Manhattan's first public beachfront opens at Gansevoort Peninsula in Hudson River Park
MEATPACKING, Manhattan (WABC) -- Manhattan's first public beachfront opened Monday at Gansevoort Peninsula -- a project 25 years in the making.
Gansevoort Peninsula will serve as a new water access point for kayakers and non-motorized boats.
The 5.5-acre oasis is now the largest standalone recreational space within Hudson River Park.
The beach features 1,200 tons of sand with beach umbrellas, Adirondack-style chairs and a misting feature for cooling down or rinsing off sand.
On top of the beachfront, the peninsula will include a sports field, sunning lawn, dog runs, picnic area and fitness equipment.
Plus, a photo exhibit covering the Hudson River Park's 25-year evolution will be on display.
The peninsula is located in the Meatpacking District across from the Whitney Museum of American Art, between Gansevoort and Little West 12th streets. It is said to have stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
"This is how we do things in New York. We see beauty and potential, we roll up our sleeves and we get to work," Governor Hochul said. "This collaboration between New York City and State will benefit everyone who visits here on the shore of the Hudson, and it checks a lot of boxes from climate change mitigation to competition on the ball fields, from a stroll with your pup to sitting on the beach. It's been 25 years in the making and we've shown once again that anything worth having is worth working for."
While the Hudson River's water quality has significantly improved since the Clean Water Act was passed in the 1970s, Gansevoort Peninsula is designed to be a sunbathing beach and swimming will not be permitted.
Officials say revitalization efforts will continue with the upcoming opening of Pier 97 in Hell's Kitchen.
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