Little Island

All the talk this past weekend in the local New York City press was about Little Island, a just-opened public park off Hudson River Park on the west side of Manhattan. It's the brainchild and wallet spawn of media mogul Barry Diller, who worked with the Hudson River Park Trust and an assortment of arts honchos to envision, design, and actually build a totally original park over the Sandy-damaged Pier 54.

It certainly succeeds in fulfilling the vision described on its website of a "captivating landscape" and "an immersive experience with nature and art."

On that website you'll also find the phrase "an oasis from urban life." The word "oasis" did not come to mind as I steered myself among the crowds streaming through the park at 8:30 on the morning of its debut Sunday, when I took most of these photos. Judging from the variety of languages in the air, it's likely to become as much of a tourist attraction as the nearby High Line.

Little Island arose at a historic point on the riverside. This is where the Cunard Line's ocean liners docked in the early 20th century. The Titanic would have put in here, had it completed its maiden voyage. And here is where the Carpathia docked with the survivors. As you enter Little Island via its South Bridge, you can first experience Cunard's big iron gate, a bit of history that's been preserved.

Contrast enhanced for easier viewing of the words "Cunard Line"
The Cunard gate from the other side and the start of the South Bridge

The artificial "island" is built on concrete piles topped with "tulip pot" modules. Together they look like a nest of giant mushrooms of undulating heights. No two "pots" are exactly alike.

Walking under the towering mushrooms at the South Bridge entrance I got a little Jurassic Park shiver. It feels like the entrance to a scary-magical Alice-in-Wonderland amusement park.

People were taking advantage of the lawn – and lining up at the snack booth on the ugly concrete area known as the Playground, even though it wasn't even nine in the morning.

But around and along the ups and downs, spring flowers were in colorful bloom.

I like the slightly whimsical driftwood-like benches.

Oversized "steps" remind me of the climb up the highest hill on Governor's Island.

You can take steps or ramps up to the high points and get a good look up and down the great estuary we call the Hudson River. The topmost lookout was crowded with sightseers.

Want to make a small area seem bigger? A twisting, turning path is your friend.

The amphitheater hosts performances from groups such as the American Ballet Theater.

It may prove that, as with the High Line, the best time for a local to visit Little Island and avoid crowds is on a weekday morning. But if you're a visitor to NYC and want to experience one if its newest and most original outdoor features, any time is good. You could hit Little Island, the High Line, and Chelsea Market all in the same day. (At present, you must reserve a timed ticket to visit during afternoon hours.)

While you're enjoying the space and the views, take a few moments to appreciate the design and engineering, too.

Barry Diller surveys his work from the inside

All photos © Critical Lens Media