Hudson River Park Trust Opens Pier 26 Science Playground

Credit: Hudson River Park

New marine science-inspired recreational space features two interactive play structures in the shape of native sturgeon species

Science Playground advances Trust’s environmental programming and invites children to learn about local ecology and explore fish anatomy up-close

The Hudson River Park Trust announced the opening of the Pier 26 Science Playground, a 4,000-square-foot recreational space designed to emphasize marine science. The inspiring playground was designed by OLIN, the same firm that designed nearby Pier 26, and was made possible by a private capital campaign led by Hudson River Park Friends and grants from local elected officials. Together with the future Hudson River Estuarium, now in its design phase, Pier 26 and the Science Playground will advance Hudson River Park’s mission of connecting New Yorkers of every age with the astonishing wildlife and critical environmental importance of the Hudson River.

The newly constructed Pier 26 Science Playground is an important educational and recreational space that furthers the Trust’s extensive science and environmental programming. The playground includes two larger-than-life custom-fabricated play structures in the shape of two endangered sturgeon species native to the Hudson River — the Atlantic Sturgeon and Shortnose Sturgeon. Children can climb inside the two sturgeon structures and explore fish anatomy, such as a sturgeon’s swim bladder, and interact with other marine-oriented play features to learn about local wildlife that resides in the Park’s 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary. The two sturgeons, designed by OLIN, were detailed and produced by the Danish play equipment design and fabrication team at MONSTRUM, a firm that specializes in creating whimsical, nature-based designs that spark imagination. The playground also includes a perimeter seat wall, safety surfacing, and climbing nets, and through OLIN’s design, is enveloped by native plants and trees, connecting it to the overall Park landscape.

The Trust’s nonprofit advocacy and fundraising partner, Hudson River Park Friends, completed a successful capital fundraising campaign, raising nearly $4 million for the construction of the playground from a combination of private and public sources. The initiative was championed by former Friends’ Chair, Mike Novogratz, who provided a $1.3 million match for private donations. The New York City Council provided $1 million to the playground. In 2022, New York City Council Member Chris Marte and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine also contributed funding for this project, which expanded public funding and enabled the design to include a misting feature and other landscape improvements.

Hudson River Park Friends’ Playground Committee, a group of devoted neighborhood parents who promote and support children and families through their engagement with the park, raises funds for playgrounds and family programs to provide children with opportunities to learn, play, grow, and help advance our mission to educate the public on the rich history, ecology and wildlife of Hudson River Park.

The Pier 26 Science Playground was completed by a team of design and construction partners, with OLIN leading the design of the playground and play structures. Hudson River Park’s River Project team advised on the scientific aspects of the design, helping to integrate science-based, age-appropriate educational features that help bring the sturgeon to life. The detailing and fabrication of the play structures was completed by MONSTRUM. Construction of the playground was managed by Gilbane Building Company and Invictus Engineering, while Alpine Construction and Landscaping Corporation handled the construction with Lerco Electric

as the electric subcontractor. Other design and construction partners include Wesler Cohen for MEP engineering, Silman who completed the structural foundation design of the playground, KoolFog as the fog plume design partner and Tillett Lighting for the lighting design. Irrigation designs were completed by Northern Designs and signage design was headed up by Pentagram.

As the fifth children’s playground in Hudson River Park, the Pier 26 Science Playground offers a new recreation space for children and families to play, learn, explore, and relax in. The marine science-themed playground complements the adjacent Pier 26, which was the 2021 winner of the Municipal Art Society’s Best Urban Landscape award and was also designed by OLIN. The construction of Pier 26 was inspired by Manhattan’s natural shoreline with native plants and a habitat walk that leads visitors through its five ecological zones: woodland forest, coastal grassland, maritime scrub, rocky tidal zone, and the Hudson River. The western end of Pier 26 includes a first-of-its-kind tide deck, which offers visitors direct access to the estuary and hands- on learning opportunities. Pier 26 also features a sunning lawn, sports area, Downtown Boathouse, City Vineyard, and will be the future home of the Estuarium, a center for marine science research and public education on river ecology.

As fundraising continues for the Estuarium, the Trust has selected a comprehensive design team led by the Tribeca-based firm, Sage and Coombe, which will serve as architect of record on the project. EHDD Architecture, which has worked on multiple projects involving live fish, marine science and education across the United States, is the design architect of the Estuarium. The Estuarium is one of the final elements that will complete the original vision of Hudson River Park.

About Hudson River Park Trust

Hudson River Park Trust is a unique partnership between New York State and New York City charged with building and operating Hudson River Park between approximately Chambers Street and West 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park, which has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike, plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.

About Hudson River Park Friends

Hudson River Park Friends is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the completion, care, enhancement and ongoing sustainability of Hudson River Park. Serving as the Park’s primary fundraising partner, Hudson River Park Friends generates necessary private support to guarantee that this vital destination for millions of park lovers continues to flourish and grow.