Creating the Hudson River Park: Environmental and Community Activism, Politics, and Greed

The Hudson River Park is the largest park built in Manhattan since Central Park opened more than 150 years ago, transforming a derelict waterfront and creating new recreational opportunities for millions of New Yorkers. It attracts seventeen million visitors annually.

Format: Hardback
Length: 428 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The Hudson River Park, spanning a remarkable 4 miles in length and covering an expansive 550 acres, is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Manhattan's park history. This remarkable park, the largest to be built in the city since Central Park's establishment over 150 years ago, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has revitalized a once-derelict waterfront, safeguarded the Hudson River estuary, preserved commercial maritime activities, opened up new recreational opportunities for millions of New Yorkers, boosted tourism, spurred redevelopment in adjacent neighborhoods, and set a precedent for waterfront revitalization.

Each year, the Hudson River Park attracts a staggering seventeen million visitors, testament to its immense popularity and the profound impact it has had on the city and its residents.

The journey to creating the Hudson River Park is a captivating tale of collaboration and determination. Over three decades, a diverse range of community groups, civic and environmental organizations, labor unions, the real estate and business community, government agencies, and elected officials joined forces to achieve a historic victory for environmental preservation, the utilization of the Hudson River, and urban redevelopment.

However, it is important to note that the park also reflects a concerning trend towards the commercialization of America's public parks. Following the defeat of the $2.4 billion Westway plan in 1985, which aimed to fill 234 acres of the Hudson River, the stage was set for the revitalization of Manhattan's West Side waterfront. Between 1986 and 1998, the process focused on fundamental aspects such as designing an appropriate roadway, removing noncompliant municipal and commercial activities from the waterfront, implementing temporary improvements, developing the Parks first revenue-producing commercial area at Chelsea Piers, completing the public planning and environmental review processes, and negotiating the 1998 Hudson River Park Act, which officially established the Park.

From 1999 to 2009, planning and construction of the park were funded with public monies, with a primary focus on creating active and passive recreation opportunities on the Tribeca, Greenwich Village, and Lower Manhattan Waterfront.

The Hudson River Park has not only transformed the physical landscape of the city but also its cultural and social fabric. It has become a vibrant hub of activity, offering a wide range of recreational pursuits, from jogging and cycling trails to picnicking areas, playgrounds, and sports fields. The park has also become a sanctuary for wildlife, with numerous species of birds, fish, and mammals finding refuge within its boundaries.

Moreover, the park has had a significant economic impact, generating jobs and stimulating local businesses. It has attracted visitors from all over the world, contributing to the city's tourism industry and generating revenue for surrounding businesses.

In conclusion, the Hudson River Park is a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and determination. It has transformed a derelict waterfront into a thriving oasis, preserved the natural beauty of the Hudson River, and created new opportunities for millions of New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors. While it reflects a trend towards commercialization in public parks, it remains a beacon of hope for the future of urban redevelopment and environmental preservation. As the park continues to evolve and grow, it will undoubtedly continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of New York City and beyond.

Weight: 517g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978814011