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Brooklyn
Fort Greene Park
Myrtle Ave between North Portland Ave and St. Edwards St
Pros
Shady walks overlook the grassy lawns, and thick-trunked trees populate this former site of a Revolutionary War fort.
Cons
BYOG. Also, the park is undergoing renovations which means the chirping of birds is often overwhelmed by the buzzing of power tools.
Manhattan Beach
End of Ocean Ave, north shore of Rockaway inlet
Pros
The area at Oriental Blvd and Hastings St offers shade and a chance to dig your tootsies in the sand while ocean-gazing.
Cons
BYOG. Plus, the site northeast of the promenade has a breathtaking view of the parking lot that dispels the Gatsby-like dream.
Prospect Park
9th St and Prospect Park West
Where to go: Picnic House
Pros
4 grills
Sitting at a table beneath the many trees that grow in Brooklyn will make you forget all about your pathetic, soul-crushing job.
Cons
Don’t count on privacy, but it’s an upgrade for a New Yorker who believes adequate personal space is not sharing an inch of sidewalk with eight other people.
Orchard Beach
Where to go: South Lawn
Pros
29 grills
The beachfront South Lawn is ideal for spending the day deurbanizing the nerves.
Cons
$10 parking fee. (Now that’s a cheap date!)