Gantry Plaza State Park, located on the East River in Queens, is a popular spot for concerts, sports, barbecues, fishing, rowing and other activities. The park is built on the territory of the former dockyard and manufacturing district, which explains the huge number of remnants of historic structures. The design of this space has received numerous awards. Landscaped gardens and green spaces have converted the previously industrial area into a wonderful oasis with stunning views of Manhattan. Learn more at queens.name.
History
The southern part of the park was once a pier. Piers, shipping locks and restored platforms all serve as reminders of New York’s past. The city once operated as a major seaport. The natural harbor, one of the best in the world, has made shipping profitable and possibly the most successful type of local business. In 1925, special bridges were constructed to load and unload railway cars and barges. They served industrial plants on Long Island.
The northern part of the park was originally home to a PepsiCo bottling plant, which closed in 1999. The neon sign Pepsi-Cola, measuring 37 meters in length and 18 meters in height, stands here as a reminder of the past.
When the idea of building a park on this land was proposed, employees of Thomas Balsley Associates were assigned to design the first part, taking into account piers and floating bridges. The work was done by New York City landscape architects Thomas Balsley and Lee Weintraub, as well as architect Richard Sullivan. The Long Island Rail Road tracks were dismantled preserving their traces, which were outlined with dark bricks. The entire area has been turned into a lovely green space with a spectacular view of Manhattan and the UN headquarters.
Gantry Plaza State Park was officially established in May 1998. Queens West Development Corporation continued to develop it over time. The park took its name from two major platforms. During the era of rail transportation, massive cranes raised and lowered floating bridges to load wagons and barges. Today, these historical objects contrast sharply with modern steel and glass skyscrapers.
Situated just a few blocks from the floating bridges, the Powerhouse Condominium is another significant historical structure. It was erected in 1906 to supply energy for the railway. The electrification of a portion of the railroad preceded the construction of the East River tunnels. The power plant was easily recognizable thanks to its four chimneys that were demolished in 2005.
Recreation for the entire family
The park’s four sections – Gantry Plaza, Library, Fields and Piers – each provide a unique experience for visitors seeking to enjoy the city’s oasis. Most visitors come to the park to enjoy remarkable views of downtown Manhattan and walk along paved paths amid historical sites. There are equipped picnic areas in the park as well. The waterfront features trendy cafes, restaurants and hotels for all budgets. Popular hotels include Lic Hotel, Ravel Hotel and the Box House Hotel.
Concerts and shows are occasionally staged on the stage for performances. You should also pay attention to the surrounding gardens, where native plants such as spartina or miscanthus grow. Four themed piers represent different parts of the park – landscapes, cafes, beaches and fishing. The piers are outfitted according to the theme. Fishing and crabbing are allowed at pier #4.
Experienced athletes can enjoy basketball, handball, tennis and racquetball courts, as well as an Artdeco-style playground with a multicolored rubber floor, a treadmill and grass spaces for tossing flying discs. There is also a multi-purpose sports field for soccer and lacrosse.
Because of its magnificent views of Manhattan and the East River, Gantry Plaza State Park is a popular location for photo shoots. Couples in love can take romantic shots with a panorama of the city in the background or walk along the numerous alleys and piers. The scenery is especially stunning in the evenings and at night when the city is lit by millions of lights. Even the most exhausted New Yorker will find a source of strong passion and inspiration here.
Top sites to visit
Since the park is a former industrial area, there are no official hiking routes. However, there is a paved wooden path along the embankment that is ideal for a relaxing walk. Other paved paths connect the four sections of the park. They are ideal for watching the sunset.
Promontory is a lovely lawn with a natural edge of the coastline, which opens up the horizons of Manhattan. South Gantry Interpretive Garden is a quiet spot with stone blocks that provide guests with direct access to the water.
New York state parks are attempting to provide universal access to all their territory. As a result, pedestrian routes and some piers are broad enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
Water activities
During the summer and fall, two groups of paddlers, Long Island City Community Boathouse and HarborLAB, go kayaking in the park. Water activities are also available for everyone. Free initiatives provide life jackets, no reservations are required.
You can also launch your own kayak or paddleboard from the dock and head for the East River. Before riding, check the ebb and flow chart, as rowing is best done around mid-tide when the current is weak.
Visitor tips:
- Gantry Plaza State Park is open year-round from dawn to 22:00.
- Gantry Plaza is the primary viewing location in Queens for the annual July fireworks display on the occasion of US Independence Day. The Macy’s Show, which takes place in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, draws enormous crowds. The best view of this show opens from Gantry Plaza. In general, New York City’s public parks now hold a variety of festivals with live music, food, light shows and other activities.
- Arrive by the 7th subway line, and then walk a few blocks on foot to avoid searching for a parking space in the park.
- Swimming, tossing garbage and starting fires in inappropriate places are all prohibited in the park.
- Walking with dogs is permitted in one of two pet-friendly park areas, both on and off-leash. At the request of the staff, you must present proof of rabies vaccination. Pets are not allowed on playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, embankments, swimming pools or guarded beaches. There is only one exception. From March 1 to September 1, walking a pet on a leash is permitted on Pier #1 from 7:30 to 9:30 and 18:30 to 20:30. In daytime areas, no more than two pets per person are permitted to be walked. Please keep in mind that it is the owner’s responsibility to clean up after their animals. For this purpose, containers with bags for biowaste can be found along park paths.
- Large gatherings can only be held in the park if you have a permit.