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 Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Spring into Fitness
With warmer weather on the horizon, our fitness routines will be rejuvenated as we step outside to get fit. Mix up your workout and leave the stale treadmill behind to take on the fresh air.
My Special Feature this week includes city groups that will inspire you to run and walk your way to fitness while exploring the city on foot, plus innovative outdoor fitness groups to spring your exercise routine into action!
Enjoy your Easter weekend - click here for last week's Special Feature, including Easter
events and ideas to best celebrate the holiday.
Norma Knows New York City
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Send to other savvy New Yorkers and hip visitors,
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 GENERAL EVENTS |
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Once the blossoms are in bloom, visit on a Wednesday and take a tour. Or on Saturdays and Sundays, take a tour of the seasonal highlights of the garden. Then, as part of the festival, visit April 30 & May 1 for the Sakura Matsuri, a weekend celebrating Japanese culture.
Through March 31 Women's History Month
Many events are going on this month in celebration of women...check out the
The Bowery Hotel (335 Bowery)
Sample of 60 specially selected spirits while a 1920s style jazz band keeps the party lively. If you really like Craft Beers, the NYC Craft Beer Festival is March 25th & 26th.
Through April 3 Macy's Spring 2016 Flower Show
Macy's Herald Square (151 West 34th Street)
This year's theme, America the Beautiful, celebrates our country's vast and varied landscapes and tells the story through fabulous flora indigenous to each of our nation's regions. Through April 3 New York International Auto Show
Javits Center (655 West 34th Street)
The largest auto show, I make it a point every year to attend. It's exciting to see (and sit in) upcoming releases from car companies... plus concept cars which feel like stepping into either a Science Fiction or James Bond movie!
ON THE RADAR:
 April 4 New York Yankees Home Opener
I always know it's spring when baseball is back on the calendar; buy tickets for the first game of the season vs the Houston Astros.
April 5 Cameron Diaz in Conversation with Rachael Ray
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
Cameron Diaz discussed her new book, The Body Book... a book to educate young women about how their bodies function, empowering them to make better-informed choices about their health.
April 6 through 8 Seventh Annual Women in the World Summit
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
This annual summit centers on live storytelling with inspiring women and men from around the world. This year's participants include Meryl Streep, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Diane von Furstenberg, Mindy Kaling, and Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards.
Park Avenue Armory (643 Park Avenue)
Over 200 American and international dealers will exhibit, bringing a selection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts. 
Various Locations
$50 treatments at spas throughout the city; recommendations to come soon.
April 17 Earth Day
Union Square
Live performances, interactive displays, and events that include information on green products. Sign up for the Earth Day 5K Green Tour on April 22nd, then attend the Green Festival
April 15th through 17th at the Javits Convention Center.
Watch as thousands of women take to the hills of Central Park - this is the largest all women's half marathon in the country.
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CULTURAL PURSUITS
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Photo-Poetics: An Anthology
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CHEIM & READ (547 West 25th Street)
Through March 26
Captivating exhibition of black and white paintings by Al Held, known as the painter of ideas.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
Through March 27
Over seventy works by ten artists examining an important new development in contemporary photography.
THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Unorthodox
Through March 27
Showcases the impact of unorthodox concepts on orthodox systems.
METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
Affordable Art Fair
March 30 through April 3
New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.
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Chinese Style: Rediscovering the Architecture of Poy Gum Lee
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MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA (215 Centre Street)
Chinese Style: Rediscovering the Architecture of Poy Gum Lee, 1923-1968
Through March 27
Lee's modernist influence is seen in the development of NYC's Chinatown.
Through August 14 The exhibit takes visitors on a tour of the human body.
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean
Ongoing
Take a breathtaking journey around the underwater world as Cousteau introduces 30 species shown for the first time on film.
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The Butterfly Conservatory
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The Butterfly Conservatory
Through May 29
The butterflies are back! Enter a room filled with beautiful butterflies of many different species... great for all ages.
View the cast of a 122-foot-long dinosaur. This species is so new that it has not yet been formally named by the paleontologists who discovered it!
CENTER FOR ITALIAN MODERN ART (421 Broome Street)
Giorgio Morandi
Through June 25
Dedicated to one of the best known Italian artists of the 20th century, the exhibit focuses on the his rarely seen 1930s works.
COOPER HEWITT (2 East 91st Street)
Through August 7
Pixar fans will enjoy this exhibit, which traces the creation of the rarely seen sketches, paintings, and sculptures of Pixar's popular characters.
DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE (226 West 44th Street)
Through May 30
With all of the craze about Star Wars, it's the perfect time to see the exhibit of memorable costumes from this incredibly iconic film series.
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Unframed - Ellis Island
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ELLIS ISLAND
Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.
Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 Fifth Avenue)
INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - West 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly History
Through August 7
The first museum survey devoted to the American designer who makes clothing, hosted a television show, and performed his own cabaret act.
MADISON SQUARE PARK
Through Winter
500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway. An eye-catching exhibit.
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Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
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THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
Through May 15
Vigée Le Brun: Woman Artist in Revolutionary France
This is the first retrospective of Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, one of the most important of all women artists.
THE MET BREUER (Madison Avenue & 75th Street)
Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible
Through September 4
197 works from the Renaissance to the present. The exhibition examines a subject critical to artistic practice: the question of when a work of art is finished.
MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue)
Wagner's Ring: Forging an EpicThrough April 17 An intimate look at the creation of Wagner's masterpiece, including original music manuscripts. Warhol by the BookThrough May 15 A visual exploration of Warhol's lifelong career as a book artist. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Through April 10Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape.
NEUE GALERIE NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART (1048 Fifth Avenue)
Munch and Expressionism
Through June 13
Exhibit focuses on Edward Munch's influence on his German colleagues.
NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
PREMIERE EXHIBITIONS 5th AVENUE (417 Fifth Avenue)
Now open
Explore the treasures of Tutankhamun dynasty.
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Women Take the Lead
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ROOSEVELT HOUSE (47-49 East 65th Street)
The newly remodeled historic Roosevelt House recently opened showcasing the first special exhibit featuring relics from women of the suffragette movement... from Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Eleanor Roosevelt, Suffrage to Human Rights.
SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS (128 East 63rd Street)
Tuesdays & Thursdays For those that have a talent for sketching, stop by Tuesday or Thursday evenings for sketch night and see the latest exhibit. While there, check out Rick Meyerowitz in the National Lampoon, through April 23rd, an archive of original artwork created by illustrator and author Rick Meyerowitz.
WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
FlatlandsThrough April 17 Pairings by five artists conjuring a sense of space that is dimensionless.
Laura Poitras: Astro Noise
Through May 1
The first solo museum exhibition by this artist, filmmaker, and journalist. The installation builds on topics important to Poitras, including mass surveillance, the war on terror, the U.S. drone program, and torture.
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Artexpo
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PARK AVENUE ARMORY (643 Park Avenue) The AIPAD Photography Show New YorkApril 14 through 17 Exhibitors from more than 80 of the world's leading photography art galleries showcase their works. PIER 94 (711 12th Avenue) ArtexpoApril 14 through 17 The largest fine art marketplace - annual expo brings the biggest publishers, galleries and collectors face to face with hundreds of established and emerging artists.
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CURTAIN UP
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 FILM:
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie. A 3-course meal is followed by a viewing of this Oscar nominated movie starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling!
Film Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) & The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street) Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists, visit the website for the schedule of films. Two iconic groups together for one night only!
MUSIC & DANCE:
Mondays Rainbow Room
Rainbow Room (30 Rockefeller Plaza) Don't miss Max Weinberg for dinner seatings on Mondays in November. Also, I l ove that they are serving a special Sunday brunch and dinner & dancing on Friday nights. It's an iconic spot and a must-see! Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz Nights The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Friday Nights Friday Nights to Remember
The Regency Bar & Grill (Loews Regency Hotel - 540 Park Avenue)
Quincy Jones recording artist, Michael Fredo performs every Friday at 7:30pm... get the feel of old school New York jazz with a new twist.
Ongoing New York Live Arts
New York Live Arts (219 West 19th Street)
Chelsea based programs feature the most innovative movements.
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New York Philharmonic
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Winter Season New York Philharmonic
Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Visit the schedule for upcoming concerts through the remainder of the season.
March 25 54 Celebrates David BowieFeinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Some of Broadway and cabaret's top talents come together to pay tribute to the icon. March 27 Sondheim Unplugged
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Annual event features some of Broadway and cabaret's most dynamic voices, accompanied by piano only, honoring the work of Broadway's master composer.
Through March 27 Bargemusic Winter FestivalFulton Ferry Landing - Brooklyn Bridge Bundle up to hear exceptional chamber music presented on a floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge!
March 30 through April 3 1776
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
As part of Encores! Great American Musicals In Concert. Other shows through May 15th.
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Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance
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Through April 3 Paul Taylor's American Modern Dance
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
They will perform two premieres by Paul Taylor - Sullivaniana and Dilly Dilly, plus 14 Taylor classics and (for the first time ever), a work by Martha Graham - Diversion of Angels.
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
The Metropolitan Opera House (Lincoln Center Plaza)
Puccini's immortal tale of tragic young love set amidst the rooftops of bohemian Paris. Madama Butterfly also in production through April, The Marriage of Figaro through March 26th, and Otello April 20th through May 6th.
