After years of planning (30 years, to be exact), Pier 97 has officially opened along Manhattan’s Hudson River Park, and it’s everything New Yorkers could hope for.
Located at the end of West 57th Street, this 2.5-acre park is packed with things to do.
There’s a big playground, an athletic field, a deck to watch the sunset, and gardens filled with flowers.
Plus, you get incredible views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
The Hudson River Park Trust developed the park, and it was funded by $47.5 million from New York State.
What used to be a neglected, rusty pier is now a lively, green, people-centered park designed for everyone: kids, adults, fitness buffs, sunset chasers, and even dogs.
Let’s take a stroll through Pier 97 and explore what makes it worth the wait.
- Pier 97 features playgrounds, lawns, sports fields, and a sunset deck, so it’s a versatile spot for all ages.
- The park is part of a 30-year project to transform Manhattan’s waterfront and bring more green spaces to the city.
- With $47.5 million invested, Pier 97 has design touches like gardens, a granite slide, and solar-powered buildings.
Pier 97 is Finally Here – All the Fun Features to Enjoy
When you first step onto Pier 97, you’ll notice the thoughtful details and how the space is designed to be functional and welcoming.
Here’s a quick tour of its standout features:
- Playground: The playground is perfect for kids (and the young at heart!). With a big 26-foot-high rope structure, water sprays for cooling off, and even a ship-themed play area, there’s no shortage of fun here. There’s also a granite slide that curves around a staircase.
- Sports Field: Sports fans, this one’s for you! The park includes a 120-foot-long synthetic turf field that’s great for everything from soccer to a friendly game of catch. It’s a flexible space where you can play, stretch out, or relax under the open sky.
- Sunset Deck: One of the park’s highlights, the sunset deck is the perfect spot to catch a beautiful evening view. With tables, lounge chairs, and shaded areas, it’s made for relaxing and soaking up the river views. In the evening, this deck is a prime spot for watching the sun dip below the Hudson.
- Gardens and Lawns: Pier 97 has over 16,000 square feet of flower beds and landscaped gardens, bringing bursts of color and freshness to the park. There’s also a big, sloping lawn area where you can spread out a blanket, have a picnic, and relax. Between the gardens and the open lawn, there’s plenty of space to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature in the city.
A Long-Awaited Vision Comes to Life
The journey to Pier 97’s opening was a long one, stretching back over 30 years.
In the 1980s, the west side of Manhattan was a no-go zone full of rusty piers, barbed wire, and abandoned lots.
But city planners saw potential.
By the early 2000s, they invested $18 million to rebuild the pier’s structure, followed by a $40 million push to turn it into a full-fledged park.
Sure, it took a lot of patience and dedication, but the effort paid off.
Today, Pier 97 is a centerpiece in the four-mile stretch of Hudson River Park, which has become a beloved green corridor on Manhattan’s west side.
As Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi put it, this project is a testament to New Yorkers’ resilience, as they kept pushing until the dream became a reality.
A Vision Beyond Just Green Space
Pier 97 is part of a bigger effort to transform how New Yorkers experience the waterfront.
And the transformation isn’t finished yet.
This winter, a new building will open just north of the pier. It will have public restrooms, a food concession stand, and space for park maintenance.
Furthermore, the building will even feature solar panels on the roof, a much–needed step toward eco-friendly, sustainable city spaces.
The Hudson River Park Trust is also working on securing a historic ship to dock at the pier, which is a unique touch since it will connect visitors with New York’s maritime history.
Another big improvement in the works is the upgrade of bike and pedestrian paths between West 57th and West 59th Streets.
These paths, funded by a Transportation Alternatives Program grant, will make it easier for people to reach the pier.
As a result, they will also seamlessly connect to other parts of Hudson River Park and Riverside Park South.
This project will also connect to the Empire State Trail, giving walkers, joggers, and cyclists an uninterrupted journey along the Hudson.
A New Green Space for New Yorkers
Pier 97 brings something new and fun to the city—where locals and tourists can unwind, play, and reconnect with nature without leaving Manhattan.
From the sports field to the sunset deck, every inch of the park feels thoughtfully designed and uniquely inviting.
The $47.5 million budget was well-spent, and it shows in every flower bed, playground structure, and panoramic Hudson River view.
As the final link in a years-long vision to revitalize Manhattan’s west side, Pier 97 serves as a reminder that even in a concrete jungle, there’s always room to grow green spaces.
So next time you need a break from the skyscrapers and subway noise, take a walk down West 57th Street and experience this urban oasis for yourself.
This new space in Hudson River Park is open and ready for you to enjoy, whether you’re interested in a riverside stroll, an active play area for kids, or a peaceful sunset view over the water.
