including Bryant Park, Union Square Park, and Madison Square Park. These parks attract thousands of people every day and offer a respite from the bustle of the city. Central Park, one of New York’s biggest and most recognizable, borders our district. Visitors to the district’s parks can enjoy activities and programming year-round. The Bryant Park Corporation, for example, offers birdwatching classes and ping pong tournaments. Members of the public can apply for permits to hold events in the city’s parks, and CB5 plays a role in determining whether they are an appropriate use of city space.
Public space is an important counterbalance to New York’s density. Pedestrian plazas, such as those in Times Square, Herald Square, and the Flatiron Plaza, provide the opportunity for people to sit, mingle, and play. One recent addition to the district’s public space offerings is Plaza33, located on 33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. CB5 reviews applications for the use of pedestrian plazas, parks, and other public spaces.
Meeting Information:
–Meetings are generally the last Monday of the month at 6 pm. Meeting time and location are subject to change. Please refer to our calendar.
-You can find a record of CB5’s virtual Parks, Public Spaces, & Environment Committee meetings on YouTube.
–You can find CB5’s Policy on Public Notification here.
Useful Links and Resources
NYC Parks Resources in Community District 5
Parks Event Application Evaluation Matrix
Davis Center Presentation to MCB5 – March 3rd, 2025
List of Parks in CB5
Central Park
Central Park is a breathtaking 843-acre oasis in the heart of Manhattan, offering lush lawns, peaceful woodlands, sparkling lakes, and iconic landmarks. It thrives thanks to the care and dedication of the Central Park Conservancy: centralparknyc.org
Bryant Park
Bryant Park is a vibrant nine-acre destination full of colorful gardens, lively programming, and year-round activities for all ages. It is beautifully maintained by the Bryant Park Corporation: bryantpark.org
Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is a gem of the Flatiron District, featuring stunning seasonal plantings, inspiring art installations, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The Madison Square Park Conservancy lovingly tends to its upkeep: madisonsquarepark.org
Union Square Park
Union Square Park is a lively gathering place brimming with energy, from its bustling Greenmarket to its shady seating areas and vibrant events. It is cared for in partnership with the Union Square Partnership: unionsquarenyc.org
This weekend, take in the sounds, voices, and rhythms of jazz at the inaugural NoMad Jazz Festival in Madison Square Park!
Presented by The NoMad Alliance in partnership with The Jazz Gallery, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and Madison Square Park Conservancy. The jazz will take center stage on the Oval Lawn at 1 PM on Saturday, August 9, and continue on the South Gravel on Sunday. Stop by for eight performances from such acclaimed artists as Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band.
No tickets are needed, and the event is open to all, so bring a blanket and settle in. To view the complete festival program and more, click this link.
Parks, Public Spaces, & Environment Committee Members
Elisabeth Hutton (Chair)
Mrinal Vikram (Vice-Chair)
Charles Baker
Mohit Bhalodkar
Athena Cao
Julia Dippel
Katherine Ellington
John B. Harris, Jr.
Michael Kaback
Gail Kelly
Kim McCall
Christopher Nazarro
Thomas Ricardo
Tod Shapiro
Sarah BJ Sung
Recent Parks, Public Spaces, & Environment Resolutions
