New waterfront recreational area opens on Pier 42

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — Looking for a perfect spot to unwind by the water and enjoy some leisure time?

A newly developed recreational waterfront area on the Lower East Side between Montgomery Street and Jackson Street, offers play areas, grassy picnic spots, and sports courts, making it the perfect destination for a summer visit.

City officials celebrated the completion of the $50 million revitalization project on Wednesday, which replaced a former parking lot and warehouse on Pier 42 with a public park and restrooms.

“The transformation of Pier 42 establishes a benchmark for integrating green and environmental infrastructure into our urban areas, prioritizing sustainability through native plantings, flood risk mitigation, and biodiversity enhancement,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “I am confident that Pier 42 will now be a favorite Lower East Side destination for fun, recreation, and social interaction. ”

Highlights of the public area include:

• Separate play areas for different age groups featuring play equipment, climbing features, musical play elements, water feature activated by touch-bollard, and swings;
• Sports facilities (soccer field, tennis courts, half-sized basketball courts) and an adult fitness area;
• Comfort Station with a green roof;
• ADA compliant bathrooms with changing stations;
• ADA compliant water fountains;
• Solar powered security lighting;
• Backed benches and informal landscape boulder seating with spaces for companion seating throughout the park;
• Open lawn picnic areas

The revitalization of Pier 42 began in 2012. Funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City of New York.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

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