A new space for nature hungry New Yorkers

The ongoing mission to bring nature back to Midtown Manhattan has been boosted with the new Waterline Square.

The area is an emerging residential district in Manhattan and the public park designed by landscape architects MNLA is bringing greenery back to nature hungry New Yorkers.

Waterline Square Park brings greenery back to Midtown Manhattan. Image credit - Elizabeth Felicella.

Positioned along the West 60th Street corridor, bordered by the Hell’s Kitchen and Upper West Side neighbourhoods, Waterline Square is a collection off three residential buildings, with Waterline Square Park providing a new recreational link between Central Park and the Hudson River parklands.

Water features, such as an interactive fountain, walking paths and a playground are all included in this vibrant new social hub at the terminus of West 60th Street.

Waterline Square is an emerging residential district in Manhattan. Image credit - Elizabeth Felicella.

“Waterline Square Park responds to the interface of the Manhattan grid as it meets the expansive edge of the Hudson River,” say MNLA.

“The formality of the surrounding urban grid gives way to Waterline Square Park as it widens out towards the west.”

Framed by the buildings of Waterline Square, the open space prioritises pedestrians and public accessibility, serving as a backyard for local residents and the surrounding neighbourhood. It is useful for families at a time when green space is desperately needed.

Socially distanced events have already been held in the park. Image credit - Elizabeth Felicella.

More than 200 trees from 20 different species have been included, around 65% of which are native to New York. The west end of the park is anchored by conifers and evergreens that mitigate wind and pollution from Riverside Boulevard, and perennial gardens offer native habitats and texture to complement the park’s public lawn, which is useful for events.

Waterline Square is the last parcel to be completed in the Riverside South Masterplan and the new park is “positioned to become a new civic focal point.”

The open space prioritises pedestrians. Image credit - Elizabeth Felicella.

“The open space is choreographed as a transition from urban streetscape to a park as the topography descends towards the River,” say the designers. “The western end of the park opens up towards the Hudson while sculpting immersive reflective spaces that offer a peaceful respite from the urban bustle.”

Socially-distanced events have already been held at Waterline Square Park, with more planned for the future in order to continue engaging the local community.

More than 200 trees from 20 different species have been included, around 65% of which are native to New York. Image credit - Elizabeth Felicella.