Little Island @Pier55, Artificial island park in New York, United States
Little Island @Pier55 is an artificial island park in New York, United States, built over the Hudson River on a cluster of white, tulip-shaped concrete columns. The flat, planted deck above holds lawns, shrubs, small trees, and winding paths, with yellow umbrellas scattered around and a long pedestrian bridge linking it to the mainland.
By 2011, the old Pier 55 had fallen into disrepair, and the idea for a new park emerged. After years of planning and legal disputes, construction began in April 2018 and the park opened on May 21, 2021, at a final cost of 120 million dollars.
The park's name comes from its small size and its location on the site of the former Pier 55. Visitors can often see performances at the small stage or the amphitheater, which seats 687 people and hosts events like dance and music, making the island a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
The park is open every day of the year, but it closes at night, so plan your visit during daylight hours. Access is easy from the western side of Manhattan between 13th and 14th Streets, where two walkways lead onto the island; once inside, follow the paths that wind up to the highest point for a wide view.
The tulip-shaped columns that support the park go 61 meters (200 feet) down into the riverbed and vary in height above the water to adapt to changing water levels. The park is home to over 350 species of plants, including 35 types of trees and 65 types of shrubs, chosen to create different color schemes in different areas.
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