I got a first look at New York City's much-anticipated 'floating' park
New York City's newest park opened to the public today, Friday, May 21 -- and it's sure to dazzle.
Rising out of the Hudson River at Pier 54 near the intersection of 11th Avenue and 13th Street on a cluster of 132 concrete platforms of varying heights -- local New York publication Gothamist describes them as "tulip-esque" -- Little Island is poised to become a hit for New Yorkers looking for a retreat on the water away from the hustle and bustle of the big city that's roaring back to life.
The project was initially dreamed up in 2013 by billionaire mogul Barry Diller, whose company IAC occupies the nearby Frank Gehry "iceberg" building on 18th street and the West Side Highway, and despite several setbacks, fierce opposition from several groups and a five-year construction timeline, the park opened to much fanfare on a sunny Friday morning, just as New York City began loosening or lifting altogether many pandemic-related restrictions.
Little Island is open daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., but capacity is capped right around 1,000 people, so it operates on a timed-entry system between the hours of 12 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are free, but a quick search on Little Island's website shows no availability for the rest of May, meaning you should arrive between 6 a.m. and noon or after 8 p.m. if you're especially eager to check out the new space for yourself.
Having just returned to New York myself, I certainly wanted to get an early look at the new park that I'd been seeing so much about on social media, so I made the quick journey over from Brooklyn to visit on opening morning, before it restricted access to those with reservations only.
Here's what you can expect at this brand-new public attraction:
It's visually stunning
There's no denying it: When you approach Little Island from the street, it leaves an impression. The way the individual multi-height platforms seemingly rise and fall almost resembles waves coming into shore.
Thomas Heatherwick, famous in New York for designing the Instagram sensation known as The Vessel at Hudson Yards, is said to "have imagined Little Island as a magic carpet billowing in the wind," according to Gothamist. Whatever the design looks like to you, it seems Heatherwick has shown lightning does indeed strike twice, judging by the number of iPhones I saw snapping pictures from every angle.
It doesn't get any less impressive after entering the park, either. The landscaping is lush and beautiful, with numerous grassy knolls where I saw people stretching, meditating and of course just having a pleasant sit-down.
Per Gothamist's reporting, there are over 100 trees on the floating park, along with 350 different species of flowers and benches carved out of black locust wood. Reportedly, the plant budget alone for this relatively compact space was a whopping $5 million -- if you're a lover of gardening you won't want to miss this new park.
There are fun activities for all ages
In addition to simply enjoying the lush space by sitting on a bench and reading (it is a park, after all), Little Island has a few other tricks up its sleeve to keep visitors entertained. I noticed a few interactive musical installments while walking around, and they seemed to be a hit with children and adults alike.
And in the coming weeks, the park's almost-700-seat amphitheater (known as The Amph) will host a range of programs, from concerts to ballet performances and family-friendly events.
There are also a few food trucks set up with shaded tables where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a beverage.
The views are incredible
One of the main draws of Little Island is the stunning vantage points it provides of Downtown and Midtown Manhattan, Hudson Yards, the Hudson River, Jersey City and Hoboken, New Jersey.
Thanks to the "hills" created by the individual concrete platforms beneath, the views are seemingly different from every point in the park.
One World Trade, otherwise known as the Freedom Tower, can be seen prominently from just about everywhere in the park, and the iconic art deco Empire State Building peeks out above other Midtown towers at various points. And due north are the shimmering glass buildings of Hudson Yards, Manhattan's newest purpose-built neighborhood.
And while I wasn't there to experience the sunset, I have to imagine they'll be quite impressive looking out from the amphitheater over the Hudson River.
Bottom line
Little Island is a gorgeous new public space that's definitely worth a visit -- if you can get a reservation or are able to go during non-peak hours. As a result of the pandemic, life has shifted -- perhaps irreversibly in ways -- to the outdoors, and New Yorkers will rarely turn down an option to be outside, especially when the weather's agreeable.
After well over a year of being told to stay inside, Little Island looks to be just the type of new attraction New Yorkers need.
All photos by the author
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.