Little Island

Something Very Special—

And VERY Accessible!

Easy to reach via public transportation, Little Island defies convention.  No semblance of the remaining piers along the Hudson River look or function remotely close to this reimagined floating forest.

Main entrance onto the island from the West Side Highway/Hudson River Greenway

Built with 137 tulip shaped pylons of various heights this man-made park features a 687 seat ampitheater, expansive, shaded plaza, lots of seating and most fun, hidden along the winding paths—landscaped nooks with city skyline and water vistas.

Kudos to billionaire Barry Diller and creator of “the wrap dress”, fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg for adding something beautiful and unique to our great city and for making it free and accessible to everyone.  Two spectacularly talented and successful people, who have made NYC their home for more than 50 years, giving back!  Take note Ken Griffin, who is far richer and threatening to leave NYC over having to pay the pied-a-terre tax—because that payment might somehow alter his lifestyle . . . but I digress.

137 Tulip-shaped Pylons

How to Get Here:

Any subway line that goes to 14th Street—East or West Side and then get on a crosstown M14 bus (unless you ride your scooter all the way as I sometimes do). Please note, as of this writing (8-9-26) there are no elevators on the platforms for the subway trains Nos. 4, 5, 6 at 14th Street, Union Square. All the other trains into this station do have elevator access.

Not all M14 buses go to 12th Avenue; the M14A turns down 9th to Abington Square. The M14D, however, goes straight across to the West Side Highway, but the blocks from 9th Avenue to the water are small so the distance is short and easily rideable/walkable. So you can take either bus if you don’t mind that short walk.

Cross the West Side Highway at either 14th Street or 15th Street, cross the walking/running/bike path and take your pick either entrance onto Little Island. The path from 14th Street is straight into the park, while the path from 15th bends. Both paths are slight inclines.

If you are using a cab or accessible ride service, the drivers should know to enter the vehicle entrance at West 16th Street and the West Side Highway.

Side entrance to the park at 15th Street

Restrooms:

Closest to the 14th Street entrance.

You’ll find the restrooms just off to the left inside the park when you enter through the main entrance. The accessible restrooms are VERY large and outfitted with plenty of handlebars etc.

Very spacious restrooms easily accommodate any type of wheelchair or mobility device.

Continue exploring along the Hudson River . . . from here, if you travel north, visit Pier 57 (just next door) and beyond that Chelsea Piers (writeups on both coming). Or if you are heading south, check to see what immersive show is going on at Genesis House (12th Ave and 13th Street) and then make sure you leave time for the Whitney Museum at 99 Gansevort Street, two blocks south of Little Island.