Walk with me along the Battery Park City Esplanade and see the gorgeous parks and amazing views of the Hudson River!
Wagner Park
The Esplanade starts on the west side of Battery Park. Our first stop after leaving Battery Park is Wagner Park. The park was built in 1996 on landfill from the World Trade Center site.
Wagner Park finally reopened in July 2025. It had been closed for 2 years as part of the BPC Resiliency Project to prevent flooding. Or so they say.
I was bummed when the park closed. The plantings there were mature and varied. There was some local pushback about the project, but the powers that be ignored them.
It will take some years, but I’m sure the plants and trees will get the care needed to grow lush, and balance the starkness of the park as it is now.
Oasis Park / South Cove
Oasis Park is a very small park at 50 Battery Place, part of South Cove. It’s best known for it’s beautiful sculpture and wooden curved jetty.
The smallest park in this post, Oasis Park may have the biggest heart – after the devastation of the September 11, 2001 attacks the community came together to heal this beautiful place.
The metal sculpture (1988 by Mary Miss) resembles the crown of the Statue of Liberty and is a peaceful place to climb and sit a while, and look over the Hudson River.
The blue lights along the Esplanade are lovely, and I’ve photographed them many times. How is it I haven’t yet seen them lit at night?
Rector Gate
Continuing north along the Esplanade, we come to the Rector Gate.
The festive archway by R.M. Fischer (1988) marks the intersection of Rector Place and the Hudson River Esplanade. Rising 50 feet high, the gate is inspired by Russian Constructivism and Science Fiction.
The Upper Room
“The Upper Room” by Ned Smyth is at the intersection of Albany Street with the Battery Park City Esplanade.
The interior of the installation holds a long table with chess boards and twelve stools.
The Esplanade
One of the most memorable spots on the Battery Park City Esplanade is the corner near 3rd Place. At any season the view is fantastic. It just feels good here
It’s almost even better in the rain. If you can get here some day you’ll be glad you did.
North Cove Marina
The next turn on the Esplanade takes you to North Cove Marina, filled with swanky yachts and such. It’s also a fabulous view of World Financial Center.
Pumphouse Park
This small park is a step away from the Esplanade, but it’s worth peeking into, especially in the warmer weather.
In the spring the park features Yoshino cherry trees and masses of tulips. Here in July the hydrangeas rule supreme.
The Pylons on the Esplanade
We pass Brookfield Place, the fabulous glass shopping mall, and continue along the esplanade to the Pylons.
The intriguing Pylons are in the area of the Esplanade called Belvedere Plaza. The contrast of the two are part of their attraction.
The Pylons were created by Martin Puryear in 1995. The one of stone is solid and all angles yet still reaches for the sky.
The second Pylon is of airy, steel spirals. The Pylons are lit up at night, I’d love to see that.
Lily Pond
Just a few steps off of the Esplanade is peaceful Lily Pond. The pond is small, but a true haven for ducks and koi fish.
At the time of the above photo there were a lot less plants, and I don’t remember koi fish in 2023. Behind the pond is the Irish Hunger Memorial, and the base of One World Trade Center.
Below is a video I took last week (August 2025)
A more updated look at Lily Pond: August 2025
Rockefeller Park
The last stop on the Battery Park City Esplanade is Rockefeller Park. A larger park, it is always filled with families and friends.
The Esplanade turns its last corner, and we walk the last bit before Hudson River Park begins.
Looking ahead due east you can see blocky 56 Leonard Street in Tribeca
January 2024
Thanks so much for walking with me. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the best of the Battery Park City Esplanade. I hope you’ll come back soon for more real photos of the real NYC!
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Sources:
NYYIMBY – Wagner Park Reopens
Mary Miss – South Cove
Culture Now – Rector Gate