In early 2019, it was announced that the Gansevoort Peninsula on the Hudson River would become home to a new Manhattan beach by 2022. Though that date has now been moved to late 2023 due to COVID-19, the project is still moving forward.
The landscape architecture firm behind Domino Park and the High Line—James Corner Field Operations—had already been approved by the Hudson River Park Trust to design a public park with beach access on the Gansevoort Peninsula, and now next steps are finally taking place.
If you passed by the West Village waterfront in the past year, you can see that construction is well underway (hint: there’s a perfect view of it from Little Island).
New York Yimby reported earlier last year that the topography is being completed, with massive amounts of dirt and gravel continuing to be unloaded and spread across the land mass (which is solid ground, as opposed to a pier). After will come the planting of trees and shrubs, constructing pathways, and installing other permanent fixtures.
Metal poles have now been installed for the initial construction of the soccer field, while a concrete retaining wall is in place that will likely have rocks behind it that travel down to the water’s edge (as depicted in renderings). You can also see signs of the walkway construction starting to take place from shaped rebar.
And, the FDNY Marine Company 1 building is built at the end of the park.
The 5.65-acre space that was previously NYC Sanitation facilities will feature plenty of greenery and a “soft edged beach” for New Yorkers to enjoy. It will cost $70 million and is being partly funded by the city, according to Real Estate Weekly.
According to the Hudson River Park Trust, the plot of land will not only have a beach on the southern edge but will also include a concession area, river gym, a salt marsh, 13th Ave Promenade, kayak access, beach walk, dog run, a picnic area, and 3.5 acres of open ball field space.
This is only one of many ambitious projects to revitalize the piers on the West Side of Manhattan. NYC’s first-ever floating park was finally unveiled last year, and the fairly new rooftop park on Pier 57.
Furthermore, it also won’t be the only beach headed to NYC. Apparently, an additional public beach is set to open on the Williamsburg waterfront by 2028. Two Trees Management, the same company behind the redevelopment of Domino Sugar Factory, is helming the plans.
According to NY 1, “Beachgoers would be able to wade into the water,” with the hopes that the beach could eventually be open for swimming. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be responsible for the official clearance of swimming at both NYC beaches.
“New Yorkers should enjoy the spectacular view over the water at the new non-swimming beaches at Domino Park and Gansevoort Peninsula, but when it comes time to go in the water, enjoy one of the city’s beaches that are safe for swimming,” said a department spokesperson.
Stay tuned for more updates to come on both beaches headed our way.
Written by Bianca Bahamondes, Claire Leaden and Justine Golata
Also published on Medium.