One Manhattan Square is literally surrounded by the Lower East Side’s most celebrated landmarks and attractions. But one of the great pleasures of life in this dynamic neighborhood is proximity to the pockets of greenery in the city’s parks. Of course, residents of these Downtown condos also benefit from a host of outdoor amenities. From the sumac meander, birch garden, relaxation lawns, and stargazing observatory, to its covered dog run, firepits, and outdoor kitchen and grills, residents have access to a host of outdoor features for socializing and enjoying nature.
Just beyond the doors of the One Manhattan Square condos is one of the neighborhood’s most beloved destinations — Seward Park. This must-visit public park and playground on East Broadway and Essex Street has a long history. The Outdoor Recreation League, an advocacy group that promoted the playing of organized games in parks rather than on the city streets, built the playground, which opened in 1903. It was named after William Henry Seward, former New York senator and governor, and secretary of state under President Abraham Lincoln. Seward is perhaps best known for negotiating the purchase of Alaska from Russia, in addition to being a lifelong abolitionist. Seward Park also gets to boast its status as the very first municipally built playground in the United States.
Today, the recently renovated park is home to basketball courts, playgrounds, a spray shower with a mosaic map of the local area, volleyball courts, a storytelling alcove, and a wildflower garden. The Seward Park branch of the New York Public Library opened in 1909 and still stands today in the park’s southeast corner. Another noteworthy feature is a bronze statue of Togo, the heroic husky who helped bring anti-diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska, in 1925.
Whether for a breath of fresh air, a picnic among the wildflowers, or for the historic playground that still entertains young people a century after its founding, Seward Park is the ideal weekend or lazy afternoon destination for One Manhattan Square residents.
For more information, or to schedule a tour of these Extell Development condos on the Lower East Side, contact the sales team today.