The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) along with the Hudson River Park Trust were proud to announce the opening of the newest section of park. This section of park in Tribeca was made possible with the allocation of $70 million by the LMDC. With this opening the 550-acre Hudson River Park is approximately 50 percent finished.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation Avi Schick stressed the importance in rebuilding lower Manhattan’s community. “The single most important mission for LMDC is to rebuild a thriving 24/7 community in Lower Manhattan, stated Schick.

“The Hudson River waterfront has long been home to quintessential New York City views and open spaces. This new section of park will help further transform the Hudson River Park into a twenty-first century multi-use recreational space for all of Lower Manhattan's families and visitors to enjoy," said Schick. "This is just one of numerous new and revitalized parks and open spaces downtown from river to river, from Chinatown to the Battery, made possible under the leadership of Governor Patterson and Mayor Bloomberg."

The Tribeca segment encompasses the waterfront from Chambers Street to just below Houston Street along the Hudson River. When completed in 2009, it will feature two spectacular new piers and upland park area along the new Route 9A bikeway. Pier 25 north of Harrison Street will have various community amenities including an exciting new playground, practice recreation field, state-of-the-art mini-golf, sand volleyball courts, mooring field and a snack bar. Pier 26 north of North More Street will feature a boathouse for kayaking, waterside restaurant and a future estuarium devoted to the ecology of the Hudson River. The upland area of this section will include two basketball courts, a skate park, dog run, tennis courts (already completed), public art, waterside platforms and beautiful landscaping with natural grasses, lawns and gardens.

LMDC has funded the creation and revitalization of over 140 acres of parks and open spaces in Lower Manhattan. By transforming Lower Manhattan into a 24-7 community, the Hudson River Park will offer further recreational and educational resources that will both embrace and reconnect New Yorkers to the scenic waterfront space.

LMDC Chairman Avi Schick speaking at the ribbon-cutting of the Hudson River Park. LMDC has provided $70 million towards this project.