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West Harlem Piers Park is open at last
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West Harlem Piers Park at 135th Street & Hudson River. Photo: Jim Henderson
It’s been a long time coming—more than 10 years—but the West Harlem Piers Park at 135th Street on the Hudson River is finally open to the public. And what a pleasure to have access to the water and more park space in Harlem, where it is so needed!
Located right across the street from Fairway, the new Piers Park is the final link that connects the whole of Manhattan’s waterfront greenway. The public walk-and-bike-way now runs in a continuous line from Battery Park to Dykman Street. That means you can ride a bicycle all the way from one end of the island to the other without dismounting.
For several years, I’ve been watching the progress of the Piers Park as I made my weekly shopping trips to Fairway. “It’s almost done. It won’t be long now!” neighbors, shoppers and Fairway employees frequently assured each other. As winter turned to spring and spring to summer each year, we eyed the site hopefully.
The park finally opened at the end of May. It’s design, which includes a couple of walkway-piers that project at slanted angles from the shore over the water, suggests a modernist take on the old commercial piers that used to line the Hudson River. One of the walkways is actually connected to a dock that—word has it—is awaiting a contract with a pleasure boat operator.
When I stopped by the park last weekend, the new waterfront area was being taken full advantage of by a line of Sunday fishermen. Each had his bucket by his side and his fishing pole angled over the chest-high fence. Bike riders glided quietly north and south along the newly-paved bike path and children climbed on the shiny metallic sculptures designed by local artist Nari Ward.
On an afternoon in June, a spot of shade would have been appreciated. But that was the one thing hard to come by. Along the perimeter, the new park has been planted with lovely young saplings. It will be years before their branches spread high and wide enough to offer respite from New York’s ever-intensifying summer sun. By the time our children are grown and have produced their own off-spring, a leafy canopy may border the walkway. Meanwhile, be sure to visit the West Harlem Piers Park, but—if it’s summer—bring your parasol!
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