Among New York City’s charms, its many parks are a breath of fresh air. St. Catherine’s Park in the Upper East Side is one of these pockets of urban green space that is easy to miss unless you are in the neighborhood. So, next time you are in the area and need a place to get away from the chaos of the city, check it out – let’s help you find it and also get you an affordable parking spot nearby.
St. Catherine’s Park NYC is spread over 1.38 acres in the busy Lenox Hill neighborhood. It is named after the St. Catherine of Siena Church nearby, on E 68th St. But the park layout mimics Santa Maria sopra Minerva (Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva) – the church in Rome that houses the remains of St. Catherine. Even the park’s elephant sprinklers are inspired by a sculpture in front of the Roman basilica. However, beyond its religious and art history connections, St. Catherine’s Park is an urban recreation area with a popular playground for the kids from nearby schools.
The park also has a running track, soccer field, handball and basketball courts, a tennis wall, and fitness equipment for adults. Picnic tables with benches are also available at the wheelchair-accessible park. The only thing you might have to worry about is parking – there is no onsite lot. And street parking isn’t easy, with hospitals, a university, and several restaurants within walking distance. Parking lots like the 279 E 65th St Garage are your best option for a hassle-free experience – especially if you are unfamiliar with the neighborhood and NYC parking rules.
See: New York City Parking Guide: How to find parking in NYC
What are the St. Catherine’s Park hours?
St. Catherine’s Park is closed overnight. The playground hours are 7 am to 6 pm (Nov 1 – March 1) and 7 am to 9 pm (March 2 – Oct 31).
What is the St. Catherine’s Park address?
St. Catherine’s Park is on First Avenue, between 67th and 68th street in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s just across the street from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and about a mile from the Central Park Zoo. NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center and Rockefeller University are also just a block east of the park.
How to reach
- 72 St on 2nd Avenue is the nearest subway station, a three-minute walk from the park.
- The nearest bus stops are E 68 St/1st Ave. and 1 Ave./E 67 St.; take M66, M15, or M15-SBS buses.
- By car, it’s a 5-minute drive east from 5th Avenue or FDR Dr.
Where to Park
You might find vacant street parking spots nearby; 1st Avenue has limited metered spots, while 67th, 68th, and other parallel streets have free parking. However, remember that parking space demand in the neighborhood is always high, and you may have to drive around a few blocks to find street parking.
Plenty of garages are also available around for St. Catherine’s Park parking. However, you may worry about the high rates. But if you use a parking app or website to book your spot in advance, you’ll find unbelievable discounts and special rates for online reservations.
How to find cheap parking near St. Catherine’s Park?
If you are making a quick stop to have lunch or meet someone, try metered street parking – but keep an eye on the time limit. Not sure how long you’ll be gone? Don’t risk a parking ticket; a garage space is cheaper. So, if you plan to spend a few hours in and around the park, pre-book a spot at any of the garages nearby. You’ll find the lowest rates online; book as early as possible to save more.
Is there a cheap garage nearby?
279 E 65th St Garage is only 0.2 miles or a 5-minute walk from St. Catherine’s Park. It’s a valet facility at the Manhattan House and has hourly rates as low as $11! You can save more by parking at the same garage longer. For example, pre-booking a spot for six hours at the 279 E 65th St Garage will only cost you $20.
Also See: How to find the best deals for Upper East Side parking
Don’t let NYC parking leave you in a tight spot – the Way out is right here on your phone! Book the best parking spots anywhere in your city at unbelievably cheap rates.
