A formerly neglected Manhattan parking lot slated to become a vibrant waterfront destination is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. The city-owned plot at 34th Street and the East River will be repurposed as an outdoor gym, complete with workout equipment, benches, and a refreshing waterfront view.
The 70-space parking lot had been a fixture on the waterfront since 1991, but after years of underutilization, the Parks Department and Economic Development Corporation have joined forces to breathe new life into the space. The $1.1 million renovation promises to turn this once-sedate site into a thriving public open space that will be free for all New Yorkers to enjoy.
The decision to reclaim the parking lot is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Kips Bay area, with plans to transform it into a hub for scientific research and development. According to Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the goal is to create a "vibrant waterfront destination" that will provide accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone in the city.
As of last month, the space was reopened to the public after being closed off due to its previous use as a private parking lot. Despite some logistical challenges, including the presence of a nearby heliport that sends jet fuel odors and noise from choppers taking off and landing next door, the spot has already seen an influx of visitors eager to enjoy the new outdoor space.
New York City Councilmember Keith Powers praised the renovation, saying it's an "important step" in realizing his vision for a better waterfront along the East River. With plans to extend the Hudson River Greenway into this area, Powers sees this transformation as a key component of that effort.
The 70-space parking lot had been a fixture on the waterfront since 1991, but after years of underutilization, the Parks Department and Economic Development Corporation have joined forces to breathe new life into the space. The $1.1 million renovation promises to turn this once-sedate site into a thriving public open space that will be free for all New Yorkers to enjoy.
The decision to reclaim the parking lot is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Kips Bay area, with plans to transform it into a hub for scientific research and development. According to Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the goal is to create a "vibrant waterfront destination" that will provide accessible and inclusive spaces for everyone in the city.
As of last month, the space was reopened to the public after being closed off due to its previous use as a private parking lot. Despite some logistical challenges, including the presence of a nearby heliport that sends jet fuel odors and noise from choppers taking off and landing next door, the spot has already seen an influx of visitors eager to enjoy the new outdoor space.
New York City Councilmember Keith Powers praised the renovation, saying it's an "important step" in realizing his vision for a better waterfront along the East River. With plans to extend the Hudson River Greenway into this area, Powers sees this transformation as a key component of that effort.
! it's gonna be an outdoor gym with benches and all that jazz. i'm down for it tho, who wouldn't wanna work out by the water? i mean, i've been to kips bay before and it was just this bland space...this could bring some life to it 
... think it's cool they're repurposing a neglected parking lot into something actually useful for the community 
. also love how they're making it free and accessible to all NYC residents 
! I mean, think about it, we're talking about a spot that was basically just taking up space for years and years, and now it's being turned into an outdoor gym with a view of the East River? That's some serious city magic 
. And the fact that it's free for all New Yorkers to enjoy is just fantastic. I love how the city is getting creative with repurposing underutilized spaces like this one. It's not just about cleaning up existing infrastructure, but also thinking outside the box (or parking lot, in this case) and creating something entirely new. Plus, it's a great way for people to get some exercise and enjoy nature at the same time – who needs gyms when you've got a waterfront view? 
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to turn a parking lot into an outdoor gym? It's just gonna be a bunch of sweaty people and noise pollution along the waterfront. And what about all the "jet fuel odors" from that heliport next door? They're gonna ruin the whole vibe. Plus, I'm sure the noise from choppers taking off and landing is just gonna scare away all the tourists. It's just a bunch of PR spin to make it seem like they're doing something for the community when really they're just trying to gentrify another area. And don't even get me started on the $1.1 million renovation... that's just a waste of taxpayer money if you ask me 
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. Plus, it's all part of this bigger plan to revitalize the area and make it a hub for scientific research - that's some cool stuff right there 
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. But overall, I'm super here for this new development! Let's keep making NYC an awesome place to live 
It's crazy how something that was once just a neglected parking lot could be turned into this amazing public space. And let's not forget, it's free for everyone! That's what I call community-driven.
I mean, we don't want it to get all commercialized and lose that chill vibe.
It's all about community development and accessibility. I love that it's going to be free for everyone, especially since we know there are so many low-income families struggling to find affordable green spaces around the city 
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But at the same time, we have to wonder... what's the real motive behind all these developments? Is it just about pleasing the councilmembers and getting votes, or is there something more beneath the surface? 
. And, gotta ask, have they thought through the noise pollution from those choppers? It's a major concern for me 
. Still, if done right, this could be an amazing spot for the community... just need to balance progress with practicality 
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It's amazing how a neglected spot can be transformed into a vibrant public space for everyone to enjoy. I remember when I was younger, we used to go to the park and sit by the river, watching the sunset... now it sounds like that's exactly what people will be doing here! 
. It's about time someone transformed that old parking lot into something actually fun to do 
. Maybe they can even add a little beach or something 
. Just imagine being able to work out by the river while getting some fresh air 
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. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of revitalizing Kips Bay and making it more vibrant, but let's make sure we're thinking this through before we start adding in fancy equipment and expecting everyone to just magically enjoy it 
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. I'm all about supporting local initiatives like this, especially since Kips Bay is getting some much-needed attention 
councilmember keith powers seems pretty cool 4 his part in makin it happen. its always dope 2 c old spaces get a facelift n turn into somethin new
but anyway, back to this spot... 70 spaces is kinda small for an outdoor gym, dont u think? 
I mean, what's with all these new developments around town? First, it's the waterfront destination, now it's the Hudson River Greenway... can't they just leave some space alone for once? 
What's next, a luxury spa in Central Park? 
And don't even get me started on the noise from that heliport... I mean, can't they just build a wall or something? 
Still, I guess it's good for the community to have some new spaces to hang out. Just hope they don't turn this into another overcrowded tourist trap like Times Square 
The only thing that would make it even better is if they added some outdoor cafes or food vendors nearby so people could relax and enjoy a snack while taking in the views