Hudson River Park reopens its Chelsea Waterside section after $15.2 million makeover

New York’s outdoor spaces and parks play a crucial role in the well-being of its residents, especially in the summer. They allow New Yorkers to escape the heat and offer various recreational activities. This year, Hudson River Park celebrates its 25th anniversary and invites residents of the city and tourists alike to visit its renovated Chelsea Waterside section. This part of the Hudson River Park reopened last week following a $15.2 million makeover.

The redesigned Chelsea Waterside Park now has a permanent picnic area, an improved sports field, an extended dog run with dedicated space for small and large dogs, and a new restroom. Dog owners can take advantage of the dog parks, which nearly doubled in size – from 3,500 square feet to 7,400 square feet. They also feature dog-friendly water spray jets, mounds, and boulders.

The renovation project was designed by Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP, and CDR Design Studio Architects under the direction of the Trust, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The restroom’s facade incorporates granite and wood from pathways and walls previously located on the site. Other environmentally-friendly additions to the park include solar panels, skylights, and low-energy LED lighting installed at the sports field.

“Chelsea Waterside Park’s renovation is just in time for New Yorkers to take full advantage of the recreation and relaxation opportunities along the waterfront at Hudson River Park this summer,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “Expanding residents and visitors’ access to open spaces while utilizing greener design frameworks is not only a benefit to the West Side but the entire city of New York.”

The long-awaited makeover was completed in two phases. In 2018, the Hudson River Park Trust renovated the park’s playground, adding a 64-foot wooden slide in the shape of a Pipefish, which lives in the park waters. The second part of the renovation project started in 2021. It cost $15.2 million, with $5.2 million coming from the New York City Council, $225,000 from the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, and $9 million from the Trust. 

Resources:

“Hudson River Park Trust Reopens Chelsea Waterside Park Following $15.2 Million Overhaul,” (Hudson River Park, 2023)

“Chelsea Waterside Park reopens after $15.2 million makeover,” by Christina Izzo (Time Out, 2023)

“Chelsea Waterside Park reopens after $15.2M overhaul,” by Aaron Ginsburg (6sqft, 2023)