The Carl Schurz Park Association is the oldest community-based volunteer park association in the city of New York. In the 1970s, concerned parents banded together and organized a funding campaign to supplant drastic parks budgetary cuts and save the Carl Schurz Park playground from further ruin.  Working in close partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Association has become the citizen caretaker of Carl Schurz Park, allocating its operational and capital funds as the City and the Association assess the state of the park, and the programs the community will enjoy and value.

In the ensuing decades, the Association's membership has grown to over 1,200. In response to its membership's wishes, it has undertaken projects to enhance the park's physical condition and made plans for future improvements.

Active CSPA volunteer committees organize year round gardening activities and the care and maintenance of the dog runs, playground and hockey facilities. The playground is the spot to go for a variety of parent-organized children's activities in the warmer months. A new, dynamic volunteer “Concert Committee”  stages concerts on summer evenings and during the holiday season. For the first time, the Association held a series of free movies in the hockey court, drawing hundreds of community residents.

 In the fall, the park is home to two of Carl Schurz Park's signature events: the Gracie Square Art Show and the Halloween Howl, one of the city’s favorite canine costume competitions.

Board of Directors | Commitee Chairs