Parks

Parks

Parks

Battery Park City is a destination for its parks and beautiful public realm. We do this by keeping our natural assets of Battery Park City accessible, safe, and clean for today and tomorrow’s users through proactive directed investments and maintaining best-in-class condition of our footpaths, fixtures, and other public service amenities. We also do this by continuing to cultivate gardens that showcase artistry and reinforce urban ecology. The Authority’s Park Operations team works year-round to maintain Battery Park City’s world-class parks and public spaces for the enjoyment of all. In keeping with the high standards that have helped define Battery Park City for decades work continues across the neighborhood’s 36 acres of open public space including the lawn maintenance, planting bulbs, trimming/replacing damaged trees, emptying trash receptacles, and deep cleaning dog runs.

    • ESPLANADE PLAZA

    • On the Esplanade, just south of North Cove
    Filler
    ESPLANADE PLAZA

    A large plaza on the southern end of North Cove Marina, Esplanade Plaza features plantings, seating, volleyball court, with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and lower New York Harbor. Often a place of local gathering, the plaza also plays host to numerous community dances performed as part of BPCA’s free outdoor programming.

    • BELVEDERE PLAZA

    • North side of North Cove, elevated above the Esplanade
    Filler
    BELVEDERE PLAZA

    Belvedere Plaza is a semicircular redoubt located on elevated northwest corner above North Cove Marina, above the Battery Park City Esplanade. Just south of BPC’s Ferry Terminal and steps away from some of Brookfield Place’s dining options, this quiet area plays home to BPCA’s Strings-on-Hudson outdoor classical musical series each summer.

    Opened: 1995
    Architects: Mitchell/Giurgola
    Landscape Architects: Child Associates
    Artist: Martin Puryear

    • The Esplanade

    • A sidewalk the length of Battery Park City
    Filler
    The Esplanade

    The Esplanade runs the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Historic Battery Park. With its views of the Hudson River and New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New Jersey shoreline, the Esplanade is a pedestrian paradise. Parks and gardens line the entire route, along with numerous sculptures and public art installations.

    Opened in stages: 1986-1996
    Designer: Hanna Olin

    • Kowsky Plaza

    • East of Esplanade Plaza, south of North Cove
    Filler
    Kowsky Plaza

    This quiet plaza — named after former Police Department Chaplain Monsignor John J. Kowsky — features a small playground for toddlers, a shady bosque and picnic tables. Popular with both dog owners and passersby, the dog run sets a new standard for imaginative canine exercise. Mounds and water-filled bowls allow dogs to jump, perch and splash.

    It’s a Dog’s Life in BPC (PDF)

    Opened: 2005
    Architect: WXY Architecture
    Landscape Architect: Signe Nielsen

    • North Cove

    • On the river between Liberty St and Vesey St
    Filler
    North Cove

    A beautiful treasure in Battery Park City, the North Cove Marina offers public access to the waterfront and incredible views of the Hudson.

    Please feel free to contact Simon Bryan, Regional Director of Operations for Island Global Yachting to inquire further about North Cove Marina’s offerings or visit IGY’s web page for more details on their North Cove Marina location.

    Simon Bryan
    Regional Director of Operations
    sbryan@igymarinas.com
    954‐552‐2837

     

    Opened: 1988
    Artists: Scott Burton & Siah Armajani
    Architect: Cesar Pelli
    Landscape Architect: M. Paul Friedberg

    • Rector Park

    • South End Ave at Rector Place, between West Thames & Albany St
    Filler
    Rector Park

    Rector Park was designed by the Authority and Innocenti-Webel and Vollmer Associates. Its twin gardens are quiet and protected. They offer a pleasant place to rest or read, have a quiet lunch, or watch your baby nap; no active recreation please.

    Opened: 1985
    Designer: Innocenti & Webel

    • Wagner Park

    • Just north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place
    Filler
    Wagner Park

    NOTE: Wagner Park is closed as part of ongoing construction for the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2025.

    A wonderful mix of open lawns and intensively planted gardens, threaded through with paths and walkways, Wagner Park is a place to explore. The Park Pavilions contain a restaurant, and its public roof deck affords breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Public telephone and restrooms are available at this location.

    The park is named in honor of Robert F. Wagner, Jr., son of three-term New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner (1954-1965), and distinguished civil servant who helped negotiate Battery Park City’s 1979 Master Plan.

    Opened: 1996
    Architect: Olin Partnership and Machado & Silvetti
    Landscape Architect: Lynden Miller

    • Rockefeller Park

    • North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace
    Filler
    Rockefeller Park

    Rockefeller Park contains most of Battery Park City’s wide lawns, as well as a large playground, plantings and gardens, several public art pieces, and a sheltered pavilion. Restrooms and public telephones are located at the Park House where BPC Parks staff are also available to provide assistance and information.

