Pier C Park in Hoboken, NJ by Michael Van Valkenburgh

• Architects: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
• Project Year: 2009 – 2010

Pier C Park is located along the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway in Hoboken, New Jersey and is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to provide recreational open space at the water’s edge. An active recreation pier designed to accommodate users of all ages, the new park complements neighboring parks in program and form. Pier C represents a new generation of waterfront programming, defined by recreation and public access rather than industrial or maritime uses. The new pier sits within the rectilinear footprint of the long-absent original Pier C, with arcing walkways that capitalize on views to Manhattan as well as the active uses of the pier.

Boardwalk 3

The sculptural quality of the landscape simulates the forms of a barrier beach while the interior breaks open to reveal the play landscape—a whimsical, other-scaled world designed to engage children of all ages and abilities. The playground is separated into a pre-school play area and a school-age play area including structures for climbing and hiding, slides, sand play, water play, climbable slopes, rockers and spinners. A continuous tricycle path loops through the interior of the play area and a park building is situated such that an employee can easily dispense toys to children.

Park Layout

The Promenade, at the eastern edge of the pier, provides recreational opportunities for adults and families. In addition to the introduction of lawn areas for sunbathing and casual games, there is ample seating located along the water’s edge. The park encourages users to experience waterfront wildlife opportunities, including the use of a planting scheme that strongly favors coastal species and the construction of a roosting structure for nesting osprey.

Tags: Hoboken, New Jersey

Category: Public Landscapes

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