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Wagner Park has reopened
Drone photo and video courtesy of Battery Park City Authority
The Battery Park City Authority has reopened Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, the 3.5-acre lawn just before the start of The Battery. The park has been closed since March 2023 so the authority could rebuild it from scratch at a higher elevation and with landscape features to resist flooding. It is now largely restored, though the brick pavilion will open in stages with the restrooms this fall and last part — the restaurant that was once Gigino South — in 2026.
All photos to follow by Arlo Dobbie
The new park’s resiliency features include a buried floodwall, an underground cistern to collect rainwater, paving materials selected to improve solar reflection, energy efficient lighting, native plants and a new area at the Pier A inlet to promote marine growth. The reconstruction cost $296 million and was fought by local residents, who challenged the destruction of the original park in court.
The public art that was in the original park has returned, including Resonating Bodies by Tony Cragg and Louise Bourgeois’ Eyes.
It truly is a special space — it feels like The End. And the pavilion will offer even better views from the roof deck, which will open next year.
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This does look pretty good. In a few years when the plants and trees have had a chance to grow, hopefully even better.
It looks great from these pictures, look forward to going. Did not follow the original protests why did residents not want the changes ? what’s the local view now – waste of time and money or good idea now it’s finished ?
If the goal was to make pretty place for tourists to walk through on the way to the Battery then I guess it was a success. However, if you compare it to the jewel/oasis that the prior park iteration was it is sadly lacking in every respect. Took a walk through yesterday: loads of concrete/ashpalt, lttle to no shade, no sense of the idyllic location that used to be there to spend a quiet afternoon. There is zero improvement. We did not need a “vibrant, gathering place for performances. Would prefer to have a quiet, local park with a serene vibe and gorgeous views. Can’t wait till the vendors invade it…
Completely agree Alex. What is difficult to see in the photos are the raked wooden seating areas that offer great views. However, there will never be the dining experience by the water which was one of the things that made the old place so special. But, time marches on.
Been there 3 times since last Tuesday’s grand opening. Already seen pet owners allowing their dogs to roam freely (without leash) on the lawn even though there are 5+ signs that say “Pet-Free”. The BPC ambassadors did nothing except scrolling on their phones until my husband pointed it out to them. Otherwise, it’s nicely done and can’t wait for the free exercise classes to start in September!
Are they reserving a space to recreate the exquisite garden that existed in most southeast corner of the park?