New York City has a new floating park, Little Island, on the Hudson River

Little Island is a new floating free public park located on 13th street in the Hudson River Park in New York. It was inaugurated this Friday, May 21.

After five long years of construction in the River Hudson, we can finally enjoy this magical place, the new floating free public park. Little Island offers a unique green space unlike any other in New York City.

The free to the public “floating” park provides natural, outdoor spaces led by winding pathways that encourage visitors to explore. You also can enjoy live performances, cultural events, and unique viewpoints where you can contemplate the city as you never did before.

 

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The site is located 15 feet above the Hudson River. The structure was made from 280 concrete piles, with 132 concrete “Tulips.” The tulip-like structures allow the site to sit at varied topographic elevations, ranging from 15 to 62 feet.

 

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Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio has designed the park. The landscape design is the work of Signe Nielsen of MNLA. Little Island has more than 350 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs. In addition, it includes a 687-seat theater (“The Amph”), a central plaza with seating and food and beverage service (“The PlayGround”), an intimate stage and lawn space (“The Glade”), and dazzling views of the park, New York City and the Hudson River.

 

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According to the Little Island Park website:

“Little Island is open to the public daily from 6:00 am through 1:00 am. To support safety and social distancing, timed entry reservations and added safety precautions are in effect.”

 

The majority of performances and events at Little Island are free, with no reservations required. However, there will be some presentations in which you must purchase your ticket, so be sure to plan your visit in advance.

Click here to search event schedules and ticket info.