Summary
Manhattan’s First Public Beach
Now a trip to the urban jungle of New York City can come with a day on the sand, as Manhattan debuted its first-ever public beach on Monday.
Features of Gansevoort Peninsula
Located within the Hudson River Park, the newly opened Gansevoort Peninsula is home to a stretch of 1,200 tons of sand — shipped in from a Cape May quarry in New Jersey, according to The New York Times. This beach area also features misting stations, beach umbrellas, and Adirondack-style chairs, allowing visitors a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Previously a Department of Sanitation depot, the new outdoor area is located in a prime Meatpacking District spot between Gansevoort Street and Little West 12th St., just across from the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Environmental Aspects
Notable for being built on solid ground as opposed to a pier like many other riverfront parks, Gansevoort Peninsula was first envisioned in 2019. It includes a boardwalk, picnic area, and a site-specific public art installation (David Hammons’ Day’s End), as well as introducing a salt marsh — also a first for Manhattan.
Moreover, the area features native grasses and plantings. These, coupled with submerged reef balls and oyster gabions that host 20 million juvenile oysters, contribute to valuable habitats and improve the resilience of the ecosystem. This setup also serves as an educational point, allowing the public to learn about the environmental benefits of intertidal ecosystems.
Swimming Policy and Public Reception
While all the elements of a perfect riverfront beach day are there, the city beach comes with one major caveat: “Swimming is not permitted,” the park warns on its site. This regulation is sensible due to potentially harmful waste in the Hudson River, as noted in The New York Times.
Even so, the new addition is welcomed by locals. “We’ve wanted a beach for awhile,” Jean Blair, who lives in the neighborhood, shared. “It’s going to be a great place to relax and kick back. It’s a good change from the other piers.”
