You can find almost anything in Manhattan, but even the most jaded New Yorkers are surprised to find a natural wonder tucked away in the neighborhood of Turtle Bay. Listen closely as you walk down East 51st Street and you might hear an unfamiliar noise over the city din – a rushing waterfall. 
Urban Oasis
Greenacre Park is a small slice of nature in the midst of Midtown. The 6,000-square foot vest pocket park is located between Second and Third Avenues and is elevated from street level. If you happened to glance at the park while walking by, you might see families and workers eating lunch at the tables or lounging in the shade. The park’s most distinctive feature, a 25-foot waterfall, is located at the park’s back wall and is easily overlooked at first glance.
“[The park] asks of us only that we cherish it.”
– August Heckscher, City Parks Commissioner
Rockefeller Roots
The park was a gift from Abby Rockefeller Mauzé, the daughter of John D. Rockefeller Jr. It was composed of three separate lots formerly home to a store, a garage, and part of a synagogue. Opened in 1971, Greenacre Park is privately owned and maintained by the Greenacre Foundation, with attendants on duty at all times. It is free for all to enjoy.
At the park’s dedication, City Parks Commissioner August Heckscher said, “It is the rarest of pleasures for me to be able to express the thanks and appreciation of the people of the City of New York for the privilege of using this green acre. It is a privilege which places no burden on the city, which makes no demands, which asks of us only that we cherish it.”
Special Repose
One reason the park remains a hidden gem is that you must climb a few stairs to enter it. If you’re a bustling New Yorker, this slight elevation is enough to conceal all that lies within.
Once inside, the design by Hideo Sasaki offers a lush refuge. Plants, water, and stone are incorporated to bring natural elements to this urban niche. Honey locust trees, perennial flowers, and ivy walls grow throughout. Tables and chairs for relaxing are offered at all three levels of the park, including a small terrace. Stone is incorporated in the russet brick paving and the ashlar masonry wall. Water trickles from this wall and feeds into the waterfall through a runnel. Made from sculpted granite rocks, the waterfall provides a tranquil alternative to the usual city sounds.
Mr. Sasaki said that the aim of his design, “is to provide a place for the general public to gain special repose from the increasing city experience of noise, concrete and humdrum.”
The Fight for Light
The park’s urban location opens it up to unique threats. In 1980, a campaign was launched against a planned building that would have blocked sunlight in the park. The issue returned in 2017, when rezoning plans would have allowed for taller neighboring buildings blocking the light. In 2018, Greenacre Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The magic of nature in an unexpected setting is even more powerful in a city that values every square inch. If you think you hear the thunder of a waterfall on your commute, follow that sound and indulge in one of NYC’s secret sanctuaries.
How to Visit Greenacre Park
The closest train stops to Greenacre Park are the E and F trains to Lexington Av/53 St station and the 6 train to 59 St station. Walk up a few steps and then enjoy the calming courtyard.
Sources
- Greenacre Park
- “Greenacre Park.” Terrapin Bright Green.
- “Greenacre Park Joins National Registry of Historic Places.” Sasaki. 2 Oct. 2018.
- Hua, Winnie. “A Tiny Park Fights for Sunlight Among New York City Skyscrapers.” The New York Times. 22 May 2017.
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