Isham Park — Attraction in New York

Isham Park is a 20-acre (81,000 m2) historic park located in Inwood, Manhattan, New York City. The park was created in large part through gifts to the city from the Isham family of land from the William Bradley Isham estate. It sits roughly between Broadway, Isham Street, Seaman Avenue, and West 214th and 215th Streets. The park once extended to the Harlem River, but after the creation of Inwood Hill Park and the reconfiguration of area streets, the boundary became, for the most part, Seaman Avenue, although the baseball fields across the street are considered to be part of Isham Park and not Inwood Hill Park. The extent of the current park now equals that of the original Isham estate. The Isham mansion, which originally came with the park gift, was torn down in the 1940s due to its deteriorating condition. Isham Park is noted at its southern end for some exposed marble outcroppings which date from the Cambrian period. This is a popular location for college geology classes to visit. There is a public garden in the northeastern corner. Much of the rest of the park has trees and brush growing in a rather wild manner, although the center of the park at the top of the hill is a grass lawn.

Although the park lacks any fixed programming, as a neighborhood gathering place Isham Park hosts two family-friendly annual events organized by local residents - the Isham Park Egg Hunt" held each spring around Easter, and the "Inwood Pumpkin Pageant" displaying the community's Halloween jack-o-lanterns every November 1. Both events attract hundreds of local participants. Many other seasonal events are held, including concerts, food co-ops, gardening events and regular events in nearby...

I have a mixed review. I see this as my neighborhood park and it comes with the usual NYC caveats.

During the summer and spring there are several events for Easter egg hunts to kids camps using the space. These are great and fairly standard for activities.

There is an amazing group of neighbors dedicated to caring for the park. They weed, plant, and clean on a regular basis. One woman can be seen almost daily, managing the planted beds. Kids play and older folks sun themselves on benches.

The downside to this park is the rat infestation near the subway entrance. While there have been traps out for a while the rats seem wise to our human antics. At the same time the creatures are unfortunately heaven and I have had the misfortune of exclaiming in a higher octave than is my norm after having a beast run...

Very quiet and serene park ideal for a small picnic, yoga or meditation session or perhaps lunch and a good book. Nestled above busy Broadway streets under lovely trees that provide shade from summer heat. Take the time to look & smell the many beautiful plants blooming in the dedicated garden and flower beds throughout. Learn a little history about the Isham family of old that the street & park is named after by reading the inscriptions on marble bench & along the park wall. Steps & hill ideal for walk exercise.

Many thanks to the older European - American woman who cleaned & cared for this parks grounds pre Covid19. I believe her name is Maria or Stella & she started gardening here before NYC Parks Dept. invested the time or money to do so. Hope she is well & pics of her clean up of this park are...