 Through June 16 LIVE from the NYPLNew York Public Library (11 West 40th Street) Annual Spring Speaker Series... check out the calendar.
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway)
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.
Through October 16
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
Blackbird Through June 12 Belasco Theatre (111 West 44th Street)The star-studded cast includes Michele Williams and Jeff Daniels; they will perform one of the most powerful dramas of the century. An uncomfortable relationship reunites between an older man and a younger woman.
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Bright Star
Through October 9
Cort Theatre (138 West 48th Street)
I have followed Steve Martin's career as an actor and banjo player for many years. I'm delighted that he has expanded his talents as the songwriter of this musical (with Edie Brickell's talents at work also). As he said in an interview, he wanted to create music that would be an anthem to optimism, writing songs that would bring joy to the audience. Buried Child
Through April 3
The New Group at The Pershing Square Signature Center
(480 West 42nd Street)
Sam Shepherd's play will star Ed Harris and Amy Madigan (among other familiar faces) and is the first revival in two decades. The play focuses on the family's economic troubles as seen through the lives of an Illinois farming family.
Cagney
Through July 3
Westside Theatre (407 West 43rd Street)
How exciting - this musical follows the life of James Cagney from the streets of New York to vaudeville, then to a Hollywood tough guy. Now in previews, opens April 3rd through July 3rd. Through August 28
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) A Tony Award Winning play! The lead actor, a graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets. Daddy Long LegsThrough January 8, 2017 Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street)
An upbeat musical that tells the tale of an orphan and her anonymous benefactor.
Dry Powder
Through May 1
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
John Krasinski, Claire Danes, and Hank Azaria star in this funny new drama. Tickets are sold out, but they may release additional tickets.
Eclipsed
Through June 19
John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street)
After a limited run at The Public Theater, this show starring Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o, hits Broadway!
 The Father
Through June 12
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
The infamous Frank Langella stars in Florian Zeller's new play. I've been mesmerized by him since his role as Dracula. Now in previews, opens April 14th through June 12th.
Fiddler on the Roof
Through September 4
Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway)
The acclaimed show returns to Broadway, a favorite of mine. Through December 18
The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.
Through October 9 Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play about seeing your parents through adult eyes.
Hamilton
Hold On To Me DarlingThrough April 17 Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street) Atlantic Theater Company's outstanding new play from acclaimed playwright Kenneth Lonergan examines the cost of fame, fortune, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Hughie
Through March 27
Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street)
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker makes his Broadway debut in Eugene O'Neil's theatrical masterpiece which investigates the themes of loneliness and redemption.
The King and I Through September 4
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
Mike Birbiglia: "Thank God for Jokes"
Through May 29 Lynn Redgrave Theater (49 Bleecker Street) Comedian, writer, and actor, Mike Birbiglia stars in a one-man-show of modern day joke telling. Nice Fish
Through March 27
St. Ann's Warehouse (45 Water Street)
Three time Tony winner and now Academy Award Winner, Mark Rylance, stars in a play about two fisherman waiting for the one last catch of the season!
Through November 20
Marquis Theatre (1535 Broadway)
High-energy performance about Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
Prodigal SonThrough March 27
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Oscar nominated director John Patrick Shanley hits it out of the park once again in an explosive portrait of a young man on the verge of salvation or destruction.  Ruthless
Through June 18
St. Luke's Theatre (308 West 46th Street)
Called "the mother of all musicals," I've seen it and can attest... it's a hilarious show starring 10-year old Tori Murray.
School of RockThrough October 2 I'm a fan of Andrew Lloyd Weber and I'm sure there will no exception to the quality of his newest musical based on the film starring Jack Black. Shuffle Along
Through October 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Six-time award winner Audra McDonald returns to Broadway. Now in previews, opens April 28th through October 9th.
Note: Audra McDonald will not appear in performances from June 19 through September 12, 2016.
 Tuck Everlasting The Musical
March 31 through January 1 Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) If you could live forever, would you? Take a journey you'll never forget in this new musical about love, family, and living life to the fullest! Previews begin March 31st, opens April 26th through January 1st.
ON THE RADAR:
Feinstein's/54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
One of my top Broadway performers, Paulo Szot... Tony Award winner and former star of South Pacific sings songs from Gershwin and Lerner and Lowe. Tickets sell out; order early!
Cafe Carlyle (35 East 76th Street)
An incredible performer in her own right (how could she not be as the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore?)... and don't miss Woody Allen & The Eddy David New Orleans Jazz Band Mondays through June 14th.
