Address: Lorimer Street &, Boerum St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Website: Sternberg Park Page
Hours Of Operation:
6 am to 1 am, 7 days a week
There’s nothing quite like soccer in the Big Apple. That’s why we’ve partnered with multiple pickup leagues across New York City to bring you all more field options! These leagues host their matches year-round on dozens of unique pitches across NYC, and as part of this partnership, we are bringing Plei App games to their spaces in order to fill in on days that the leagues aren’t running.
That being said, these blogs will answer all the questions that you usually ask before you head out to play some ball, like…
Is it a 6v6, 7v7, 8v8 or 9v9 field? Artificial grass or natural? What are the exact measurements? Where should I park? What subway train do I take and where do I get off? Are there good food/drink options nearby? Are there any other cool things to do or see in the surrounding area?
Fear not: all these questions and more will be answered within each blog, so you can confidently suit up, head out and have fun playing some pickup footy, New York style. 🗽😎
We’re back for more in Williamsburg, this time hitting yet another public park in this trendy neighborhood.
Introducing Sternberg Park, a humble outdoor green area bordering Montrose Avenue, Lorimer Street, Boerum Street and Leonard Street. Named after an activist known as Frances Hamburger Sternberg, this park actually offers a taste of old-school Williamsburg, providing quite the stark contrast compared to the hip, modern atmosphere that the majority of the neighborhood is typically known for.
Besides the large turf field space that we’re going to dive into detail about in the next section, the park also offers basketball & handball courts, a playground, fitness equipment and a dog park.
Take the stage at Sternberg Park and dance the night away.
By stage, we’re referring to the synthetic turf soccer field, of course.
Featuring lines for both baseball and soccer, this sprawling turf space is large enough to accommodate 10-a-side encounters, but its size also means that it can be divided into three smaller fields for 6v6, 7v7 or 8v8 games.
On the Plei App, we’ll be offering 8v8 matches.
Fun fact: the synthetic turf field at Sternberg Park was installed by NYC Parks in 2021, and has been a prime destination in Williamsburg for local ballers and leagues since then.
All of our pickup games that take place here are hosted thanks to a partnership with Brooklyn Pickup Soccer Club. Find them available on the Plei App today. 📲
The Plei App first hosted a pickup game at Sternberg Park on February 25, 2024, and we continue to play here today.
A huge plus about Sternberg Park is that there is plenty of parking available, something that many public parks throughout New York City can’t really boast.
Perpendicular parking is available park-side along Leonard Street. On Boerum Street, you’ll find even more perpendicular parking spots, as well as multiple full-fledged lots. We listed them below.
As an alternative, parallel parking is available along all four border streets.
Long story short, Sternberg Park is one of the best car-accessible parks in all of New York City.
Out of all the public parks that the Plei App has partnered with, it also happens to be one of the closest to the nearest subway station.
Make that two, actually.
Broadway (G service)
Lorimer St (J & M service)
The turf field space at Sternberg Park is fully gated, but like most public fields in NYC, there are a number of gate openings you can take to access the space. We listed them below for your convenience.
Regardless, we want to prepare for the worst. Here are the entrances you can take in order to access the turf field at this park.
In such a vibrant community like the one Williamsburg offers, there is plenty to check out outside of Sternberg Park. Bear in mind, what we’re going to recommend does require some walking.
The neighborhood is known for its art scene, so your best bet in terms of entertainment and killing time is to take a nice stroll. It doesn’t necessarily matter what direction, either.
Nevertheless, we’ll provide you with some key destinations to guide you as you explore the artistic atmosphere of Williamsburg.
For starters, check out this beautiful mural, known as the Mona Lisa of Williamsburg. You’ll find it at the corner of Broadway and Bedford Avenues.
A hip community also calls for a number of promising dining options, and the nearby Williamsburg area doesn’t disappoint. Here are the Plei App picks that you can check out for some affordable food options before you head home.
Baby Blues Luncheonette (Located on Montrose Avenue. Just head east and it’ll be halfway down the next block over from the park.) - Check out this cozy Greek/American spot, an interesting mix of a coffee shop and retro diner. Most of the decor is colored baby blue, and you’ll notice shelves of VHS tapes. Enjoy simple, satisfying dishes like buttery scrambled eggs with pita and halloumi or baklava banana bread with a banana date smoothie.
19 Café (Head east down Boerum Street and make a right onto the east end of Pomus Place. Your destination will be right before you hit McKibbin Street.) - Mellow option for coffee, tea & a unique range of American & Pan-Asian sandwiches, soups & noodles.
China Express (Head either west down Montrose Avenue or Boerum Street, then go either down or up on Union Avenue; it’ll be right in the middle of the block, directly across the fire station.) - Just your typical NYC Chinese takeout joint, but we had to include it because it just never gets old. Not to mention that this particular one is quite popular, so you’ll have to give it a try.
This rugged park offers a taste of old-school Williamsburg that makes it a popular destination for athletes, dog owners, and families alike. The popular synthetic turf field attracts athletes from many sports, including football, baseball, and more. On the southern end of the park, you can find a well-loved dog park, handball and basketball courts, and a large area dedicated to children.
The City of New York acquired this property in 1919. Although the Board of Aldermen (predecessor to the City Council) approved the site for a park that year, it was not without some controversy due to the many occupants living on this particular block at the time. After much debate, the City Comptroller’s Office decided in 1924 that a playground was a much-needed addition to this densely populated area, and the existing buildings were demolished although they were occupied.
Originally known as Williamsburg Park, in 1925 it was officially named Lindsay Park, in honor of George H. Lindsay (1837-1916), a congressman representing Williamsburg from 1901 to 1913. The original 1.84-acre park was expanded by local law in 1964 adding over two acres via the Urban Renewal Plan.
In addition to the park’s existing play equipment, basketball courts, and handball courts, NYC Parks built a new synthetic turf field in the park in 2021.