    The park is named in honor of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who signed the Battery Park City Authority Act in 1968, establishing Battery Park City for generations of New Yorkers and visitors to come.

    Opened: 1992
    Architect: Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell
    Landscape Architects: Oehme Van Sweden & Donna Walcavage

    • South Cove

    • On the Esplanade, between First Place and Third Place
    Filler
    South Cove

    South Cove is a place based artwork, the result of a collaboration between an artist (Mary Miss), a landscape architect (Susan Child) and an architect (Stan Eckstut). The piece incorporates natural materials, plantings, constructed elements, and the water and sky themselves to create a beautiful and very moving environment.

    Opened: 1988
    Artist: Mary Miss
    Landscape Architect: Susan Child
    Architect: Stan Eckstut

    • Teardrop Park

    • Between Warren St and Murray St, east of River Terrace
    Filler
    Teardrop Park

    WATCH: BPCA Presents: Public Art on Video – Teardrop Park (with Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil)

    Teardrop Park was designed by innovative landscape architect Michael Van Valkenberg. It features public art by Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil, a children’s slide, sand boxes, water play, a reading area with rock seats, places to “rock hop,” naturalistic plantings, and much, much more for park lovers to discover.

    Opened: 2004
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • Teardrop Park South

    • Between Murray and Vesey St, north of the Irish Hunger Memorial
    Filler
    Teardrop Park South

    Teardrop Park South is a recent addition, designed by Michael Van Vaulkenburgh and Associates, which has brought a quiet space available for activities such as reading and picnicking. There are rock formations, lovely plantings, a small amphitheater, and two fountains to enjoy.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • West Thames Park

    • West street, between Albany St and W Thames St
    Filler
    West Thames Park

    West Thames Park offers a large playground designed for children up to the age of 12. Water play, sand, climbing structures and a basketball court for younger children are included. Basketball half courts for teens and adults are located North of the playground with a large lawn available for play in between.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Signe Neilsen

    • ESPLANADE PLAZA

    • On the Esplanade, just south of North Cove
    Filler
    ESPLANADE PLAZA

    A large plaza on the southern end of North Cove Marina, Esplanade Plaza features plantings, seating, volleyball court, with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and lower New York Harbor. Often a place of local gathering, the plaza also plays host to numerous community dances performed as part of BPCA’s free outdoor programming.

    • BELVEDERE PLAZA

    • North side of North Cove, elevated above the Esplanade
    Filler
    BELVEDERE PLAZA

    Belvedere Plaza is a semicircular redoubt located on elevated northwest corner above North Cove Marina, above the Battery Park City Esplanade. Just south of BPC’s Ferry Terminal and steps away from some of Brookfield Place’s dining options, this quiet area plays home to BPCA’s Strings-on-Hudson outdoor classical musical series each summer.

    Opened: 1995
    Architects: Mitchell/Giurgola
    Landscape Architects: Child Associates
    Artist: Martin Puryear

    • The Esplanade

    • A sidewalk the length of Battery Park City
    Filler
    The Esplanade

    The Esplanade runs the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Historic Battery Park. With its views of the Hudson River and New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New Jersey shoreline, the Esplanade is a pedestrian paradise. Parks and gardens line the entire route, along with numerous sculptures and public art installations.

    Opened in stages: 1986-1996
    Designer: Hanna Olin

    • Kowsky Plaza

    • East of Esplanade Plaza, south of North Cove
    Filler
    Kowsky Plaza

    This quiet plaza — named after former Police Department Chaplain Monsignor John J. Kowsky — features a small playground for toddlers, a shady bosque and picnic tables. Popular with both dog owners and passersby, the dog run sets a new standard for imaginative canine exercise. Mounds and water-filled bowls allow dogs to jump, perch and splash.

    It’s a Dog’s Life in BPC (PDF)

    Opened: 2005
    Architect: WXY Architecture
    Landscape Architect: Signe Nielsen

    • North Cove

    • On the river between Liberty St and Vesey St
    Filler
    North Cove

    A beautiful treasure in Battery Park City, the North Cove Marina offers public access to the waterfront and incredible views of the Hudson.

    Please feel free to contact Simon Bryan, Regional Director of Operations for Island Global Yachting to inquire further about North Cove Marina’s offerings or visit IGY’s web page for more details on their North Cove Marina location.

    Simon Bryan
    Regional Director of Operations
    sbryan@igymarinas.com
    954‐552‐2837

     

    Opened: 1988
    Artists: Scott Burton & Siah Armajani
    Architect: Cesar Pelli
    Landscape Architect: M. Paul Friedberg

    • Rector Park

    • South End Ave at Rector Place, between West Thames & Albany St
    Filler
    Rector Park

    Rector Park was designed by the Authority and Innocenti-Webel and Vollmer Associates. Its twin gardens are quiet and protected. They offer a pleasant place to rest or read, have a quiet lunch, or watch your baby nap; no active recreation please.

