The Sun in out, and you should be too! With parks scattered throughout New York City, there is always something to do. NYC Parks have extensive events calendars throughout the warm months, and most these events and happenings go unnoticed by many New Yorkers. So what is happening this spring in New York City Parks? Were going to give you a rundown on all the events available at SNOWMAN’s favorite urban space, Bryant Park. Located in the heart of midtown, this green space is accessible on a sunny lunch break, a little after work exercise, or even a morning cup of joe. Your options in Bryant Park are limitless this spring.

Have a free afternoon and are not looking to have a time constraint? On www.bryantpark.org you can access a full audio tour of the park with a celebrity guide. The park describes the downloadable mp3: “Take a stroll under the skyscrapers through New York City's busiest, most beautiful park with Matthew Broderick as your guide.” Stroll the Gardens, Promenades, and Lawns – how fantastic does that sound after our winter freeze? The park is home to countless monuments and notable surrounding architecture. On the Library Terrance, one can find The New York Public Library building, a magnificent Beaux-Arts building that was once a gathering space for people and public sculpture. Sculptor Edward Clark Potter crafted the Lion sculptures on the terrace. The lions are nicknamed “Patience” and “Fortitude.” Truth and Beauty are the two fountains on either side of the library’s entrance. On the Upper Terrance, you can find William Cullen Bryant’s Memorial, the park’s namesake, complete with carved urns and garlands. On the Fountain Terrace, the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain was the city’s first public memorial dedicated to a woman in 1912. The newest monument, and also the first Mexican figure to be placed in NYC, is a statue of Benito Juarez. North and South of the Lawn are more statues, including a bronze of William Earl Dodge and Gertrude Stein.

Looking to be a little more active that a history-filled walking tour of the park? Jump into a game of Petanque, Ping Pong, or Juggling Class. The Park event hosts tournaments for Petanque games. La Boule New Yorkaise is a NYC-based Petanque club. This club has represented the US in a number of World Championships. Even if you just want to play for fun, the park invited you to bring a good set of 3 Petanque balls and a wooden target ball. Ping-pong required no equipment. The tables open in April and are available daily from 11am to 6pm. All you have to do is sign up with a park attendant. Contact the park if you are interested in participating in their regular tournaments. The next tournament is coming up in May.

Are you a less active game-lover? The Chess Area, located in the 40th Street Plaza, provides the public with chess, checkers, and backgammon boards for a small fee. Games can be arranged through the monitor, and tournaments and events take place throughout the summer. In addition to chess, you can try your hand at a variety of strategy, board, word, party, and card games. They have over 35 tabletop games available daily to entertain you as you pass time in the park. Just see the games attendant to get started, explain rules, and help set up equipment. We have free Mah Jongg Clinics throughout the summer, and daily opportunities to play with other park users. Planning to come alone? No problem! Join us at our all-new weekly Game Socials to meet up with like-minded players interested in the same games as you. Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am – 12pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm – 3pm, and Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, the park hosts “Game Socials.”

And for the nature lovers who think Bryant Park might feel too far from the great outdoors, Bryant Park offers Birding Tours in the springtime. The Park describes the birding tours: “Discover the birds that call Bryant Park home, as well as those that may stop by during migration. A surprising diversity of avian visitors drop in, even in the heart of midtown. Sightings could include warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, even an American Woodcock!”

As you can see, there is something for absolutely everyone this spring. From sunbathing and walking through history to bird sighting and learning new hobbies. So get out there and enjoy! All information provided by www.bryantpark.org.