The park was originally known as Mount Morris Park until it was renamed in 1973 to honor the political activist Marcus Garvey.
The 1857 cast-iron fire watchtower is the only surviving structure of its type in New York City.
The park's dramatic central hill is composed of Manhattan Schist, the same geological formation that supports the city's tallest skyscrapers.
The park is officially designated as a New York City Landmark, reflecting its historical significance to the Harlem community.
The park contains an outdoor swimming pool that was renovated to feature modern facilities and accessible entry points.
The Richard Rodgers Amphitheater is located within the park and serves as a venue for the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.
Marcus Garvey Park is a 20-acre public park in Harlem that is unique for its rugged, hilly terrain and central fire watchtower. It occupies the space between Madison and Fifth Avenues, split by Mount Morris Park West. The park features a large outdoor public swimming pool, multiple playgrounds, and an amphitheater used for community programming. It is one of the few NYC parks not built on a flat plane, resulting in a dramatic, elevated rock formation at its center. The historic fire watchtower, the last remaining structure of its kind in New York City, was restored and reopened for public viewing. The park serves as a hub for local cultural events, including jazz concerts and neighborhood festivals. It is managed by NYC Parks and provides essential green space for the surrounding residential neighborhood.
The base of the historic fire watchtower looking up toward the structure.
Explore the walking paths that lead up to the fire watchtower for an elevated view of the surrounding Harlem architecture.
Check the NYC Parks website for the schedule of free summer concerts held at the amphitheater.
If visiting during summer, bring a swimsuit to use the public pool, as it is a popular facility for locals.
Avoid walking through the park late at night after the park gates are locked.
The outdoor pool is open exclusively during the summer season; check official site for specific annual opening/closing dates.
No glass containers allowed; follow standard NYC Parks rules regarding littering and off-leash dogs in designated areas only.
