Manhattan's East River Waterfront Gets a Fitness Boost as Parking Lot Transformed into Outdoor Gym
A city-owned parking lot along the East River waterfront in Manhattan is set to become an outdoor gym, offering residents and visitors a new space to stay active. The $1.1 million renovation aims to transform the underused site into a vibrant waterfront destination with workout equipment and benches.
The 34th Street parking lot, which has been closed since its conversion into a private parking lot in 1991, will reopen next spring as a temporary public open space. New York University, which previously used the lot for parking, paid the city $9,492.50 per month in rent.
The push to reclaim the space began several years ago as part of a broader redevelopment plan to turn Kips Bay into a hub for scientific research. According to Parks department Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the goal is to create an "accessible and inclusive open space that everyone can enjoy."
While some logistical challenges remain, including noise from nearby heliport and jet fuel odors, locals are welcoming the change. Councilmember Keith Powers, who grew up near the waterfront, says it's a "transformational" step towards realizing a vision for a better waterfront along the East River.
The temporary public space is expected to be a hit with residents and visitors alike. As Powers notes, turning an unused parking lot into a park is an important move in making the most of existing space. The city's Economic Development Corporation has already seen a surge in interest from locals looking to take advantage of the new space once it opens.
The project is part of a larger effort to expand accessible and inclusive open spaces across the city, according to Rodriguez-Rosa. She says that "collaboration" is key to reimagining public spaces for everyone to enjoy. With its temporary opening expected next spring, this East River parking lot makeover promises to be a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
A city-owned parking lot along the East River waterfront in Manhattan is set to become an outdoor gym, offering residents and visitors a new space to stay active. The $1.1 million renovation aims to transform the underused site into a vibrant waterfront destination with workout equipment and benches.
The 34th Street parking lot, which has been closed since its conversion into a private parking lot in 1991, will reopen next spring as a temporary public open space. New York University, which previously used the lot for parking, paid the city $9,492.50 per month in rent.
The push to reclaim the space began several years ago as part of a broader redevelopment plan to turn Kips Bay into a hub for scientific research. According to Parks department Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the goal is to create an "accessible and inclusive open space that everyone can enjoy."
While some logistical challenges remain, including noise from nearby heliport and jet fuel odors, locals are welcoming the change. Councilmember Keith Powers, who grew up near the waterfront, says it's a "transformational" step towards realizing a vision for a better waterfront along the East River.
The temporary public space is expected to be a hit with residents and visitors alike. As Powers notes, turning an unused parking lot into a park is an important move in making the most of existing space. The city's Economic Development Corporation has already seen a surge in interest from locals looking to take advantage of the new space once it opens.
The project is part of a larger effort to expand accessible and inclusive open spaces across the city, according to Rodriguez-Rosa. She says that "collaboration" is key to reimagining public spaces for everyone to enjoy. With its temporary opening expected next spring, this East River parking lot makeover promises to be a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
! 34th Street parking lot got transformed into an outdoor gym & theres already been a 300% increase in fitness enthusiasts visiting the area compared to last year 
. also, did u know that NYC has like 14 million residents but only 12% of them have access to public parks? so, this is a big deal for inclusivity & accessibility 
! and btw, the city spent $1.1 mil on renovations which is like, super affordable considering all the health benefits it'll bring 
It's amazing how something that was once an unused parking lot can be transformed into a vibrant public space. And I'm loving the idea of collaboration between the city and NYU to make this happen 
. The only thing I wish is they would add more seating areas for people to chill after their workout 
️. Can't wait to check it out next spring! 
. We should be making public spaces for everyone, not just a select few. I love that Keith Powers is on board with this – he's got a real passion for the community. And let's be real, a park along the East River sounds like a dream come true 
.
Either way, I'm stoked to see people getting more active and enjoying our city spaces.
they r takin an old parking lot n turnin it into an outdoor gym w/ benches & workout eqnmnt!!! 
1.1 mil spent on dis renno & its gonna be worth it! 
. This transformed parking lot along the East River waterfront is the ultimate example of that. What started as a neglected space is now becoming an outdoor gym – it's like we're taking back control of our surroundings and making them work for us instead of against us 
. As Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa said, collaboration is key to reimagining public spaces for everyone to enjoy. I couldn't agree more 
The fact that it's temporary and can be used by anyone is just fantastic. We need more community spaces like this in NYC, you know? 
. Plus, think about all the scientific research happening in Kips Bay - it's cool that they're turning an unused spot into something everyone can enjoy.