Frank Schnurr Ballfield

Nestled along the picturesque Shore Road in Brooklyn's charming Bay Ridge neighborhood, the Frank Schnurr Ballfield stands as a significant landmark for youth sports and local recreation. Located at Shore Rd #83, Brooklyn, NY 11209, this facility is a vital part of the larger Shore Road Park, offering much more than just a place to play ball. For New Yorkers, particularly those in Brooklyn, it represents a hub of community activity, athletic development, and a gateway to breathtaking waterfront views. While it serves as the home field for local youth leagues, it also offers general amenities and scenic paths that invite broader public enjoyment.

The Frank Schnurr Ballfield is particularly renowned as the home field for the 68th Precinct Youth Council's baseball leagues, including T-Ball and Colt/Explorer divisions. Every spring, the field comes alive with the energy of opening day parades, filled with young athletes, proud parents, and community leaders. This long-standing tradition underscores the ballfield's deep roots in the community and its importance in fostering a love for sports and healthy activity among Brooklyn's youth. It's a place where budding athletes hone their skills, friendships are forged, and the spirit of sportsmanship thrives.

Beyond the crack of the bat and the cheers from the bleachers, the area surrounding Frank Schnurr Ballfield offers a tranquil escape with excellent walking paths and stunning views of the bay. This dual nature makes it a unique and invaluable resource for the Bay Ridge community. Whether you're a parent cheering on your child, a local looking for a scenic stroll, or simply someone seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy the outdoors, Frank Schnurr Ballfield and its surrounding park area provide a welcoming environment. This article will explore the various facets of this Brooklyn landmark, detailing its location, accessibility, features, and its vital role in the daily lives of local New Yorkers.

Frank Schnurr Ballfield is strategically located at Shore Rd #83, Brooklyn, NY 11209. This address places it directly along the iconic Shore Road, which borders the Narrows waterway, offering immediate access to the scenic waterfront and expansive views. The ballfield is situated within the larger Shore Road Park, a linear park stretching along the water, making it a prominent feature of the Bay Ridge neighborhood.

For New Yorkers, accessing the Frank Schnurr Ballfield is relatively straightforward. While subway access requires a bit of a walk, the R train to Bay Ridge-95th Street is a common route, from which numerous bus lines can connect visitors closer to Shore Road. Several local MTA bus routes, such as the B16 and B70, run along Shore Road and in the vicinity, providing convenient access for residents of Bay Ridge and surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods. For those who prefer to drive, street parking can be found in the residential areas nearby, though it may require some searching, especially during peak game times. The field's position along Shore Road also makes it a popular destination for cyclists and pedestrians utilizing the park's extensive paths. Its placement in a well-established residential area ensures it's a familiar and cherished landmark for locals, easily integrated into their daily routines for recreation and leisure.

Frank Schnurr Ballfield, as a public park amenity, primarily offers recreational services and facilities. While direct "services" in a commercial sense are not provided, its contributions to the community are significant:

• Youth Baseball and Softball Facilities: The core service is providing a well-maintained baseball field used extensively by local youth leagues, most notably the 68th Precinct Youth Council for T-Ball and Colt/Explorer games. This fosters athletic development and teamwork among children and teenagers.
• Spectator Amenities: The field area includes bleachers, allowing parents, family members, and community supporters to comfortably watch games and cheer on the teams.
• Designated BBQ Area: It is notable as the only location within the park where BBQ is permitted. This provides a unique opportunity for outdoor cooking and social gatherings, though access to the specific amenities (grill, tables) is noted as being locked for public use, often reserved for specific programs like the Police Athletic League (PAL).
• Restroom Facilities: Toilets are available on-site, providing essential amenities for visitors, although their accessibility to the general public may be restricted.
• Outdoor Sink: An outdoor sink is provided, which is useful for washing hands or equipment, particularly for groups utilizing the BBQ area.
• General Park Access: While the ballfield itself has dedicated uses, its location within Shore Road Park means visitors also benefit from the broader park amenities, such as walking/running paths and scenic overlooks.

It is important to note that a review indicates that certain amenities associated with the ballfield, such as bleachers, tables, toilets, an outdoor sink, and a BBQ grill, are often kept locked from general public use despite being publicly funded, and are reportedly reserved for the family and friends of a program like the Police Athletic League. This suggests that while the field itself is a public amenity, specific associated facilities may have restricted access.

