Today, Carl Schurz Park serves as a site for those who want to enjoy it's beauty. The park is maintained with the help of volunteers and a full time staff of gardeners. Here, Tai Lee, international student at Pratt University, practices Martial Arts in one of the park's areas overlooking the East River.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010

In the early 1970's, neighbors of the Upper East Side came together to upgrade the park and it's playgrounds for families who used it. After the fiscal crisis of the mid 70's, the group focused their energies on preserving and maintaining the park. Most NYC parks were the first to become dilapidated after loss of funding. Since the 70's, efforts have continued to help beautify, improve and restore the park. The park served as one of the locations for Spike Lee's 2002 film, The 25th Hour.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010

Roosevelt Island, formerly known as Welfare Island, is a narrow island on the East River of New York City. Running from Manhattan's East 46th to East 85th streets, the island is approximately two miles long. According to a 2000 census the island had a population of 9,520. The small lighthouse stands at the northern tip of Roosevelt Island.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010

Gracie Mansion, located at East End Avenue and 88th street, is the official residence of the mayor of the City of New York, although Mayor Bloomberg does not reside there. The two-story mansion built by Archibald Gracie once housed an ice cream shop and classrooms but is only used today for official city business.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010

Reconstructed in 1935 by "master builder" of Long Island and New York City Robert Moses, the park's waterfront promenade was built over the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive. Here, an unknown East River Barge sails smoothly over the water. In 1990, a barge carrying over two million gallons of gasoline ran aground off 96th street just north of Gracie Mansion. No harm was caused and no leaks occurred.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010

Carl Schurz Park, located on the upper east side of Manhattan gives a quiet, serene atmosphere for those who want to step away from the bustling city. The 14.9 acre public park was names after the German-born secretary Carl Schurz. The park includes winding scenic paths, views of the East River and Roosevelt Island, basketball courts and two dog runs.

Photo Credit: Nadeen Nakib
Saturday March 6th 2010