Imagine a new waterfront space in Manhattan, opening up 2.5 acres of fresh air and fun. This is Pier 97, the latest addition to Hudson River Park, and it’s designed for everyone to enjoy. It’s more than just a pier; it’s a carefully crafted area for recreation and relaxation, bringing exciting new features to the West Side.
Discovering Pier 97
Pier 97 offers a wonderful mix of activities for visitors. You can find a fantastic playground, a sports field, and a relaxing lawn. There are also spots with beautiful views to simply sit and enjoy the scenery. The design has been shaped by what the community wanted, making it a place that truly feels like it belongs to everyone.
The project cost around $47.5 million and has been in the works for a while, with planning starting in 2018. Portions of the pier began welcoming people in December 2023, and now it’s almost fully open. It’s located across from West 57th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, making it easily accessible for many.
Playground Adventure
For families with younger children, the playground is a major highlight. It features a thrilling 26-foot-high rope climbing structure that looks like a ship’s hull, offering a fun challenge. During warmer months, there are also water spray features, perfect for cooling off on a sunny day.
The playground is situated in a part of the pier that is naturally sheltered from the wind. This thoughtful design choice helps to make it enjoyable for use throughout the year. It’s also conveniently located near public restrooms, adding to the comfort of a family visit.
What kind of playground is there?
The playground at Pier 97 is designed to be exciting and safe. It includes a large rope climbing structure and water spray features for fun in warmer weather.
It’s built in a wind-sheltered spot to encourage year-round use and is close to public restrooms for convenience.
Sports and Relaxation
Adults and older kids will appreciate the 120-foot-long synthetic turf field. This versatile space can be used for many different sports and activities, providing a great place for active fun. Nearby, a large, sloping lawn covers 7,600 square feet, offering a beautiful green space for lounging and getting some sun.
Interesting sculptural structures have been added to provide shade across the pier. For a unique experience, an all-ages granite slide connects an elevated overlook on the northern edge to the main level of the pier below. This overlook area also features a shaded belvedere, perfect for taking in the surroundings.
Is there a place to play sports?
Yes, there is a 120-foot-long synthetic turf field available for various sports and activities.
You can also enjoy the large, sloping lawn and shaded areas for relaxation and play.
Scenic Views and Amenities
The sunset deck is a truly special feature, offering a prime spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s equipped with bistro tables and chaise lounges, providing comfortable seating. Two-tiered walls also offer additional seating, all while providing stunning, unobstructed views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
The pier also includes flexible gathering areas, perfect for events or simply a quiet moment surrounded by over 16,000 square feet of flowers and plants. A walking promenade runs along the southern edge of the pier, providing a lovely path to stroll and enjoy the waterfront.
Where can I see the sunset?
The sunset deck is specifically designed for watching the sunset, complete with comfortable seating and beautiful views.
You can also enjoy scenic walks along the promenade on the southern edge of the pier.
Future Additions
Construction is nearly finished on a new park building located just north of Pier 97. This building will house public restrooms, a concession stand for snacks, and a small area for park maintenance. The roof will feature solar panels, and the Trust will be seeking proposals for a food vendor to operate the concession.
This new building is expected to open this winter, adding even more convenience for visitors. The Hudson River Park Trust also has plans to welcome a historic vessel to be berthed on the south side of Pier 97, further enhancing the maritime character of the area. I’m always looking for places where my daughter Sofia and her younger sister Emma can have new experiences, and these additions sound promising.
When will the new park building open?
The new park building, which will include restrooms and a concession, is expected to open this winter.
This building will add important amenities, making the pier more convenient for visitors.
Connecting to Trails
The Trust is working with the New York State Department of Transportation to improve the existing bicycle and pedestrian paths between West 57th Street and West 59th Street. These planned improvements are being funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant.
Once completed, these upgrades will create a seamless connection to the Empire State Trail. This will link Hudson River Park directly with Riverside Park South, offering a fantastic continuous route for cyclists and walkers exploring the city’s waterfront. This kind of connectivity is wonderful for families who enjoy active outings through the city.
Are there bike paths nearby?
Yes, improvements are planned to connect the pier area to the Empire State Trail.
These enhancements will create a seamless link for cyclists and pedestrians between different parks.
Community Design Input
The design of Pier 97 was significantly influenced by input from the local community. This collaborative approach ensured that the pier would meet the needs and desires of the people who will use it most. Manhattan Community Board 4 shared its vision early on, emphasizing the need for recreational spaces.
Specific requests included areas for ball sports, a playground with water features, and flexible spaces suitable for activities like yoga or sunbathing. As the design process evolved, feedback from the community continued to be incorporated by the Trust and the design team. This ensures the final features are practical and well-received.
How was the pier designed?
The design was shaped by extensive community input, with local boards sharing their visions for the space.
Key requests included areas for sports, a water playground, and flexible spaces for various activities.
Funding and Collaboration
The development of Pier 97 was made possible through significant funding. The majority of the construction costs, approximately $40.8 million, came from New York State’s Capital Budget. Additional financial support included $6.7 million from the proceeds of a Transferable Development Right sale completed by the Trust in 2018.
This project is part of a larger effort by the Hudson River Park Trust to enhance the waterfront. The Trust operates as a partnership between New York State and New York City to develop and manage Hudson River Park. This collaboration leads to incredible public spaces like Pier 97.
Who funded the pier construction?
Funding primarily came from New York State’s Capital Budget and proceeds from a development right sale.
The project highlights a strong partnership between New York State and New York City.
Completing the Waterfront Vision
The opening of Pier 97 marks a significant milestone, nearly completing the full build-out of Hudson River Park. Last fall saw the opening of the Gansevoort Peninsula, which is the largest stand-alone recreational space in the park and even features Manhattan’s first public beach. Earlier this year, the Pier 26 Science Playground opened, offering a marine-science themed play area inspired by the Hudson River’s sturgeon.
These developments show a sustained commitment to creating diverse and engaging public spaces along the Hudson River. The ongoing design for the adjacent Estuarium further promises educational and recreational opportunities. If you’re considering a trip to New York City for 2026, checking out these newly developed waterfront areas would be fantastic. You can find more details about activities in NYC at our top things to do in NYC.
What other new spaces are in Hudson River Park?
The Gansevoort Peninsula recently opened as the park’s largest recreational space, including a public beach.
The Pier 26 Science Playground offers a marine-science themed play area for children.
This new pier offers a wonderful blend of active play and peaceful relaxation, creating a valuable new asset for New York City.
