Construction Begins For New Lower Manhattan Science Playground

LOWER MANHATTAN, NY — The Hudson Park Trust, along with local elected official, held a ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday for the Pier 26 Science Play Area in Lower Manhattan's Hudson River Park.

The playground will be a 4,000-square-foot science-themed space with interactive sculptures, climbing nets, seating, and other fun elements.

"Hudson River Park is one of our city's most treasured green spaces, especially for our youngest residents, which is why we’re so excited to start construction on the Pier 26 Science Play Area," said Noreen Doyle, President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, said in a news release. "This Play Area has been thoughtfully designed to advance two key aspects of our mission — play and environmental education."

The play area will aim to help teach children about the importance of the Hudson River Estuary and feature play structures in the shape of endangered species.

The playground was funded by a private fundraising campaign by Hudson River Park Friends, and is expected to open in 2023.

In part, the funding was provided by Hudson River Park Friends Board Chair, Michael E. Novogratz, who pledged a challenge match of $1.3 million to help with funds. Corey Johnson, who was City Council Speaker when the project was first announced, allowed $1 million in the 2022 budget for the construction of the new play area.

“This playground will give our youngest New Yorkers an appreciation of the Hudson’s wildlife and give them the opportunity to connect with the marine habitat that surrounds our borough,” wrote Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine in a news release, who along with City Council Member Chris Marte also contributed funding to the playground project.

West Village Assembly Member Deborah Glick was also at the ground breaking.

The Pier 26 Science Play Area will be the fifth children’s play area in Hudson River Park.