As you know, Hudson River Park Friends started to build the Business Council back in 2021. It was during this time of uncertainty and economic downturn that we embarked on a different path to engage our corporate partners and supporters. By connecting you and your company with others who were facing some of the same concerns and obstacles, we came together as a group to network, share best practices and experiences and support HRPK through investment in the Park and volunteerism.
After officially launching in 2023 with our corporate founding partners, we’re happy to say that today we have 22 member companies and two non-profits among our ranks. We get together to learn about HRPK and other west-side developments, discuss sustainability initiatives and trends and volunteer in the Park, all while networking and connecting with each other.
In this issue, we’re excited to highlight the recently opened Pier 97 — a beautiful family-friendly addition in HRPK’s northernmost section. If you haven’t yet visited—do it! You’ll see why it’s so popular.
At our November meeting, we learned about some of the education programs, research initiatives and projects the Park’s River Project team works on, which was followed by drinks and delicious eats at City Winery. Wow, can you all party!
We want you to get to know a little more about each of our members, so we are spotlighting a few in this e-newsletter. Hope you enjoy it. (If you’d like to be featured in a future edition, please let us know!)
Thank you for your ongoing support and for being an integral part of this dynamic, impactful and expanding community!
Lead.
The Fall 2024 Business Council meeting was held at the Pier 57 Classroom. HRPK River Project’s Tina Walsh, Assistant Vice President of Education and Outreach, and Siddartha Hayes, Manager of Research and Aquaria, shared insights into the research projects and education programs conducted year-round by their team.
Photos from our meeting and cocktail event hosted at City Winery:
Connect.
Get to know your fellow Business Council members. In each newsletter we will shine the spotlight on some of our members. Click the member names below to learn more about them.
Play.
Pier 97, opened in October 2024, brings 2.5 acres of open space for recreation and lounging to Manhattan’s West Side. Located opposite West 57th Street in Hell’s Kitchen, the playground includes a 26-foot-high rope climbing structure with seasonal water spray features. The 120-foot-long turf field can host a variety of sports and activities, while the 7,600-square-foot sloping sun lawn offers lush green space. The sunset deck complete with bistro tables, chaise lounges and two-tiered walls with seating, offers stunning views of the Hudson River and skyline. Learn more about the history of Pier 97.
Learn.
Join us on May 13 from 6:00–8 :00 PM at the Discovery Tank for a discussion led by HRPK’s Design and Construction Team. The discussion will be followed by cocktails at El Bar, Pier 57’s Tequila and Mezcal Bar.
Coming Soon: A specially curated tour of the West Side’s famed Terminal Warehouse Building, with cocktails and snacks at Danny Meyers’ Porchlight. Date and time to be determined.
HRPK in the news:
- The New York Times: A Mostly Microscopic Sign of Spring
- TimeOut: Here are all the free performances and events you can catch at Hudson River Park this spring and summer
- abc7NY: Pier 97 makes grand opening at Hudson River Park after years of anticipation
- BBC: Oysters as large as cheese plates: How New Yorkers are reclaiming their harbour’s heritage
Support.
At Friends, we extend our appreciation to the numerous Business Council companies that have already confirmed their volunteer day schedules for this season. If you have not arranged yours yet, we kindly urge you to do so promptly. We thank you for your support, innovative ideas, and active participation on the Business Council. For any suggestions regarding future meeting topics, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].