Manhattan's East River Waterfront to Get Major Makeover with Outdoor Gym
The city is set to transform a Manhattan parking lot along the scenic East River waterfront into an outdoor gym as part of a major revamp. Located at the end of 34th Street, the previously unused public land will be transformed by the parks department and the Economic Development Corporation into a vibrant waterfront destination next spring.
The $1.1 million renovation project has been years in the making, with plans to turn the space into a temporary open area equipped with workout equipment and seating benches. The lot's former use as a private parking facility for New York University will come to an end as the institution pays the city nearly $11,000 per month in rent.
The redevelopment plan is part of a broader effort by the city to reclaim underutilized public spaces. Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa hailed the project as an opportunity to create "an underused site into a vibrant waterfront destination" that would be accessible and inclusive for all New Yorkers.
Councilmember Keith Powers, who grew up near the waterfront, echoed the commissioner's sentiments, calling the plan "transformational." The former parking lot has been a fixture in the area since at least 1991, providing space for around 70 cars before being converted into a public space.
While the city is optimistic about the potential of this new open space, there are logistical hurdles to consider. A neighboring heliport poses noise and odor challenges, but residents have welcomed the change, flocking to the site once cars were removed last month.
As part of its broader $1.6 billion plan to revitalize Kips Bay, the city is working to transform this former parking lot into a thriving public space that rivals other popular waterfront destinations like the Hudson River Greenway.
The city is set to transform a Manhattan parking lot along the scenic East River waterfront into an outdoor gym as part of a major revamp. Located at the end of 34th Street, the previously unused public land will be transformed by the parks department and the Economic Development Corporation into a vibrant waterfront destination next spring.
The $1.1 million renovation project has been years in the making, with plans to turn the space into a temporary open area equipped with workout equipment and seating benches. The lot's former use as a private parking facility for New York University will come to an end as the institution pays the city nearly $11,000 per month in rent.
The redevelopment plan is part of a broader effort by the city to reclaim underutilized public spaces. Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa hailed the project as an opportunity to create "an underused site into a vibrant waterfront destination" that would be accessible and inclusive for all New Yorkers.
Councilmember Keith Powers, who grew up near the waterfront, echoed the commissioner's sentiments, calling the plan "transformational." The former parking lot has been a fixture in the area since at least 1991, providing space for around 70 cars before being converted into a public space.
While the city is optimistic about the potential of this new open space, there are logistical hurdles to consider. A neighboring heliport poses noise and odor challenges, but residents have welcomed the change, flocking to the site once cars were removed last month.
As part of its broader $1.6 billion plan to revitalize Kips Bay, the city is working to transform this former parking lot into a thriving public space that rivals other popular waterfront destinations like the Hudson River Greenway.
That's so cool! I love how NYC is making spaces for people to be active and enjoy nature 
The idea of an outdoor gym on the East River waterfront sounds amazing 
It'll be great for locals and tourists alike 
Can't wait to check it out when it's done 
It's about time we got rid of that old parking lot and turned it into something amazing. I mean, who doesn't love working out outside while taking in those gorgeous city views? 
But seriously, this project is a great example of the city trying to reclaim underutilized public spaces. It's awesome that they're making an effort to create something vibrant and inclusive for everyone.
I get it, noise and odors can be a hassle, but shouldn't there be a way to mitigate those issues? Still, overall, this feels like a win-win. We'll get an awesome outdoor gym, and the city gets to make some much-needed changes to Kips Bay. Fingers crossed everything comes together smoothly! 
anyway, back to this new outdoor gym thing... if they could get some decent wifi out there, it'd be like having my own personal park to hang out in during lunch breaks lol 
i swear, a $1.1 million renovation is a drop in the bucket compared to all the $$$ that goes into those fancy waterfront developments downtown 
what do you guys think about this new project?
️. But seriously, it's awesome that they're using this old parking lot as an opportunity to make our city more livable. And can we talk about how cool it is that NYU is paying us rent? I mean, literally, they're getting a great deal on a spot right next to the waterfront 
. The noise from the heliport might be a bit of a bummer, but like, progress over perfection, am I right? 
... I mean, what's really going on here? They're just gonna turn a empty lot into a spot for people to exercise and chill, but what's the real motive? Is it just about creating more public spaces or is there something fishy about NYU paying that much rent? 
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It's awesome that the city is finally doing something with that parking lot – it's been sitting there for ages. The fact that NYU is paying rent to use the space is pretty cool too...I guess you could say they're getting a great deal on their parking costs 
Also, I'm curious - how long does it take to complete this project? Like, is it going to be done in 6 months or will we have to wait till next spring?