“From coastal resiliency and sustainable green practices to the preservation of affordable housing, world-class public art, and vibrant, year-round programming in award-winning public spaces, Battery Park City leads the way in many of the measures that makes cities livable."
As we reflect on the anniversary of September 11, 2001 and pay tribute to those who were so deeply affected by tragedy, we are reminded of the tremendous progress that has been made since that horrific day. Over the past 14 years, there are certainly many factors that can be attributed to the remarkable recovery of the neighborhood. However, perhaps the most important attribute has been the selfless spirit and devotion exhibited by the stories of Battery Park City residents and workers as they offered support to neighbors and helped restore the community in the hours, weeks and months following the devastating attack. Those who were present during those grueling days are a true inspiration to us all. We remain grateful for their dedication and service to our extraordinary community.
9/11 REMEMBRANCE EVENTS
NYPD Memorial for Fallen Officers
Where: BPC Police Memorial
When: Thursday, September 10, 1:00 PM
The NYPD Emerald Society Pipes and Drums 9/11 Memorial Service will include bands from around the metropolitan area in addition to the Marine Corps Band. A memorial service and roll call will be taken for fallen officers.
9/11 Community Evening
Where: National September 11 Memorial Museum
When: Thursday, September 10, 5:00 PM – Close
Similar to last year, the Museum will be reserved exclusively for 9/11 and 1993 family members, 9/11 rescue and recovery workers, active duty first responders, 9/11 survivors and lower Manhattan residents and business owners.
Family Playdoh “Crafternoon” at the Battery Park City Library
When: Thursday, September 10, 4:00 PM
Bring the whole family to the library and create your own playdoh to take home! This program involves fine and gross motor skills, and is open to children of all ages with adult accompaniment to help with the mixing. Space is limited to the first 25 children and their caregivers.
First Nations Australia Writers Network Reading at the Poets House
When: Thursday, September 10, 7:00 PM
Hear six voices representing the most recent developments in literary traditions that can trace an unbroken history of Indigenous storytelling back more than 70,000 years. In a special partnership, First Nations Australia Writers’ Network [www.fnawn.com.au] brings writers, poets and storytellers to the Poets House as part of an international tour. Cathy Craigie, First Nations Australia Writers’ Network Founder and Executive Director, will introduce Dr. Jeanine Leane, Dub Leffler, Melissa Lucashenko, Bruce Pascoe, Dr. Jared Thomas and Ellen Van Neervan.
Tensegrity Model Workshop at the Skyscraper Museum
When: Saturday, September 12, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
What is tensegrity? It’s a structural principle based on compression and tension. In this hands-on workshop, kids will learn about the forces of tension and compression through a series of experiments. Kids will build their own tensegrity models while learning some history along the way. Ages 8-14. RSVP required. RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling 212-945-6324.
Curator’s Tour of the Skyscraper Museum
When: Friday, September 18, 3:00 PM
Director and Curator Carol Willis will lead a curator’s tour of the museum’s new exhibition “TEN TOPS.” TEN TOPS focuses on the world’s tallest buildings: those which are 100 stories or higher. Highlighting ten towers in their categorical context, TEN TOPS peers into their uppermost floors and analyzes the skyscrapers’ architectural features. Curator’s tours are free with admission. No RSVP required.
The 14th Annual Battery Park City Block Party at Esplanade Plaza and Kowsky Plaza
When: Sunday, September 20, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The 14th annual Battery Park City Block Party will be held on Esplanade Plaza and Kowsky Plaza. This yearly celebration features local musicians and entertainment, children’s rides, food from area restaurants and a flea market sponsored by BPC seniors.
Origami “Crafternoon” at the Battery Park City Library
When: Thursday, September 24, 4:00 PM
Learn how to craft your very own frog to take home, using origami paper! We’ll read an amphibious story. This program involves fine motor skills and is open to children of all ages who bring an adult to help with the folding. Space is limited to the first 25 children and their caregivers.
Screening of Paragraph 175 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage
When: Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Paragraph 175—15th Anniversary (2000, 81 min., English, French and German with English subtitles)
Named for the infamous Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code that targeted homosexuals, this documentary tells the story of how gay men and lesbians went from being a part of a vibrant subculture of artists and intellectuals in Germany to being systematically persecuted under the Nazi regime.
Join us for a pre-screening discussion with Dr. Dagmar Herzog, Distinguished Professor, CUNY Graduate Center, author of Sex after Fascism and Sexuality in Europe: A Twentieth-Century History
Free museum admission to the special exhibition Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933-1945 for all ticketholders. See the exhibition before it closes on October 2.
Here’s a look into some of the BPC Parks programming offered this Fall. For a complete list, please visit https://bpca.ny.gov
Go Fish! A Day of Fishing and Family Fun at Wagner Park
When: Saturday, September 19, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Catch-and-Release Fishing, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Join BPCA’s Master Anglers and drop a line for some of the 30-plus species of fish that live in New York Bay (the Hudson River’s estuary). During Go Fish, barbless hooks minimize injuries to both fish and participants. Fish are placed in saltwater tanks for observation and identification before being released back into the Hudson. Live demonstrations and displays teach fish anatomy and heighten awareness of the ecology, marine life and current state of the Hudson River and its estuary. Rods, reels and bait are provided for those who don’t bring their own.
Art Projects, 11:00 AM
Drop in on fish-related art projects.
Bird Watching, 11:00 AM
Search with an experienced birder for species that live in or migrate through BPC Parks. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Family Performance featuring Arm of the Sea Theater, 12:00 PM
Arm of the Sea Theater will perform their newest production, Hook, Line & Sinker, with larger-than-life puppets, live music and special effects revealing the Hudson River’s complexities.
Turtle Day at Wagner Park
When: Saturday, September 19, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Meet the turtles from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center and learn about these amazing animals from one of their knowledgeable naturalists.
Family Art Tour & Workshop at Teardrop Park
When: Sunday, September 20, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Join our contemporary art historian for tours of Battery Park City’s public art or participate in art-making activities for families.
Explore ideas within the artistic rock formations with an art expert and Dr. Patricia Nadeau, a volcanologist from the American Museum of Natural History. Come and make your own volcano. Materials will be provided.
Profile: A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK INTO THE BPC PARKS’ HORTICULTURE PROGRAM
As a follow-up to last month’s profile piece on Eric “T” Fleisher, Director of Horticulture with BPC Parks, we are taking a behind-the-scenes look into the BPC Parks Horticulture Department. Check out the video to the right for a glimpse into the BPC Parks composting facility and see the effort behind Battery Park City’s lush gardens and landscapes.
