A global exemplar for playgrounds located in flood-zone communities, Playscape features five distinct ecology zones, each fostering cultural and environmental awareness through sustainable, biodiverse and water-conscious design.
The Battery Conservancy and NYC Parks have
opened the highly anticipated, 1.5-acre Battery
Playscape — offering an
extraordinary array of play choices for children of all ages and abilities.
Battery Playscape was imagined post-Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and serves as a
global exemplar for playgrounds located in flood zone areas.
The park features five ecological zones, each inspired by topography created by
water shaping the land:
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Bluff has five granite slides;
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Riverbed and Marsh feature salt-tolerant gardens, elevated tree
houses, and sand/water play;
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Meadow features a biodiverse array of conifers, native shrubs, grasses
and blooming perennials; and
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Dune features an undulating climbing structure and ShowBox — the
first improv/puppet theater in a New York City playground.
Warrie Price, president and founder of The Battery Conservancy, says the
Playscape was designed to "immerse children into the natural wonders formed by
plants, trees, sand, and ancient stone while building an understanding of
accommodating climate."
The Battery Conservancy initiated Playscape's design post-Sandy, when The
Battery survived the full force of the 15-foot storm surge. Accounting for
sea-level rise became a focal point of the design process, and Playscape
succeeds in transforming climate challenges into creative play and learning
opportunities.
Designed by BKSK Architects and Starr Whitehouse
Landscape Architects and Planners with custom
fabrication by Maglin, the new Playscape triples the
size of the former Battery playground. The current space accounts for the
growing number of Lower Manhattan families, expanding elementary schools and
increase in visitation by children from all five boroughs — as well as visitors
to New York City.
"The Playscape will serve as a model for imaginative play and resilient design
for years to come. From water-absorbent bioswales to a gorgeous puppet theater,
this playground is truly different from any other in New York City," said NYC
Parks Commissioner Gabrielle Fialkoff. "As the final piece of The Battery
Master Plan, this 1.5-acre playground completes the decades-long process of
revitalizing this historic site. We thank the Conservancy for their leadership
in reimagining this playground and establishing The Battery as a thriving
waterfront park and a destination for New Yorkers and tourists from around the
world."
Playscape — which earned a 2020 Merit Award from the American Society of
Landscape Architects New York Chapter — marks the final major construction
milestone in the 25+ year history of The Battery Conservancy's work to
revitalize The Battery, New York City's oldest continually used public space.
The $18.3 million project was funded through grants and donations from the
Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the MTA, Mayor Bill de
Blasio, City Council Member Margaret Chin, and Manhattan Borough President
Gale Brewer.
Through partnerships with NYC Parks, New York State, the National Park Service,
and private individuals and corporations, the Battery Conservancy has raised
more than $170 million. Today, The Conservancy — driven by its commitment to
environmental stewardship, historical authenticity, design excellence,
innovative education, and openness to all — spearheads the revitalization of the
city's birthplace park. The Battery's breathtaking harbor views, expansive
gardens, bike paths, grand lawns, and family attractions make it one of New York
City's premier cultural destinations.
The Battery Playscape will be open year-round from 8 am to dusk and is free to
all members of the public supervising and/or accompanying children. Located at
the northeast corner of The Battery, adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry
Building and SeaGlass Carousel, the Playscape is accessible from State
Street and South Street. Nearest public transportation options include the 4/5, 1
and R/W subway lines, bus routes and new bike routes.
Published Dec 27, 2021 7am EST / 4am PST / 12pm GMT / 1pm CET
Sustainable Brands Staff