Wards Island Park image

Wards Island Park

Tourist attraction Park

Riverside green space with athletic fields, a playground & walking path with views of Manhattan. People often mention island, bike, park, soccer, fields, nice, Great, Island, picnic, clean,


Address

East River and, Hell Gate Cir, New York, NY 10035

Website

www.nycgovparks.org

Contact

(212) 639-9675

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Saturday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 1 AM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 1 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: island (11) bike (10) park (10) soccer (10) fields (9) nice (9) Great (8) Island (7) picnic (6) clean (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rick T. 1 year ago on Google • 100 reviews
    A mixed use area with picnic areas, gardens sports facilities on an island in the middle of the East River. Wetland restoration and urban foodshed gardens! Great bike and nature trails.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anthony R. 1 year ago on Google • 924 reviews
    Wards Island Park is part of Randall's Island. While we have attended many of my son's sporting events at Randall's Island, until today, we have never been to the Wards Island Park area within this location. It has a very similar set-up to fields 7 & 8 on the main part of Randall's Island but with a little more of a secluded feel. We played on field 80 at Wards, the views of Manhattan were amazing and his team won!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kathy h. 2 years ago on Google • 71 reviews
    Really Beautiful!!! My son does flag football there and we love it!! Definitely a NYC hidden gem! It's so peaceful but would avoid the bus at all costs (trust me) but take a car, or bike ride!!! It gets chilly since it's by the water. Enjoy!!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Donisha L. 11 months ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite places to go with the Lil ones on visits. They have community programs and movie on the lawn Night during the summer months
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daisy M. 1 year ago on Google • 36 reviews
    Ever since my sister took me here, I have loved this park! Keep coming back with its beautiful flowers and view of Astoria Park across the way. Looking at boats all day and the East River!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite getaway spot in NYC. I am grateful that we have this wonderful island full of athletic fields.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dipshikhar T. 2 years ago on Google
    Favorite park in New York. It’s quite and then you get to be close to the river which is a plus point.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David T. 5 years ago on Google • 84 reviews
    It is a nice place for a picnic, clean BBQ and tables, lots of space for kids to play and fishing
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JihadGz m. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent relax spot and clean. It has river side tables, decent parking and grills.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Renato E. 9 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    The purpose of this review is not to hate or harm this place and the people in charge of taking care of it in any way, shape, or form. That being said, I hope you take this review as an informative review. Atmosphere: Getting to this island was quite a journey. Perfect for a great walk. The island itself was nice and spacious, with many soccer fields to use, not only for soccer but for other sports as well. However, I don't think there are enough parking spots. So, make sure you get there early if you go there by car. I have seen how crowded it can get when there is a concert. I did not find a kiosk or something similar where I can use at least a bottle of water. So, if you plan to stay there for most of the day, make sure you take something to eat or drink with you. Most importantly, make sure not to leave any garbage behind. I saw garbage lying around, which is just sad to see soda cans, beer cans, etc. As grown-ups, you should have the responsibility to put garbage in its place and set an example for the younger generations. Accessibility: You can choose between walking, biking, and driving. If you're in Astoria, you can drive, bike, or walk through the Tri-Borough bridge. There are actually thin slides on the stairs of the bridge to make it easy for bikers to move their bikes. Be really cautious when you get the upper point of the bridge, especially with children, because there is no fence. If you are in East Harlem, you can walk and bike through the Ward's Island bridge that is located between 102st and 105st.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Iza-kim P. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been going here since very young. Very nice, although now there is not enough parking n restrooms in some areas. Still a very beautiful huge place to picnic n BBQ with family and friends.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie J. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely place for the entire family. You can bring your own grill to BBQ. Great scenery!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laroi L. 5 months ago on Google • 239 reviews
    My first time back to Wards (Randall's) Island Park in many years. I was shocked to see the tents for the current immigrant migration currently under way near my grandson's soccer game (Field 81A). Very spacious an excellent for jogging, taking in the sun and a good crisp walk. This island is large so if you are visiting, note that on weekends, many soccer games with HS and the various teams play there. Bring your own food, even though I did see one concession stand where they do cook on site near field 80. Porto bathrooms are scattered throughout the island so be aware. There was a large police and NYC appearance due to the immigration intakes but the weather was good though the breeze from the east River let you know, it was bone cold so pay attention to the weather and dress accordingly.