April 8 The New York Pops The Music of John Williams: From Spielberg to Star Wars
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Celebrate the career of John Williams, from his 40-year long collaboration with Steven Spielberg to the recent success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
April 11 Mobile Unit: Romeo & Juliet
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette)
The Mobile Shakespeare Unit brings this classic tale to the stage! The Mobile Unit presents free Shakespeare to prisons, homeless shelters, centers for the elderly, and other community venues throughout the five boroughs. They then present the show at The Public Theater, providing New York audiences with low cost tickets to world-class Shakespeare.
April 13 through 24 Tribeca Film Festival
Various locations
Ticket packages are now on sale for this always anticipated annual festival. Individual tickets go on sale March 29th.
April 14 Jerry Seinfeld: The Homestand
The Beacon Theatre (2124 Broadway)
Try to grab tickets for any of the upcoming monthly performances in 2016. April 14 through 17 The Manhattan TransferBlue Note (131 West 3rd) Winners of 10 Grammy Awards, the group is a cornerstone for great pop and jazz hits. April 14 through 18 Martha Graham Dance CompanyNew York City Center (131 West 55th Street) One of my favorite dance companies returns to New York City Center celebrating its 90th anniversary season. April 17 TalkCinema
The Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center (165 West 65th Street)
General admission or season passes available; film series features new independent films... you won't know what you see until you arrive, but you'll be able to discuss the movie afterwards with directors, producers, distributors, critics and each other.
 April 18 through 21 Art of the RealFilm Society of Lincoln Center ( 10 Lincoln Center Plaza) Third annual festival featuring boundary-pushing nonfiction film. April 21 through 26 Tribeca Innovation Week
Various locations Passes available for this week of discussions and festivals around technology, gaming, film, and media.
April 23 A Streetcare Named Desire
St. Ann's Warehouse (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
The iconic production stars X-Files' own Gillian Anderson!
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FOR THE FOODIE
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April 6 Taste of the Lower East Side
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Unlimited tastings and open bars from 50 of the most acclaimed NYC restaurants.
April 16 Wine on Wheels
City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Purchase tickets for wine tasting and silent auction featuring over 200 wines served by over 60 of New York City's most esteemed sommeliers.
April 16 & 17 New York Culinary Experience
The International Culinary Center (462 Broadway)
Hands-on cooking classes and discussions with 30 renowned chefs including Amanda Freitag, Carla Hall, and Gabriel Kreuther.
April 25 NYC Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry
225 Liberty Street
Join the city's finest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists for a night of dining in support of No Kid Hungry's work to end childhood hunger in the America.
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SPECIAL FEATURE: SPRING INTO FITNESS
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WALK:
Try MapmyWalk for Walking routes and trails...
New York Walkers Club
A member-based organization (just $20/year), they offer weekly health walk and race walk instruction clinics, free group walks, as well as walking events throughout the year. Shorewalkers
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Wild Earth Adventures
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HIKE:
For experienced hikers in NY/NJ, check out their scheduled hikes described as long and strenuous, at a moderate-to-fast pace.
Guided hiking and walking trips year-round, visiting some of the most beautiful parks and natural areas in New York (including NYC), New Jersey, Connecticut, and beyond.
Fitness Runs
Starts at 44th Street & 12th Avenue (Hell's Kitchen)
Outdoor classes combine running and strength training. Classes are for all levels.
Membership-based running group; includes runner clinics, group runs, social events, and a member forum to share information and tips. All runs incorporate the Galloway Method (a run-walk-run method, helping with injury prevention).
Multiple Lululemon locations
Weekly group runs - they have a place to change and leave your belongings.
Various Niketown locations
Group sessions led by Nike+ Experts for all skill and preference levels. Check the website for schedule and details.
Structured programs, online coaching, and nutrition counseling available.
WORKOUT:
Central Park CircuitEast Meadow - Central Park Get fit with innovative exercises designed by top trainers to utilize the Park's best natural features: rocks, trails, stairs, hills, and open lawns. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in May. The Rise
Free outdoor workouts... running, core body strength, cross training throughout the city.
Shape Up NYC Free fitness classes every week at dozens of locations across the five boroughs. PRACTICE: |
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Mini Golf
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Mini GolfPier 25 (Hudson River & North Moore Street) The 13,000 square foot, 18-hole professional grade miniature golf course features a waterfall, stream, pond, a cave, footbridges and sand traps. Opens April 15th for the season.
Hudson River Pier Tennis Hudson River & West Houston Street Three free tennis courts are first-come, first 'serve'. Clarkson Street & 7th Avenue Public bocce courts... first-come, first-serve, open to the public.
Play Big AppleA sports and social club... sign up for volleyball, dodgeball, bocce... leagues with the emphasis on socializing and having fun! Riverside Park near 96th Street Red-clay tennis courts, public courts available for a $15 day pass.
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