Not since Central Park was built 150 years ago has New York City witnessed a project as bold as Hudson River Park. When completed, Hudson River Park will extend along the Manhattan's West Side waterfront from 59th Street to Chambers Street. The Park encompasses 550 acres, including 400 acres of open water that will provide an exciting public venue for boating, touring, fishing, swimming and many other activities.
The Greenwich Village section of the Park is approximately three-quarters of a mile long. It begins immediately north of the Tribeca section and joins the Chelsea section at the Gansevoort Peninsula. The Greenwich Village section opened to the public in May 2003 to rave reviews and large crowds.
Hudson River Park is all about spectacular views and high quality materials with a clean cut finish.
Accessibility into the park was good with wide, gentle ramps.
The heart of the Park will be 13 old maritime piers that are being reconstructed as public park spaces, one of which had a seating area with shelter, and a playground (right of picture). Other piers will include; lawns and gardens, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, ball fields, volleyball courts, community docks, historic boats, a living museum, research and educational facilities, event space, places to eat and much more.
The Esplanade, constructed of bluestone and granite, with aesthetic metal and wood railings and benches in many areas for sitting and enjoining the River, runs the length of the Greenwich Village section and is an attractive area for strolling, jogging and walking. This is paralleled by four miles of tree-shaded lawns, which act as a soft barrier from traffic. There is a pleasing balance of hard and soft materials down this stretch.
There was a road running adjacent to the waterfront that was dedicated for the use of pedestrians and cyclists only, which made it feel very safe.
I really liked this park as it was refreshing, clean and relaxing. Hudson River Park is similar to Bryant Park in terms of a retreat from the city, but with different uses. Bryant seemed more like a community space, whereas Hudson was used more for relaxing exercise. Overall the water element of Hudson River Park made it feel more fresh than Bryant Park.
