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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
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Upper East Side Is Hot Neighborhood for Cool Sprinklers

 The Upper East Side offers cool options to beat the heat.
Upper East Side Sprinklers
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UPPER EAST SIDE — It's not easy to beat the heat — but Upper East Siders have got it good when it comes to suriving soaring summer temperatures.

Central Park's lush lawns and expansive shaded paths, for example, are a stone's throw from home for many locals.

On the other side of the neighborhood, several parks and portions of the esplanade allow residents to revel in views of the East River — and relax in the breeze that  comes off the water.

The Upper East Side's outdoor amenities are especially good for children who want to cool down.

DNAinfo.com New York has assembled a list of the top sprinklers around the area.

Carl Schurz Park, York Avenue at East 89th Street

This quiet space makes for a green getaway from the concrete jungle.

The park has amenities, such as plentiful shaded benches for reading and a promenade for strolling, for every member of the family.

Carl Schurz, which features two dog runs, is also a favorite of Fidos.

Parents pick the park, especially in the summer, because of its expansive playground, which includes a somewhat-enclosed water feature.

"It keeps the little kids from getting run over by the big kids," explained Natalie Clare, a mother of three who lives in the neighborhood.

Her 6-year-old, Lillia, didn't seemed too concerned about playing nice, but loved the space.

"I like to run around," she said.

East 96th Street Playground, East 96th Street at Fifth Avenue

Said by the Conservancy to be one of Central Park's most expansive playgrounds, this space boasts extensive equipment as well as open space for games.

Come summer, the sprinkler is a favorite among visitors.

Sharon, a neighborhood native, said it was the perfect place to take her kids on a visit to grandma and grandpa.

"This is a nice sprinkler," said Sharon, who declined to give her last name. "I grew up in the neighborhood, and this is a great place for kids."

Asked what she liked best about the sprinkler, Sharon's 5-year-old daughter Ariella said: "You get wet."

John Jay Park, FDR Drive from East 76th to East 78th Streets

Mini mermaids and mermen will be drawn to this historic park's 145-foot pool.

For sun worshippers who do not want to commit to complete submersion, however, John Jay's playground provides many water features — and ample areas for parents to supervise without getting wet.

"It's very convenient. It's very comfortable," said Shipi Srivastav, who was watching her 7-year-old son, Prithvi, and 12-year-old son, Ayoush. "We have the sand and we have the sprinkler."

James Michael Levin Playground, East 76th Street at Fifth Avenue

Some of this playground's features — such as bucket swings — are "geared toward toddlers," according to the Central Park Conservancy.

One feature of this playground sure to attract kids big and small, however, is an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed concrete fountain.

This water feature, located in the middle of the playground, is perfect for low-key splashing around.

Also check out: Ancient playground, East 85th Street at Fifth Avenue, and Marx Brothers Playground, Second Avenue between East 96th and 97th Streets.

Ancient has an Egyptian motif, influenced by the collections of its neighbor, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

And Marx is a beloved community hub with traditional equipment as well as water sprinklers for splashing.