Hudson River Park Begins Campaign For Lower Manhattan Playground

WEST VILLAGE, NY — The Hudson River Park in Lower Manhattan is close to reaching its fundraising goal for the needed amount to build a new marine play area at Pier 26 and is launching a campaign to raise the remaining money.

Hudson River Park goes along the west side of Manhattan from the bottom of the Upper West Side, through the West Village, and ends in Tribeca.

On Monday, Hudson River Park Friends announced the public launch of its $3.5 million Pier 26 Science Play Area Capital Campaign for a new marine science-focused play area adjacent to Pier 26 for children to explore and learn about the Hudson River Estuary.

The 4,000 square-foot 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, climbing nets, and other "state-of-the-art play elements."

In terms of funding that has already come in for the project, Hudson River Park Friends Board Chair, Michael E. Novogratz, has pledged a challenge match of $1.3 million to help with the remaining funds needed by Oct. 7, 2021. City Council Speaker Corey Johnson has allowed $1 million in the 2022 budget for the construction of the new play area.

The total left to be raised to complete the project is $600,000.

"As the Council Member representing the West Side of Manhattan, I know how important it is to prioritize open space for the community. I am thrilled to be supporting Hudson River Park with funding in this year's budget because I believe in its mission: improving the quality of life for all of my constituents and a strong commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment," Johnson said in a news release. "I know the Pier 26 Science Play Area, the Chelsea Waterside renovations and the public areas around Hudson River Park will bring joy and beauty to generations of New Yorkers, and I am so proud to be a part of it."

You can find out more about the campaign — here.

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