Little Island
Gotham’s newest park seems to float like a watery mirage in the Hudson River. The engineering and architecture by Thomas Featherwick (of Vessel) is stupendous, with a set of 132 concrete “tulips,” all of differing heights, emerging from the water and connecting to form the base of the isle. On top of that Seuss-like structure, hills were built, and amphitheaters, and eateries, all connected by a network of sinuously winding paths, stairs, and boulder scrambles. Landscaping superstar Signe Nielson was in charge of the greenery, and she spared no expense—it’s been reported she spent $5 million to cover the island with some 35 species of trees, 65 species of shrubs, and 270 varieties of perennials, grasses, vines, and bulbs. Many were chosen for their appeal to bees and birds, as it’s hoped this will be a sanctuary for those critters. Like Domino Park, the structure is open to the public but is a private enterprise: It’s a gift to the city from media mogul Barry Diller, who spent $260 million for its construction and has pledged to supply money for its upkeep into the foreseeable future. The park is the hilly green yin to the city’s flat and gray yang—it’s a bewitching new addition to Gotham.
Gotham’s newest park seems to float like a watery mirage in the Hudson River. The engineering and architecture by Thomas Featherwick (of Vessel) is stupendous, with a set of 132 concrete “tulips,” all of differing heights, emerging from the water and connecting to form the base of the isle. On top of that Seuss-like structure, hills were built, and amphitheaters, and eateries, all connected by a network of sinuously winding paths, stairs, and boulder scrambles. Landscaping superstar Signe Nielson was in charge of the greenery, and she spared no expense—it’s been reported she spent $5 million to cover the island with some 35 species of trees, 65 species of shrubs, and 270 varieties of perennials, grasses, vines, and bulbs. Many were chosen for their appeal to bees and birds, as it’s hoped this will be a sanctuary for those critters. Like Domino Park, the structure is open to the public but is a private enterprise: It’s a gift to the city from media mogul Barry Diller, who spent $260 million for its construction and has pledged to supply money for its upkeep into the foreseeable future. The park is the hilly green yin to the city’s flat and gray yang—it’s a bewitching new addition to Gotham.
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