    Opened: 1985
    Designer: Innocenti & Webel

    • Wagner Park

    • Just north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place
    Filler
    Wagner Park

    NOTE: Wagner Park is closed as part of ongoing construction for the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2025.

    A wonderful mix of open lawns and intensively planted gardens, threaded through with paths and walkways, Wagner Park is a place to explore. The Park Pavilions contain a restaurant, and its public roof deck affords breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Public telephone and restrooms are available at this location.

    The park is named in honor of Robert F. Wagner, Jr., son of three-term New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner (1954-1965), and distinguished civil servant who helped negotiate Battery Park City’s 1979 Master Plan.

    Opened: 1996
    Architect: Olin Partnership and Machado & Silvetti
    Landscape Architect: Lynden Miller

    • Rockefeller Park

    • North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace
    Filler
    Rockefeller Park

    Rockefeller Park contains most of Battery Park City’s wide lawns, as well as a large playground, plantings and gardens, several public art pieces, and a sheltered pavilion. Restrooms and public telephones are located at the Park House where BPC Parks staff are also available to provide assistance and information.

    The park is named in honor of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who signed the Battery Park City Authority Act in 1968, establishing Battery Park City for generations of New Yorkers and visitors to come.

    Opened: 1992
    Architect: Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell
    Landscape Architects: Oehme Van Sweden & Donna Walcavage

    • South Cove

    • On the Esplanade, between First Place and Third Place
    Filler
    South Cove

    South Cove is a place based artwork, the result of a collaboration between an artist (Mary Miss), a landscape architect (Susan Child) and an architect (Stan Eckstut). The piece incorporates natural materials, plantings, constructed elements, and the water and sky themselves to create a beautiful and very moving environment.

    Opened: 1988
    Artist: Mary Miss
    Landscape Architect: Susan Child
    Architect: Stan Eckstut

    • Teardrop Park

    • Between Warren St and Murray St, east of River Terrace
    Filler
    Teardrop Park

    WATCH: BPCA Presents: Public Art on Video – Teardrop Park (with Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil)

    Teardrop Park was designed by innovative landscape architect Michael Van Valkenberg. It features public art by Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil, a children’s slide, sand boxes, water play, a reading area with rock seats, places to “rock hop,” naturalistic plantings, and much, much more for park lovers to discover.

    Opened: 2004
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • Teardrop Park South

    • Between Murray and Vesey St, north of the Irish Hunger Memorial
    Filler
    Teardrop Park South

    Teardrop Park South is a recent addition, designed by Michael Van Vaulkenburgh and Associates, which has brought a quiet space available for activities such as reading and picnicking. There are rock formations, lovely plantings, a small amphitheater, and two fountains to enjoy.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • West Thames Park

    • West street, between Albany St and W Thames St
    Filler
    West Thames Park

    West Thames Park offers a large playground designed for children up to the age of 12. Water play, sand, climbing structures and a basketball court for younger children are included. Basketball half courts for teens and adults are located North of the playground with a large lawn available for play in between.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Signe Neilsen

    • ESPLANADE PLAZA

    • On the Esplanade, just south of North Cove
    Filler
    ESPLANADE PLAZA

    A large plaza on the southern end of North Cove Marina, Esplanade Plaza features plantings, seating, volleyball court, with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and lower New York Harbor. Often a place of local gathering, the plaza also plays host to numerous community dances performed as part of BPCA’s free outdoor programming.

    • BELVEDERE PLAZA

    • North side of North Cove, elevated above the Esplanade
    Filler
    BELVEDERE PLAZA

    Belvedere Plaza is a semicircular redoubt located on elevated northwest corner above North Cove Marina, above the Battery Park City Esplanade. Just south of BPC’s Ferry Terminal and steps away from some of Brookfield Place’s dining options, this quiet area plays home to BPCA’s Strings-on-Hudson outdoor classical musical series each summer.

    Opened: 1995
    Architects: Mitchell/Giurgola
    Landscape Architects: Child Associates
    Artist: Martin Puryear

    • The Esplanade

    • A sidewalk the length of Battery Park City
    Filler
    The Esplanade

    The Esplanade runs the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Historic Battery Park. With its views of the Hudson River and New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the New Jersey shoreline, the Esplanade is a pedestrian paradise. Parks and gardens line the entire route, along with numerous sculptures and public art installations.

    Opened in stages: 1986-1996
    Designer: Hanna Olin

    • Kowsky Plaza

    • East of Esplanade Plaza, south of North Cove
    Filler
    Kowsky Plaza

    This quiet plaza — named after former Police Department Chaplain Monsignor John J. Kowsky — features a small playground for toddlers, a shady bosque and picnic tables. Popular with both dog owners and passersby, the dog run sets a new standard for imaginative canine exercise. Mounds and water-filled bowls allow dogs to jump, perch and splash.

    It’s a Dog’s Life in BPC (PDF)

    Opened: 2005
    Architect: WXY Architecture
    Landscape Architect: Signe Nielsen

    • North Cove

    • On the river between Liberty St and Vesey St
    Filler
    North Cove

    A beautiful treasure in Battery Park City, the North Cove Marina offers public access to the waterfront and incredible views of the Hudson.

    Please feel free to contact Simon Bryan, Regional Director of Operations for Island Global Yachting to inquire further about North Cove Marina’s offerings or visit IGY’s web page for more details on their North Cove Marina location.

    Simon Bryan
    Regional Director of Operations
    sbryan@igymarinas.com
    954‐552‐2837

     

    Opened: 1988
    Artists: Scott Burton & Siah Armajani
    Architect: Cesar Pelli
    Landscape Architect: M. Paul Friedberg

    • Rector Park

    • South End Ave at Rector Place, between West Thames & Albany St
    Filler
    Rector Park

    Rector Park was designed by the Authority and Innocenti-Webel and Vollmer Associates. Its twin gardens are quiet and protected. They offer a pleasant place to rest or read, have a quiet lunch, or watch your baby nap; no active recreation please.

    Opened: 1985
    Designer: Innocenti & Webel

    • Wagner Park

    • Just north of Historic Battery Park, off Battery Place
    Filler
    Wagner Park

    NOTE: Wagner Park is closed as part of ongoing construction for the South Battery Park City Resiliency Project. It is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2025.

    A wonderful mix of open lawns and intensively planted gardens, threaded through with paths and walkways, Wagner Park is a place to explore. The Park Pavilions contain a restaurant, and its public roof deck affords breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Public telephone and restrooms are available at this location.

    The park is named in honor of Robert F. Wagner, Jr., son of three-term New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner (1954-1965), and distinguished civil servant who helped negotiate Battery Park City’s 1979 Master Plan.

    Opened: 1996
    Architect: Olin Partnership and Machado & Silvetti
    Landscape Architect: Lynden Miller

    • Rockefeller Park

    • North end of Battery Park City, west of River Terrace
    Filler
    Rockefeller Park

    Rockefeller Park contains most of Battery Park City’s wide lawns, as well as a large playground, plantings and gardens, several public art pieces, and a sheltered pavilion. Restrooms and public telephones are located at the Park House where BPC Parks staff are also available to provide assistance and information.

    The park is named in honor of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who signed the Battery Park City Authority Act in 1968, establishing Battery Park City for generations of New Yorkers and visitors to come.

    Opened: 1992
    Architect: Carr, Lynch, Hack and Sandell
    Landscape Architects: Oehme Van Sweden & Donna Walcavage

    • South Cove

    • On the Esplanade, between First Place and Third Place
    Filler
    South Cove

    South Cove is a place based artwork, the result of a collaboration between an artist (Mary Miss), a landscape architect (Susan Child) and an architect (Stan Eckstut). The piece incorporates natural materials, plantings, constructed elements, and the water and sky themselves to create a beautiful and very moving environment.

    Opened: 1988
    Artist: Mary Miss
    Landscape Architect: Susan Child
    Architect: Stan Eckstut

    • Teardrop Park

    • Between Warren St and Murray St, east of River Terrace
    Filler
    Teardrop Park

    WATCH: BPCA Presents: Public Art on Video – Teardrop Park (with Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil)

    Teardrop Park was designed by innovative landscape architect Michael Van Valkenberg. It features public art by Ann Hamilton and Michael Mercil, a children’s slide, sand boxes, water play, a reading area with rock seats, places to “rock hop,” naturalistic plantings, and much, much more for park lovers to discover.

    Opened: 2004
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • Teardrop Park South

    • Between Murray and Vesey St, north of the Irish Hunger Memorial
    Filler
    Teardrop Park South

    Teardrop Park South is a recent addition, designed by Michael Van Vaulkenburgh and Associates, which has brought a quiet space available for activities such as reading and picnicking. There are rock formations, lovely plantings, a small amphitheater, and two fountains to enjoy.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Michael Van Valkenburgh & Associates

    • West Thames Park

    • West street, between Albany St and W Thames St
    Filler
    West Thames Park

    West Thames Park offers a large playground designed for children up to the age of 12. Water play, sand, climbing structures and a basketball court for younger children are included. Basketball half courts for teens and adults are located North of the playground with a large lawn available for play in between.

    Opened: 2010
    Designer: Signe Neilsen