Undulating Paths Proposed for NYC’s East River Greenway Project

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced earlier this year plans to move forward with the East River Greenway, a project to redesign the waterfront from East 38th to East 61st Streets, headed up by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. In response to the corporation’s request for a proposal, Grounds, the urban and landscape division of wHY, a US-based architecture firm, has proposed undulating walkways for cyclists and pedestrians, reports Dezeen.

The idea was inspired by Japanese zig-zag bridges, which are formed so people could face different views, depending on where they are. The varying peaks of the proposed park’s walkways would give cyclists and pedestrians incredible views of Roosevelt Island, that include the new Cornell Tech Campus and Four Freedoms Park, among others. In total, the cost to build the walkway would be around $70 million dollars; though the project for the eight block stretch recently gained a $100 million cash infusion from the City.

The proposal for the greenway would have different oscillating paths for cyclists, runners, pedestrians, as well as a space for planting, the greenery from which would create room for more nature to flourish in the city. If it’s positioned by the FDR Drive, it’s hard to imagine the undulating greenway to be a quiet park. In response, wHY detailed that the slopes of the paths would actually provide a noise buffer, along with nooks below the peaks to create more quiet and sheltered spaces for various activities (much like the High Line in the respect that it’s more than just a regular greenway for transportation).

The development for the greenway has long been in development, beginning in 1993 under Mayor David Dinkins. Despite many attempts and promises from different administrations, this particular project has never really moved forward. But now, Mayor de Blasio is promising that construction will begin in 2019, with completion aimed at 2022.

Rendering courtesy wHY

While Grounds’ detailed proposal makes us excited for the possibilities a project like this could create for the city, it has yet to be approved. Many other proposals for the East River Greenway are being considered. Hopefully the chosen design will be just as exciting, and match the success of Chelsea‘s High Line.

Next, check out The Top 10 Secrets of the East River, NYC.