Turf & Lawns
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Located at the heart of the South Island Park, the Play Lawns contain two irrigated natural turf ballfields with an expansive level-graded outfield and clay infields and spectacular views of New York Harbor. At four acres, the Play Lawns are primarily used for baseball, softball, and kickball鈥搕hrough organized leagues, the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, or pick-up games with Island visitors.
Located in the Island鈥檚 Historic District, the Parade Ground is a 7.5-acre flat turf field with unobstructed views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. The Parade Ground was used for military demonstrations during the Island鈥檚 history as a U.S. Army and, later, Coast Guard base, and even contained a nine-hole golf course during the mid-20th century! The Trust regraded the Parade Ground in 2017 to create a consistent level turf grass field large enough to host soccer, football, rugby, lacrosse, and other activities. The Parade Ground is a magnet for picnics and other informal gatherings, and hosts several of the Island鈥檚 largest public events鈥搃ncluding free outdoor films, the annual Egg Hunt, and the annual Earth Day celebration.