Pier to Park: Is NYC’s ‘Little Island’ Worth It?
The remnants of historic Piers 54 and 55 on Manhattan’s West Side have been given new life, in the form of a large public park called “Little Island.”
It was once the home of the Cunard White Star Line’s trans-Atlantic ships.
In 1912, the Titanic survivors were dropped off by the Carpathia on Pier 54.
In 1915, the pier served as the last docking for the Lusitania. It was sunk by a German U-Boat near Ireland five days later.
In the middle of the century, the pier was essentially abandoned for decades.
By the 1970s, it became a hangout for the LGBTQ community, and eventually larger events and concerts.
Pier 54 was severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, along with several other piers. Some of its wooden pilings remain peaking out of the water, and provide a habitat for aquatic life in the river.
In 2013, plans were developed for what would eventually become the park that finally opened in 2021, incorporating both old piers.
Funding for the project is from a foundation run by Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg. DVF launched her brand in the nearby meatpacking district. Her husband’s media empire is headquartered in the neighborhood, too.
The cost is said to be north of $250million, and the foundation will pay for the upkeep of the park for the next few decades.
We went shortly after Little Island opened. The grounds are very nice, and well taken of. There are sweeping views of the Hudson River, lower Manhattan, the Empire State Building, and more.
Over time, maybe they’ll add more eating and drinking options. At times, you can buy alcohol at one of the kiosks inside. It would be a great place to have a glass of wine and sit and enjoy the views and gardens.
It’d also be fun to see something performed in the 700-seat outdoor amphitheater.
But for the most part, Little Island is built to be a public green space, 2.4 acres in size, for people to enjoy for free.
The entrance is on 13th Street, right off the West Side Highway. We rode a Citibike there, but you can also take the subway to the 14th Street Station. Your rideshare can drop you off up the street at Pier 57.
Little Island opens to the public each day at 6:00am, and closes during the winter months at 8:00pm.
They recommend making reservations to enter the park, which you can book a few weeks in advance of your visit.
