Until January 2021, anyone heading south from the park could walk, run or cycle south. Now, construction of Pier 42 is finally under way, and although nothing can be seen from the park side, access is closed.
This closed section of the esplanade has a lovely view of the Statue of Liberty and the Corlears ferry dock (it will remain open throughout construction, regardless of low ridership).
Pier 42, though a separate project, caused the loss of mature trees that were deemed healthy in a recent Parks assessment. There are supposed to be air quality monitors for Pier 42. We'll add more details soon.
Sadly, the 'interim recreation deck' that will opening in 2022 has no shade, no sanitation, 16foot chainlink fences and there is a missed opportunity to create a grand riverside walkway at very low cost (Pier 42-Pier 36 are all public space that should connected). The Upland park, along the FDR Drive, will have greenery and more amenities when it opens in 2023.
