Murray Park

For those of us navigating the bustling streets of New York City, finding a dedicated green space where we can unwind, exercise, or simply enjoy a moment of peace is invaluable. In the vibrant and continuously growing neighborhood of Long Island City, Queens, Murray Park stands as a beloved local gem. Unlike some of the larger, more expansive waterfront parks that draw crowds for skyline views, Murray Park offers a more intimate, neighborhood-focused experience, serving as a vital everyday escape for residents.

Located at 10-38 45th Ave, Murray Park, also known as John F. Murray Playground, strikes a delightful balance between active recreational facilities and tranquil spots for relaxation. As one satisfied local noted, it's a "very cool experience and plenty of space for exercise, as well as different activities to enjoy!" This park truly caters to a diverse range of needs, from families seeking playgrounds for their children to individuals looking for a quiet bench to read or chat with friends. Another reviewer perfectly captured its essence, describing it as a "calm little park, there's not much to do but a lot of seating. I have lunch with my friend here every day, and it's always been enough for me to feel calm while I talk to them." This speaks volumes about its role as an everyday sanctuary where community connections are fostered and moments of serenity can be found amidst the urban hum. Murray Park is a testament to Long Island City's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality public spaces for its thriving community.

Murray Park is conveniently located at 10-38 45th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA. This central Long Island City address places it within easy reach for residents of the immediate neighborhood and those coming from further afield within Queens or Manhattan. Its position makes it a truly accessible local amenity, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life in LIC.

The park boasts excellent public transportation access, a critical factor for any New York City destination. It is within a comfortable walking distance of several major subway lines, making it easily reachable from various parts of the city. The E, M, and 7 trains at the Court Square station are just a short stroll away. The 7 train, known for its quick service, provides a rapid connection to Midtown Manhattan. Additionally, the G train at 21st Street-Van Alst is also nearby, offering convenient cross-borough access to Brooklyn. The Queensboro Plaza station, serving the N, W, and 7 lines, is also within reasonable proximity, further expanding transit options.

Beyond the subway, numerous local bus routes serve the surrounding area, providing additional convenience for local residents. The park's location in Long Island City also means it's situated in a highly walkable neighborhood, characterized by well-maintained sidewalks and a grid street layout that makes navigation straightforward. This prime accessibility ensures that Murray Park remains a go-to spot for daily exercise, leisurely strolls, or quick breaks during the workday, making it a true neighborhood park in every sense.

Murray Park, while a neighborhood park rather than a commercial establishment, offers a range of public amenities and services designed to cater to the recreational and leisure needs of the Long Island City community. These services are freely available to all visitors and contribute to the park's suitability for various activities.

• Open Green Spaces: The park features open lawn areas perfect for casual relaxation, sunbathing, picnics, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
• Playgrounds: Well-maintained playgrounds with modern equipment provide a safe and engaging environment for children to play and burn off energy.
• Handball Courts: For sports enthusiasts, dedicated handball courts offer a space for active recreation and informal games.
• Soccer and Baseball Fields: The park includes a large synthetic turf field primarily used for soccer, and also accommodates baseball/bat sports, providing versatile space for team sports and exercise.
• Dog Runs: A designated dog run is available, providing a safe and enclosed space for dogs to socialize and exercise off-leash, a popular feature among local pet owners.
• Seating Areas: As noted by a reviewer, the park offers "a lot of seating," including benches and shaded areas, ideal for relaxation, reading, or enjoying a meal outdoors.
• Spray Showers/Splash Pad: During hot summer months, the park features a spray shower area, offering a refreshing and fun way for children (and adults!) to cool down.
• Gardens and Landscaping: The park includes landscaped areas and gardens, contributing to its aesthetic appeal and providing a pleasant natural environment.
• Public Restrooms: Essential public restroom facilities are available for visitor convenience.
• Performance Area: A dedicated performance area with tiered seating has been incorporated, providing a venue for community events, outdoor theatre, and local performances.

Murray Park, though a local neighborhood park, boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for Long Island City residents and visitors alike:

• Versatile Recreational Spaces: The park effectively blends active and passive recreational areas. It features a large synthetic turf field popular for soccer leagues and other bat sports, alongside dedicated handball courts. This provides ample opportunity for organized play and casual exercise.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With well-maintained playgrounds, including swings and a clubhouse, and a refreshing leaf-shaped spray shower for hot summer days, Murray Park is a true haven for families with young children. This focus on family fun makes it a cornerstone of the local community.
• Dedicated Dog Run: The presence of an active dog run is a significant highlight for pet owners in the area, offering a safe and social space for their furry companions.
• Serene Seating and Greenery: As highlighted by a local reviewer, the park offers "a lot of seating" within a "calm little park." This abundance of benches, often in shaded areas, provides ideal spots for quiet contemplation, reading, or enjoying lunch outdoors, allowing visitors to "feel calm" amidst the city's energy.
• Community Hub for Events: Murray Park has a dedicated performance area with tiered seating, making it a regular venue for community events. This includes outdoor theatre troupes, dance lessons, open dance floors, and local musical guests, fostering a strong sense of neighborhood engagement.
• Recent Renovations and Modern Facilities: The park has undergone significant renovations in recent years, ensuring its facilities are modern and well-maintained. This includes upgrades to the turf field, play areas, and the addition of the central green and performance space.
• Accessibility to Transit and Neighborhood: While not offering grand skyline views like some waterfront parks, its easy walkability from multiple subway lines and its central location within the vibrant Long Island City neighborhood are major practical highlights.

