New park opens along the Hudson River with public seating, playground

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A new park opened Tuesday on Manhattan’s west side, Pier 97, brings a neglected pier back to life and connects more of New York City’s waterfront.

The new 2.5-acre park, which connects Hudson River Park with Riverside Park, includes a playground, athletic field and tables and chairs surrounded by greenery.

It’s the latest in an ongoing revamp of the Hudson River waterfront.

“Over 30 years ago, planners for Hudson River Park envisioned transforming 13 neglected Manhattan piers into a new public park that would reclaim our waterfront and enhance our city’s environment,” said Noreen Doyle, president of Hudson River Park Trust. “As the northernmost of these piers, the completion of Pier 97 is a significant milestone.”

The park still has some features underway, like a new building north of the pier with public restrooms and concessions and a bike and pedestrian lane between West 57th and 59th streets.

The pier was originally built between 1921 and 1934, when it served as a hub for a Swedish passenger shipping line. It has been used as a parking lot for the Department of Sanitation, and made a famous appearance in the opening of “Taxi Driver,” according to the Hudson River Park Trust.

All in all, public parks and piers span from Pier 25 in Tribecca to Pier 97 in Hell’s Kitchen, including Gansevoort Peninsula , Manhattan’s first public beach opened in 2023.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .

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