Images courtesy of Hudson River Park
Pier 97, the northernmost pier in Hudson River Park, reopened this week following a $47.5 million transformation. Designed by !melk in collaboration with the Hudson River Park Trust, the project turned a former docking pier and parking lot into 2.5 acres of public open space, complete with a playground, athletic field, sloping sun lawn, and more—all surrounded by over 16,000 square feet of vibrant flowers and plants. A new building with restrooms and concessions is expected to open this winter.
Constructed between 1921 and 1934, Pier 97 served as a hub of the Swedish America Line and remained an active dock through the 1970s. The site then became a parking lot used by the city’s Department of Sanitation until 2011.
“Over 30 years ago, planners for Hudson River Park envisioned transforming 13 neglected Manhattan piers into a new public park that would reclaim our waterfront and enhance our city’s environment,” Noreen Doyle, president & CEO of Hudson River Park Trust, said.
“As the northernmost of these piers, the completion of Pier 97 is a significant milestone, adding 2.5 acres of new public open space for New Yorkers to enjoy while connecting Hudson River Park’s scenic four-mile stretch with our neighboring Riverside Park.”
The new Pier 97 offers a mix of recreation and relaxation for visitors. The playground features a 26-foot-high rope climbing structure, a ship’s hull, and seasonal water spray features.
The 120-foot-long synthetic turf field can accommodate a range of sports and activities, while the 7,600-square-foot sloping lawn offers a relaxing green space, providing a shady place of respite on the pier.
A granite slide for guests of all ages connects the new elevated overlook and shaded belvedere section on the pier’s northern edge with the main pier below.
The sunset deck, equipped with bistro tables, chaise lounges, and two-tiered walls with seating, offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and skyline. Flexible gathering areas framed by flowers and plants offer tranquil spaces for socializing, and a walking promenade along the pier’s southern edge invites visitors for a relaxing stroll.
Work on a new park building directly north of Pier 97 containing public bathrooms, concessions, and a small maintenance area will open this winter. Solar panels will be installed on the roof, and the Hudson River Park Trust will issue a request for proposals (RFP) to select a food concessionaire. The Trust also plans to attract a historic vessel for docking on the south side of Pier 97.
Pier 97’s design was influenced by comprehensive community engagement. Before the Trust selected !melk, Manhattan Community Board 4 shared its vision for the pier, emphasizing the need for recreation spaces, specifically an area for ball sports, a playground with water features, and flexible areas for activities like yoga and sunbathing.
The final design features topographic changes that offer incredible views of the river while simultaneously protecting other locations from wind and noise from the nearby elevated highway.
The flowers and plants curated for the pier were selected based on their salt tolerance, seasonal variety, and color palate, with most of them being native plants. The playground is also situated close to the public restroom, and in the most wind-sheltered section of the pier to ensure year-round use.
Construction of the pier was primarily funded by $40.8 million from the state’s capital budget. Additional funds included $6.7 million in proceeds from a Transferable Development Rights Sale completed by the Trust in 2018.
“New York City’s waterfront is undergoing a major transformation with the grand opening of Pier 97, a stunning new green oasis for our residents,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “The State’s nearly $41 million investment in this project reinforces our commitment to creating more accessible outdoor spaces and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
The opening of Pier 97 builds upon other nearby infrastructure upgrades. In 2013, the Trust rebuilt the pier’s structural deck, using roughly $16 million in city funding secured through the Friends of Hudson River Park—the Trust’s predecessor.
With the opening of Pier 97, the transformation of Hudson River Park is nearly complete. Last October, the Trust opened Gansevoort Peninsula, which features Manhattan’s first public beach and serves as the largest standalone recreation space in the park.
In January, the Trust opened the Pier 26 Science Playground, a marine science-inspired play area designed by OLIN. This 4,000-square-foot playground features large-scale structures shaped like the Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon—two endangered species native to the Hudson River. Additionally, the play area aims to educate visitors about the ecological significance of the Hudson River.
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