4. Stuyvesant Cove Park, Between 23rd and 18th streets

The smaller Stuyvesant Cove, a 1.9-acre park, connects to the Captain Patrick J. Brown walk as it approaches 23rd street. It includes a few dirt path trails, an empty lot, and several tables and chairs. There have also been events like free music series and kayaking.

The park rests on a former brownfield (land formerly contaminated with industrial pollutants) of a cement plant and a parking lot. Once a barren stretch, the city initially planned to develop it into a luxury area.  

However, in 1991, New York City’s Economic Development Corporation decided on a different plan since the less sustainable, original plan would have severed nearby residents access to the East River: Stuyvesant Cove Park. Here, you can relax on a bench and enjoy a view of the Edward Koch Memorial (Queensboro) Bridge.