Chelsea Waterside Park Live Cam

The Chelsea Waterside section of Hudson River Park



Chelsea Waterside Park History

Chelsea Waterside Park is a public park located on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The park is situated along the Hudson River, and it spans 4.5 acres of land. The park is named after its location on the waterfront.

The history of Chelsea Waterside Park dates back to the early 1900s when the area was used as a shipping terminal. The New York Central Railroad Company owned the land, and they used it for loading and unloading cargo from ships. However, as the shipping industry declined, the land became abandoned and overgrown.

In the 1970s, the City of New York acquired the land and began planning a park. The park was designed by landscape architects Hideo Sasaki and Rosalie Genevro and opened in 1986. The park's design incorporates the industrial heritage of the area, with features such as a pier made from salvaged railroad tracks and a gantry crane that once served the shipping industry.

In 2000, the park underwent a renovation, which included the addition of a large playground, a skate park, and a water feature that is popular with children in the summer months. The park also has several athletic fields and courts, as well as a dog run.

Today, Chelsea Waterside Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey skyline, as well as a variety of recreational activities for all ages.

Top Tourist Attractions

Chelsea Waterside Park offers a variety of attractions for tourists and visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the park:

  • Pier 62: This pier is a popular spot for fishing, sunbathing, and taking in views of the Hudson River. It also hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including concerts and outdoor movie screenings.
  • The Skate Park: The skate park is a popular spot for skateboarders and BMX riders. It features a variety of obstacles, including ramps, rails, and a bowl.
  • The Water Feature: The water feature is a hit with children in the summer months. It includes a splash pad and a series of jets that shoot water into the air.
  • The Dog Run: The dog run is a fenced-in area where dogs can run off-leash and play with other dogs. It also features a separate area for small dogs.
  • Athletic Fields and Courts: Chelsea Waterside Park has a variety of athletic fields and courts, including a soccer field, a basketball court, and a volleyball court.
  • The Gantry Crane: The gantry crane is a relic of the park's industrial past. It is now a landmark and serves as a popular backdrop for photos.
  • The Playground: The playground is a large, colorful play area with various structures and equipment for children to climb on and play with.

Overall, Chelsea Waterside Park is a great place to visit for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor recreation and take in the beautiful views of the Hudson River.

Hudson River Park History

Hudson River Park is a 550-acre waterfront park that stretches along the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The park runs from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan to 59th Street in the Upper West Side.

The history of Hudson River Park dates back to the 1970s when a group of citizens formed the Hudson River Park Conservancy to advocate for the creation of a park along the waterfront. At the time, the area was primarily used for shipping and transportation, and the waterfront was largely inaccessible to the public.

In 1998, the New York State Legislature passed the Hudson River Park Act, which authorized the creation of the park and established the Hudson River Park Trust to oversee its development. The park was designed to provide public access to the waterfront while also serving as a recreational and cultural destination.

Construction of Hudson River Park began in 1999, and the park opened in stages over the next several years. The park features a variety of recreational and cultural amenities, including bike paths, playgrounds, sports fields, and piers for fishing and boating. It also includes several public art installations and performance spaces.

One of the park's most notable features is the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street. The High Line was built on a former freight rail line and features landscaped gardens, public art installations, and stunning views of the city skyline. Today, Hudson River Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It offers a variety of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities, and it serves as a vital public space in the heart of New York City.

Historical Facts
  • Before the creation of the park, the Hudson River waterfront was primarily used for shipping and transportation. The area was largely inaccessible to the public, and the waterfront was dominated by piers and warehouses.
  • The idea for Hudson River Park was first proposed in the 1970s by a group of citizens who formed the Hudson River Park Conservancy to advocate for the creation of a park along the waterfront.
  • The Hudson River Park Act, which authorized the creation of the park, was passed by the New York State Legislature in 1998. The act established the Hudson River Park Trust to oversee the park's development.
  • The park was designed to provide public access to the waterfront while also serving as a recreational and cultural destination. It features a variety of amenities, including bike paths, playgrounds, sports fields, and piers for fishing and boating.
  • One of the park's most notable features is the High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan. The High Line was built on a former freight rail line and features landscaped gardens, public art installations, and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • Hudson River Park has faced several challenges over the years, including funding constraints and the effects of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. However, the park has continued to evolve and expand, with new amenities and attractions added over time.
  • Today, Hudson River Park is a vital public space in the heart of New York City. It serves as a hub for recreation, culture, and education, and it offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the city skyline.
Top Tourist Attractions
  • The High Line: The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park that runs along the west side of Manhattan from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street. It features landscaped gardens, public art installations, and stunning views of the city skyline.
  • The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum: The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located on the Hudson River at Pier 86 and features the USS Intrepid, an aircraft carrier that served in World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Cold War. The museum also houses a collection of historic aircraft and space artifacts.
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art: The Whitney Museum of American Art is located in the Meatpacking District and features a collection of 20th and 21st-century American art. The museum is also known for its stunning views of the Hudson River and the High Line.
  • Chelsea Piers: Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment complex located on the Hudson River. It features a variety of recreational activities, including ice skating, bowling, rock climbing, and golf.
  • Hudson River Greenway: The Hudson River Greenway is a bike path that runs the length of Hudson River Park. It offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline and is a popular spot for walking, running, and cycling.
  • Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises offers boat tours of the Hudson River, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. The tours include views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge.