Wagner Park Wows!
Wagner Park has always been one of New York City’s gems along the waterfront. Open, inviting, spacious with beautiful views of New York Harbor’s crown jewel—the Statue of Liberty. In 2012 Hurricane Sandy tore through the city leaving much of the waterfront in lower Manhattan shockingly damaged.
Three summer’s ago construction barriers went up, with many feet of green netting preventing any access to the water, obscuring even an inkling of the view or the changes happening on the other side. It’s been a long wait, but this summer the construction barriers came down revealing an absolutely gorgeous new public space better prepared for rising sea levels and the next “storm of the century”.
A brand new building curves and swirls at the top of the mound offering interesting framed moments of the views beyond.
Framing the Statue of Liberty
The signature central lawn has been refreshed with small ornamental gardens on either side and two allées taking you up to the Wagner Park Pavilion from both the southern and northern entrances.
Seating is abundant. Tables and chairs are located next to the building, which can be moved to follow the sun or stay in the shade. But if those are all taken, long rows of benches are built into the side of the hill. Rest, relax and enjoy the views.
Swirls, Curves and Curls
Lush Carpet of Green Lawn
An elevator makes the roof easily accessible and it is worth the ride (short and quick).
View from the Roof
How to Get There
There are many subway options for getting here.
#1 train to South Ferry. At South Ferry when you get off the elevator outside, the Staten Island Ferry building should be straight in front of you. Off the ramp, turn right toward the covered bus area. Ride/walk past that area toward the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, where you will cross the bike path. Turn onto the bike path headed toward the mermaid merry-go-round.
As of this posting, stay on bike path heading north. You’ll see World Trade Center 1 in the distance. The walking path will eventually turn left toward the water while bikers are directed north riding inland away from the water. Once you pass the bike path heading north, you will be in Wagner Park. Here you can either follow the path along the water or ride/walk up the alee into the pavilion out onto the lawn.
#4 or #5 train to Bowling Green
When the elevator door opens turn toward the water. The Museum of the American Indian will be in front of you and the Battery will be toward your right. Head toward the Battery. This is a short two block ride/walk that takes you right into Wagner Park.
Bus:
SBS15 runs on the East Side of Manhattan. The route begins on 2nd Avenue and 126th Street in Harlem and ends its run at South Ferry Terminal.
M20 begins at West 64th Street and Broadway and ends on State Street next to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine (just north of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal).
M55 also begins at State Street and ends at 44th and 6th Avenue.
Restrooms
Free, accessible (generally always clean) restrooms are available in the Pavilion, but also know you can find free, accessible restrooms in the Oculus, Brookfield Place, the Staten Island Ferry terminal and the Museum of the American Indian as well.
Women, Men and All Gender Restrooms all Handicapped Accessible
South alee leading up to Wagner Pavillion
Wagner Park is at the southern end of Battery Park City so if you take any of the trains to the Oculus or Fulton Street where both stations are accessible, Wagner Park is a short ride/walk south.
Other Train Options
Wagner Pavilion and Pier A
The pavilion will be offering events and educational programs later in the summer.
Enjoying the ride on the sloping path from the pavilion down to the water.