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McCarren Park

A bustling 36-acre urban oasis on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, featuring sports fields, a year-round farmers market, and a community-centric recreation center.

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McCarren Park
Jim.henderson, CC0

Where is McCarren Park located?

McCarren Park is a public park in Brooklyn, New York City, situated on the border of the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods.

What are the hours for McCarren Park?

The park is open every day from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

What is McCarren Park known for?

It is a major community sports and recreation site known for activities such as soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, and running. It also features a newly renovated running track, soccer fields, and the McCarren Park Pool and Play Center.

Is there a farmers market at the park?

Yes, the McCarren Park Greenmarket operates year-round on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. In addition to produce, it offers family activities, educational programs, and cooking demonstrations.

What is the history of McCarren Park?

The park opened in 1906 as Greenpoint Park and was renamed in 1909 after Patrick Henry McCarren, a popular Democratic politician and State Senator.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

McCarren Park is a public park in Brooklyn, spanning approximately 36 acres across four city blocks. It is bounded by Nassau Avenue, Bayard Street, Lorimer Street, and North 12th Street. The park opened in 1906 as Greenpoint Park and was renamed in 1909 to honor State Senator Patrick H. McCarren, a prominent Democratic politician of the late 19th century. Today, the park serves as a major community sports and recreation site. It is home to the McCarren Play Center, which includes a recreation center and a public pool that provides a respite on hot days. The grounds feature a newly renovated running track and soccer fields, alongside courts for basketball, handball, tennis, and bocce, facilitating endless games of kickball and football. Beyond athletics, the park is a social hub for a diverse population, including longtime residents, recent immigrants, and young renters. A year-round McCarren Park Greenmarket operates beside the park's track and dog run, having served the neighborhood since 1997. This market offers produce sales, cooking demonstrations, and educational programs for families. Located at the intersection of two vibrant neighborhoods, the park is one of Brooklyn's more crowded outdoor recreation spots, reflecting its role as a year-round center of community life.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Greenmarket on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for local produce and cooking demonstrations.
  • The park is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
  • Allow extra time if you plan to visit the McCarren Park Pool during the summer months.

Nearby context

The park sits on the border of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, acting as a bridge between these two iconic Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Sources

Evidence and links