John Jay Park is a really great resource for the neighborhood. The children's playground is excellent, with a separate section for little kids. There are also handball courts, and a large open space for basketball and other sports. There are some exercise stations for adults, and a lot of benches near the river. There are quite a lot of trees, but there is hardly any grass or flowers to speak of. The highlight for me is the (nearly) Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, which is free, and open for 10 weeks during the summer, starting in late June, and closing after the first week of September. General swim is from 11am to 3 pm, and 4 pm to 7 pm. Lap Swim is on weekdays from 7 to 8:30, both morning and evening, but you need to sign up for that. The pool is open even on rainy days, but the pool closes immediately if thunder is heard, and it must stay closed for 40 minutes after the last clap of thunder. To use the pool is free, but you must show that you have a swimsuit and a lock (to lock the locker where you must put your outdoor clothes and your bag. Note: you cannot take your phone onto the pool deck. I believe this is the only city pool that has trees on the deck, providing shade. They also have recliners for people to lie on, -- not enough for everyone, but still a decent number. There is a dive pool with a springboard, although that deeper pool is open only at the lifeguards' discretion. I you are visiting John Jay Park when the weather starts to get chilly in the late fall and early winter, the open ballpark area is a great place to sit and catch some rays.

This is a very good park. There is a pool and water sports activities. This is a ideal place for family with young kids to spend time.

John Jay Park on the Upper East Side is a hidden jewel of a park that is more known to the locals than to the tourists. It has spectacular views of the East River and Roosevelt Island, beautiful contemporary art work and most important, clean bathrooms that are open until 5:00pm. It is a great place for kids to play, with a safe environment with lots of adults around. There are loads of swings, tennis courts, playgrounds and in the summer months an outdoor pool, all in a nice neighborhood of good restaurants and beautiful brownstones. Its a nice way to spend a Spring or Summer afternoon.

A neighborhood family park surrounded by high rise and low rise apartments. Has multiple water play devices as well as usual playground devices. Of note, there is a large public swimming pool with lifeguards on premises. The park is mainly frequented by families with small children and contains working rest room facilities. In the summer there is usually an ice cream seller. If you are on the upper east side in the 70s with children, the park is a good destination.

Love coming here with grandchildren. And is just off the drive . It is nice size and not that crowded. Which is just fine for small children and vigilant grandparents. Good place firvthem