  • 5/5 Jean R. 4 months ago on Google • 221 reviews
    We went for the 7's rugby 🏉 tournament. Very nice place.

  • 5/5 D B. 7 months ago on Google • 134 reviews
    Wide open spaces, lots of sports activities, great bike trails and freedom! Parking can be tricky, but you have to search for it. Take the kids there to run, bike or just be free.

  • 5/5 Victor K. 1 month ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    A hidden gem of greater New York. Lots to do for every taste: strolling, biking, plus a wide variety of ball games.

  • 5/5 James I. 4 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    It wasgreat till bestowed up😄 Great place to peopletogether for picnics and sports.

  • 4/5 Abdalla E. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice but avoid weekends

  • 5/5 Wasi G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great for picnics bike riding .....plenty to explore .....great for family outing to bond connect and vibe. Great view and closeness to the 🌊 water. Citi bike all over island.

  • 5/5 Joseph N. 10 months ago on Google
    Well kept park land. BBQ grills and park benches are available, but you may need to bring your own during the holidays. I've seen fishing and city bikes around. Maps of location interests are posted around the park. Bathrooms and informational booths are available.

  • 4/5 Santiago G. 11 months ago on Google
    Great turf fields available, BUT they're too dry and rough.

  • 5/5 Mike R. 2 years ago on Google
    One of my biking spots when I visit the city. Very nice island surround with water and people

  • 5/5 Sree S. 2 years ago on Google
    Fab place for soccer, BBQ and hanging out. One of NYC’s gems.

  • 5/5 Sullivan but not S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool very swag, I like it. I saw a family of cats living on the shore, also very cool. The barbecue spots are clean and high quality, the ground is clean, and the view is amazing.

  • 5/5 Jose C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice place just to chill out ride bike, read a book do anything

  • 4/5 Samore R. 1 year ago on Google
    Super cold in the winter but very nice park. My son played a game there field 75. Good lightening.

  • 5/5 Agustin M. 1 year ago on Google
    I applaud NYC for doing a fine job with this park. I had a chance to visit it during a short bike tour last week with a friend. The view of the sunset over the city was spectacular. The park was so clean and the bicycle paths were neat and clearly marked. I will be visiting again soon because I never got to cycle the whole island. A family emergency kept me from doing that. So I will have an update real soon.

  • 4/5 Sazzie Z. 2 years ago on Google
    Our son has soccer classes there. It is hard to find the field and direction signs are designed badly. However, the island has nice views and a lot to offer. It got potential.

  • 5/5 laura e. 4 years ago on Google
    As always it's a joy coming to this park. The views are just amazing. I love that now there are benches closer to the river.

  • 4/5 T B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful athletic complex with great views...didn't see any stores around so bring provisions.

  • 5/5 A.C. A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for a waterfront picnic or BBQ, and if you’re looking to get a little exercise there are plentiful green spaces, soccer fields, softball fields, and (mostly) smooth paved paths for running and biking.

  • 5/5 Jade Z. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a really nice oasis in the city. Great views and endless options to pull up, have a picnic by the water and still have a little privacy. I really love the huge Urban Farm on island! There are clean bathrooms, a ton of beautiful soccer fields and a nice walking trail(s).

  • 4/5 NANCY O. 1 year ago on Google
    They fixed it up nicely. There are soccer fields, bathrooms, concession stands and lots of bbqs on the weekends!

  • 5/5 jhon leider h. 1 year ago on Google
    park with multiple soccer and baseball fields, they have lighting...very safe...you can ride a bicycle and you can celebrate birthdays and spend a picnic with your friends...beautiful view of the river


Call (212) 639-9675 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dog park
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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