Frank Schnurr Ballfield, and its surrounding park area, boast several key features and highlights that make it a beloved destination for New Yorkers in Bay Ridge:

• Dedicated Youth Sports Venue: As the home field for the 68th Precinct Youth Council's T-Ball and Colt/Explorer divisions, it's a central hub for youth baseball, fostering athletic development and community spirit. The annual opening day parade along Shore Road to the field is a major highlight.
• Scenic Bay Views: Its location directly on Shore Road offers stunning panoramic views of the Narrows, Staten Island, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. These picturesque backdrops enhance the experience for both athletes and park visitors.
• Excellent Walking Paths: The surrounding Shore Road Park features well-maintained walking, running, and biking paths, making it a popular spot for exercise and leisurely strolls, enjoying the fresh air and waterfront scenery.
• Designated BBQ Area: The presence of the only permitted BBQ location within Shore Road Park is a unique feature. While access may be restricted to certain groups (such as the Police Athletic League), it signifies a rare amenity for outdoor cooking in a public park setting.
• On-Site Amenities (with caveats): The area includes bleachers for spectators, tables, toilets, and an outdoor sink. While a review notes these are often locked from general public use, their existence indicates a facility designed to support events and gatherings.
• "Good Walking Paths and Good Views": This direct feedback from a customer review succinctly captures two of the most appreciated aspects of the location, emphasizing its appeal for passive recreation.
• Community Hub for Events: Beyond regular games, the ballfield serves as a focal point for community events, particularly the exciting annual opening day celebrations for local little league baseball.

As a publicly-owned ballfield within a city park, Frank Schnurr Ballfield does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional business sense. Its "offerings" are public amenities and recreational opportunities. However, for New Yorkers, particularly families and sports enthusiasts in Bay Ridge, the inherent value provided by the ballfield includes:

• Free Access to Recreational Space: The primary "offer" is free public access to a well-maintained baseball field for scheduled games and, presumably, general use when not reserved.
• Youth Sports Programming: The existence of the 68th Precinct Youth Council baseball leagues that utilize the field is a significant "offer" for children and teenagers to participate in organized sports at a local level. These programs typically have their own registration fees, but the field itself is a public resource.
• Scenic Overlooks and Walking Paths: The surrounding Shore Road Park, which encompasses the ballfield, offers free access to beautiful walking paths and breathtaking bay views, a priceless amenity for locals seeking exercise or relaxation.
• Community Event Venue: The field's role as a venue for events like the annual youth baseball opening day provides a vibrant community experience for participants and spectators alike, enriching local life.

It is important for New Yorkers to note the feedback provided by a customer review, which states that certain amenities like the BBQ grill, bleachers, tables, toilets, and outdoor sink are "kept locked from public use despite being paid for utilizing public funds" and are reportedly "reserved for the family and friends of a program called the police athletic league." This suggests that while the park itself is public, access to these specific facilities may be restricted. Prospective users interested in utilizing these particular amenities should inquire directly with the relevant city parks department or the Police Athletic League regarding reservation policies and public access.

Frank Schnurr Ballfield is a public facility managed by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, likely in collaboration with local community organizations like the 68th Precinct Youth Council. As such, there isn't a direct phone number for the ballfield itself.

• Address: Shore Rd #83, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

For general inquiries about park rules, field permits, or public access to facilities within Shore Road Park (including Frank Schnurr Ballfield), New Yorkers should typically direct their questions to:

• NYC Parks Department: The official website (nycgovparks.org) is the best resource for information on park amenities, permit applications for fields, and general rules. They also have a general inquiry phone number (often 311 for non-emergency city services).
• 68th Precinct Youth Council: For specific information about youth baseball leagues or events held at the Frank Schnurr Ballfield, directly contacting the 68th Precinct Youth Council would be beneficial, as they are a primary user of the facility. Information for local youth sports organizations can often be found through community centers or online searches.
• Local Community Board: Community Board 10 (Bay Ridge) might also have information regarding local park amenities and public access policies.

Given the review feedback about restricted access to certain amenities, direct inquiry with the NYC Parks Department or the specific league utilizing the space would be recommended for clarifying usage policies.

For New Yorkers in Bay Ridge, Frank Schnurr Ballfield is a deeply ingrained and highly valued part of the community fabric. Its suitability for locals stems from its multifaceted role as a vital recreational space, a hub for youth development, and a picturesque natural retreat.

Firstly, its primary function as a dedicated baseball field provides an essential resource for local youth. It's where countless children learn the fundamentals of the game, develop teamwork, and create lasting memories. The consistent use by the 68th Precinct Youth Council underscores its importance in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among younger residents. This focus on organized youth sports is a critical "service" to families, providing a safe and structured environment for their children.

Secondly, beyond the organized games, the ballfield's location within Shore Road Park offers significant benefits to the broader community. The reviewer's emphasis on "good walking paths and good views" highlights its appeal for general recreation. Locals can enjoy serene strolls, invigorating runs, or bike rides along the waterfront, taking in the stunning vistas of the Narrows and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. This blend of active sports facilities and passive recreational opportunities ensures that the park serves a wide range of local needs and interests.

While the noted limitation regarding public access to certain amenities like the BBQ grill and restrooms is a point of concern for some, the core value of the ballfield as a green space and a center for youth sports remains undeniable. It's a place where community spirit is evident, where nature is accessible, and where the active lifestyle of Bay Ridge residents is supported. For any New Yorker looking for a local park that blends athletic activity with natural beauty, Frank Schnurr Ballfield and its surrounding Shore Road Park offer an invaluable and cherished resource.

Frank Schnurr Ballfield

Shore Rd #83, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA