Hudson River Park Trust expects to begin construction this spring on Gansevoort Peninsula Park, Manhattan’s first public beach. Located on the Hudson River waterfront near Pier 53 at Little West 12th Street, the 5.5-acre project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
In January 2019, the Hudson River Park Trust comissioned James Corner Field Operations to complete the expanded park. The scope of work was well-received by Community Board 2 as well as city agencies.
In addition to the public beach, the peninsula will also include multiple kayak slips, a large lawn with ample seating, a large sports field, a salt marsh with habitat enhancements on the north side, a dog run, and on its western side, picnic tables and a large permanent installation coordinated by The Whitney Museum of American Art. From artist David Hammons, the structure is titled Day’s End and will take the shape of a warehouse formerly located on Pier 52.
Rendering of Gansevoort Peninsula’s Upland Beach – James Corner Field Operations
Rendering of Gansevoort Peninsula’s Public Beach – James Corner Field Operations
“Gansevoort Peninsula will be a spectacular public space for all New Yorkers, whether they’re enjoying Manhattan’s first public beach, playing on the ball fields, or looking out in the salt marsh,” said Madelyn Wils, president and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust. “As Hudson River Park moves closer to completion, we are excited to be in position to start construction on one of our signature projects this coming spring. Thank you to our funding partner, the City of New York, for its support of what will be the largest single green space in Hudson River Park.”
Gansevoort Peninsula is just one of several ongoing projects underway at Hudson River Park. Construction costs for the new public areas draw financing from more than $1 billion of funds collectively provided by the City of New York, private partnerships, and donations.
In September, Hudson River Park Trust opened Pier 26, the first new public pier to open in the park in a decade to much acclaim. The park features a first-of-its-kind tide deck, a sunning lawn, a sports court for children’s play, and multiple lounge areas with sprawling views of the city skyline and Hudson River.
“We are thrilled that the trust is continuing to build on the success of the recently opened and very popular Pier 26 with the redevelopment of Gansevoort Peninsula,” said deputy mayor Vicki Been. “The city is proud to invest in expanding open spaces for New Yorkers and moving the Hudson River Park one step closer to completion.”
Rendering of Gansevoort Peninsula’s Public Ball Field – James Corner Field Operations
Aerial Rendering of Gansevoort Peninsula – James Corner Field Operations
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It was streamlined project, and this is not street-smarts but streamlining on public: Thanks to New York YIMBY.
I’m not sure I would call that a beach… more like a sand pit.
Cats love to poop in those. My 5 year old self can confirm this.
great news i have been waiting to see or hear some movement on this park. the beach is just silly, i dc about that. i am upset about one thing though, they removed the last remnant of 13th avenue. it was a little brick road stretch back there that was cool looking and was historic. thats a big fail.
What? No ‘Supertall Beach’..
Why the overhead grid structure?
It’s the outline of a ship pier — a trace of the past where a famous ship might have berthed…
This looks totally amazing and is just fantastic for the city. Love it and can’t wait to use it.
A beach in Manhattan? Good greif… ??
G-r-i-e-f
Gut Greif
The upper east side has no parkland and a sliver of always under repair walkway barely wide enough for single file traffic in each direction when bikes are not present but sure, we’ll build yet another park for the west side…
Evan – walk a couple blocks to the west!
Fun fact: a sandy beach originally lined the west side of the island from the southern tip all the way up to 42nd St. So Manhattan is just getting back to its roots. Check out the book “Mannahatta” if you want to learn more about the natural history of New York.
Also not to forget the large sandy expanse that existed on the shores of the Hudson River below Canal for years (before Battery Park City was built there. This, as a result of the landfill from the original World Trade Center excavations being dumped there.The land area of Manhattan has expanded appreciably into the surrounding East & Hudson rivers over the centuries as a result of landfill. Unfortunately, if we do not take measure to stem climate change, waterfront property may become a liability instead of an asset.
Anyone check the water quality of the Hudson River?
And how will they keep rats away?
How are would-be users to access the park?
Is the Hudson River clean and safe for swimming and do the currents in the river pose any safety problems?
Lol, you cant swim in the Hudson, currents would wreck you or me
As I’ve said here before, Meanwhile the East River Esplanade in Yorkville and East Harlem crumbles into the river.
Love it and will spend countless hours there, but the huge allocation of space to ball fields is a serious waste. Other piers already focus heavily on sporting uses and cannot be used for anything else.
What’s really needed along the river in that area is a grand lawn where people can simply relax in the sun/shade and do nothing.
always love more recreation space but the “first public beach” claim is a bit generous… this development at most like 2% sand lol
also most beaches dont require massive boulders forming a wall between the sand and body of water preventing anyone from daring to enter said body of water.
Why the ugly pole structure over the beach? Is the Hudson clean and safe enough to swim?