As a public park operated by NYC Parks, Murray Park does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of a business. Instead, its primary "promotion" is the free and open access it provides to all New Yorkers, allowing them to enjoy its facilities and green spaces without any cost.

However, the park frequently hosts free or low-cost community events and activities, which can be considered "special offers" in terms of enhancing the park experience for locals. These often include:

• Community Gatherings and Festivals: Murray Park is a popular venue for neighborhood festivals, "Plaza Parties," and other community-led events, often featuring live music, dance lessons, and family-friendly activities, all free to the public. For example, "Latin Beats Plaza Party" is an upcoming event mentioned in public records.
• Fitness and Wellness Programs: Occasionally, local organizations or NYC Parks might host free outdoor fitness classes, such as yoga, boot camps, or beginner running groups, utilizing the park's open spaces. Meetup groups, like "RUN LIC," often use Murray Park as a starting point for their runs.
• Children's Programs: Various programs for kids, such as "Outdoor Toddler Art Play" sessions, are held in the park during warmer months, offering sensory and art-based experiences for young children, sometimes for a nominal fee or free of charge.
• Outdoor Performances and Cultural Events: The dedicated performance area is utilized for various artistic showcases, including outdoor theatre and musical performances, typically free for public enjoyment.
• Volunteer Opportunities: For those looking to give back, "It's My Park" events or other local initiatives invite volunteers to help maintain the park's beauty, offering a unique way to engage with the green space and community.

To stay informed about specific upcoming events and free activities at Murray Park, it is best to check the NYC Parks Department's official website for Murray Playground, as well as local Long Island City community event calendars and social media groups. These resources will provide the most up-to-date schedule of offerings.

As Murray Park is a public park managed by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, direct contact information for the park itself typically falls under the umbrella of the NYC Parks Department.

Address: 10-38 45th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA

For general inquiries related to NYC parks, including Murray Park, you can use the main contact channels for the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation:

NYC Parks Department General Information Phone: (212) 639-9675

Website: For detailed information on park facilities, current events, and official announcements regarding Murray Park (often listed as John F. Murray Playground), it's best to visit the official NYC Parks website (nycgovparks.org) and search for "Murray Playground" or "Murray Park Long Island City."

Local Community Boards: Long Island City is covered by Queens Community Board 2. Contacting the community board (Queens Community Board 2 phone number and email can be found online) can also be a way to get information about local park issues or events, as they often work closely with NYC Parks.

While there isn't a direct phone line for a specific park manager at Murray Park, these are the most reliable avenues for obtaining information about this cherished Long Island City green space.

For New Yorkers, and particularly those residing in or frequently visiting Long Island City, Murray Park stands out as an exceptionally suitable and valuable local amenity. Its appeal lies in its multifaceted offerings that cater to a diverse range of needs, firmly establishing it as a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

Firstly, Murray Park perfectly embodies the concept of an accessible urban retreat. In a dense city like New York, having a green space just a "2-minute walk to the subway" (referring to the nearby Court Square station access) is invaluable. This means residents can easily pop over for a quick lunch break, a post-work stroll, or an impromptu playdate without a lengthy commute. Its central location within LIC makes it a natural gathering point for the immediate community, fostering a strong sense of local belonging.

Secondly, the park's design thoughtfully balances active and passive recreation. For families, the well-equipped playgrounds and the popular spray shower provide essential outlets for children to play and cool down, making it a go-to spot for parents. For sports enthusiasts, the synthetic turf field for soccer and baseball, along with handball courts, offers ample space for exercise and organized games. Yet, for those seeking tranquility, the abundance of seating and calmer green patches allows for peaceful contemplation, reading, or simply enjoying the fresh air. As one reviewer eloquently stated, it's enough "to feel calm while I talk to them," highlighting its serene atmosphere.

Moreover, Murray Park acts as a vibrant community hub. Its dedicated performance area hosts a variety of free events, from dance lessons and live music to outdoor theatre, bringing neighbors together and enriching the local cultural scene. The presence of a dog run also ensures that pet owners have a dedicated space for their furry friends, further strengthening community bonds. The recent renovations have ensured that the park's facilities are modern, safe, and welcoming.

In essence, Murray Park is more than just a patch of green; it's an indispensable part of the Long Island City lifestyle. It provides a daily dose of nature, opportunities for recreation and relaxation, and a venue for community connection, all within the immediate vicinity of residents. For New Yorkers, it’s a quintessential neighborhood park that profoundly enhances the quality of urban life.

Murray Park

10-38 45th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA