Sherman Square
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Background
Sherman Square is a small pocket park located at the intersection of Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, and West 70th Street on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City. Named after Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman in 1891, the park occupies a triangular plot of land that was created when Broadway was extended through the area at an angle, disrupting the original street grid.
Park Layout
The fenced-in portion of Sherman Square, which protects its vegetation, covers only 264 square feet (24.5 square meters) and forms a scalene triangle. This green space sits within a larger paved triangle.
The park's dimensions are modest, with 17 feet (5.2 meters) facing 70th Street, 35 feet (11 meters) facing Broadway, and 30 feet (9.1 meters) facing Amsterdam Avenue.
Transformation Over Time
Sherman Square has a complex history. In the 1960s and 1970s, it and the nearby Verdi Square were collectively known as "Needle Park" due to prevalent drug activity in the area.
This notoriety inspired the 1971 film "The Panic in Needle Park". However, the park and surrounding neighborhood have since undergone significant changes and revitalization efforts.
Current Role
Today, Sherman Square provides a small green oasis in the bustling Upper West Side. It provides a spot for local residents and passersby to pause and enjoy a moment of respite amidst the urban environment.
The park's location at a busy intersection means it sees a steady flow of foot traffic and functions as a recognizable landmark in the neighborhood.
