New York’s Newest Public Park Unveiled by MNLA

Waterline Square

New York City now has a beautiful new public park on the Upper West Side to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages: Waterline Square Park. Designed by acclaimed landscape architecture firm MNLA, this coveted green space acts as a backyard for the residents and pets of the Waterline Square residential development, and also as a much-needed outdoor space for the surrounding community to relax, exercise and enjoy nature.

Waterline Square
Waterline Square
Waterline Square

Known for their award-winning landscape practice and providing comprehensive planning and site design, with commissions such as the highly-anticipated “Little Island” by Thomas Heatherwick on Pier 55 as well as TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport, MNLA’s beautifully-landscaped park at Waterline Square spans 2.6 acres at the heart of the residential development, located along the Hudson River waterfront where Midtown meets the Upper West Side. The park includes more than 200 trees of 20 different species, 65 percent of which are native to New York. The west end of the development is anchored by conifers and evergreens that mitigate wind and pollution from Riverside Boulevard and aesthetically frame the Hudson River in the distance, while a perennial garden provides native habitats and creates texture that complements the park’s expansive lawn.

Waterline Square
Waterline Square

Open to the public, the park unifies the buildings of Waterline Square while connecting the nearby waterfront space to the surrounding community.  Complete with water features, lush plantings, walking paths and an expansive playground, the park serves at once as a backyard and an oasis, creating a verdant view and serene retreat for residents in the area. Since the space opened over the summer, the park has attracted throngs of visitors clamoring for cherished outdoor space. With a fully-equipped children’s playground and plenty of open space to run around, the park is especially resonating with families at a time when green space is on everyone’s minds. 

Waterline Square

Developer GID Development Group has programmed the park with a full calendar of socially-distanced events for residents and those nearby, including yoga, musical performances by Grammy-nominated artists and more. The developer is exploring programming for the park this winter to continue engaging the community.

Waterline Square

Waterline Square is a collection of three residential buildings on one of the last remaining waterfront development sites on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Offering a variety of residential lifestyle opportunities, Waterline Square is home to condominiums, rental residences, a comprehensive amenities package designed in collaboration with Rockwell Group. Surrounding the park will be a dynamic hospitality program open to the neighborhood, including Harry’s Table by Cipriani, Empellón and Somm Cellars Wine & Spirits. 

Waterline Square

Waterline Square

Location: Manhattan, New York, USA

Landscape Architect: MNLA
Client: GID Development Group

Image Credits: Elizabeth Felicella

About Damian Holmes 3253 Articles
Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). He is a registered landscape architect (AILA) working in international design practice in Australia. Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianholmes/