Little Island - NYC

City Walks

Apr 8

Little Island is a unique New York City park designed by Thomas Heatherwick with landscape architect Signe Nielsen. The green space is the first of its kind in Manhattan. The structure of the park is made up of 132 concrete “tulips” at different heights, creating grassy hills and offering views of Manhattan and New Jersey.

The “whimsical oasis”, as described by Barry Diller, is funded primarily by the Diller - von Furstenberg Family Foundation and contains a 687-seat amphitheater, playground, food options and more than 300 species of flowers, trees and shrubs. The Park carries out its own independent art programming with local artists and performers.

Here is what caught my eye. I hope you enjoy!

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The metal structure near the southern entrance to Little Island was once Pier 54. This is where the Titanic survivors arrived on the Carpathia. The ship made its first stop Pier 59, where the Titanic was suppose to dock, to drop off the Titanic lifeboats. The Lusitania left from pier 54 in 1915 on its fatal sailing.

Here’s a view of some of the structural tulips that support the 2.4 acre Little Island. The “tulips” range in height from 15 to 62 feet above the waterline.

The view of Chelsea from the park

Another look at the concrete tulips

Food trucks in the park

Blooming hydrangeas

Sun setting

Some of the remnants of the old Pier 55 as the sun begins to set

Looking out at Little Island as the sun sets behind it

Looking downtown from Little Island

A view of the island showing one of the hills

Looking north from the Little Island

Colorful sunset over the Hudson River and New Jersey

As night falls, looking towards New Jersey

A night view of the ampitheater

The lighted walkway entrance to Little Island as night takes over the sky

Sunset behind the tulips

A night view of the Hudson River from the waterside amphitheater

The view downtown at night

Looking into the amphitheater with the Manhattan skyline behind

The park has various lawns and paths.

The view of downtown from Pier 57

NJ view from Pier 57

What you should know:

The park is open 365 days a year; the hours change seasonally, and timed entry reservations may begin again, so check the website.
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day.
There are restrooms available.
It’s always good to go just before sunset. This way you will get three different views, daylight, sunset and night.
There are walking trails.
Picnicking is allowed.
There are self-guided tours of the park; check the website.
There are some food options available.

Location:

Entrances at 13th and 14th Street off the West Side Highway in Chelsea

For more information: Little Island