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Pier 26 Opening Invites Celebration and Ecological Exploration

Join us in celebrating an extraordinary moment in Hudson River Park history. Today, September 30, we officially opened Pier 26, the Park’s first new pier since 2010 and the first major public space to open in Manhattan in 2020. Read the New York Times exclusive story here.

The 2.5 acre pier was designed by landscape architects, The OLIN Studio, and executed by general contractors, Steven Dubner Landscaping and Trevcon Construction; electrical contractor, EJ Electric; and construction manager, Gilbane Building Company.

Funded by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, CITI and the City of New York, and with grants from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of State, Pier 26’s redevelopment marks a significant milestone in the post-9/11 rebuilding of Lower Manhattan — not to mention a landmark event for our growing Park.

Ribbon cutting in commencement of Pier 26 opening, including members of the Hudson River Park Trust Board

At today’s ribbon cutting, Hudson River Park Trust Board Chair Basil Seggos, Vice Chair Vicki Been and President & CEO Madelyn Wils officially opened Pier 26 to the public. They were joined by Ed Skyler, EVP of Global Public Affairs at Citi; State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid; Holly Leicht, Chair of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation; Mitchell J. Silver, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation; Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer; Lucinda Sanders, CEO and Partner at The OLIN Studio; NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick; and State Senator Brian Kavanagh as well as other prominent supporters and leaders who made this outstanding open space possible.

Pier 26 brings together many of the features that make Hudson River Park such a significant resource and destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world — unique opportunities to interact with the Hudson River and local ecology, innovative waterfront green space for relaxation and recreation, and unparalleled views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor.

We can’t wait for you to experience the new Pier 26, whether you’re visiting this fall or exploring online. Here are some of the highlights you’ll discover:

Experience our Waterfront’s Diverse Ecology, Past and Future

Inspired by the Manhattan shoreline that would have existed prior to Henry Hudson’s 1609 journey, Pier 26 implements forward-thinking design to illuminate our riverfront’s historical environment. All along the pier, visitors can explore ecological communities representing the shoreline’s native landscape — woodland forests, coastal grasslands, maritime scrub, rocky tidal zone and the Hudson River itself.

While these ecological communities offer a glimpse into Manhattan’s past, they also form an important resource for our waterfront’s future. In addition to providing a supportive habitat for native plant and animal life, Pier 26’s ecological features will serve as hands-on teaching tools for Hudson River Park’s River Project, furthering the Park’s ongoing commitment to connecting New Yorkers with the Hudson River.

Observe Hudson River Habitat in New Ways on the Tide Deck

At the western edge of the pier, you’ll find the Tide Deck, a first-of-its-kind 15,000-square-foot engineered rocky salt mash with native shrubs and grasses. The Tide Deck is designed to be submerged at high tide and to emerge at low tide.  The elevated walkway above it offers an ideal vantage point for observing the ways various species make use of this salt marsh habitat throughout the tide cycle.

This uniquely engineered ecosystem and river access point will provide a dynamic resource for Hudson River Park’s River Project staff who will give periodic tours for the public and utilize the space as an outdoor classroom. At any time, you can observe the Tide Deck from the elevated walkway that rises above its rocky expanse.

Explore Beautiful New Nooks for Relaxation and Play

Alongside these ecological features, Pier 26 adds a wonderful range of recreational space, both active and passive. Stroll the pier’s boardwalks, catch rays on a new sunning lawn, get active in the pier’s sports play area or find the perfect seat to relax and take in the view.  Shaded swings for all ages, sunny lounge chairs and swivel seats offer diverse vantage points and relaxation options.

These plentiful venues for exploration, play and relaxation join the pier’s already-beloved restaurant and wine bar, City Vineyard, and New York City’s busiest boathouse, the Downtown Boathouse, making this pier a versatile recreation destination.

Find Your New Favorite NYC Panorama

Panorama of the elevated walkway at the edge of HRPK's Pier 26

The elevated walkway at the edge of Pier 26 is certain to become one of your new favorite places to take in the beauty of NYC. You’ll find spectacular views of Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty — and, of course, a front row seat to the Tide Deck habitat thriving below. All along the length of the pier, you’ll find charming spots to relax and enjoy the view.

Be Part of a New Era for HRPK

Ecologically feature-rich walkway along HRPK's Pier 26

We’re excited for you to explore this beautiful, feature-rich and ecologically vital new piece of Hudson River Park. And there’s more to come — a 4,000-square-foot specialized science-themed playground is planned for the upland portion of the pier.

Pier 26 is the first of several major projects currently underway in the Park to reach completion. Want to be a part of this exciting period of growth in Hudson River Park? Learn how you can get involved. To stay up to date on the latest news, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and sign up for our mailing list below. See you on Pier 26!