First there were seesaws, now there are swings! New Yorkers are channeling fun on the playground—even in adulthood—around the city.
Though unlike the seesaws that were only in Midtown for a brief installation, these swings are here to stay. They’ve actually been there since last spring; they’re just a little under-the-radar still.
Located along the East River on Pier 35, with entrances at Jefferson St. and Clinton St., the enormous swings are part of the redevelopment of the East River Waterfront Esplanade. The area was reconstructed and redesigned by Ken Smith Workshop for landscape design and SHoP for architecture. The park area is tucked underneath the FDR highway and hangs right over the East River.
The four giant swings (that offer the perfect spot for viewing the sunset right over the water!) are on a raised platform and hang from a canopy. There is also a dog run, exercise features, a ball court, skateboard area, and plenty of other seating options for kicking back and relaxing.
One of the main goals was sustainability in an urban environment, and that can be seen especially in “Mussel Beach,” a spot ideal for mussel restoration that the NYC Parks Department has been working on in park areas near the water. There is also a 300-foot-long and 35-foot-high wall that will be filled with climbing vines and greenery over time as they grow.
Where: Pier 35, South Street x Jefferson St.
featured image: Instagram / @nycparks