East River Esplanade at Pike Street Debuts with Exercise Equipment and Basketball Courts
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Many moons ago, the NYC Economic Development Corp. outlined its goal to create a “node of activity along the East River that reflects the diversity of the surrounding neighborhood and serves both local residents and visitors to the Esplanade.” The Pike Slip bulkhead finally received its “park life” treatment along this historic tidal strait.
Well, the fruits of Phase III in the capital works project are now (mostly) available to the Lower East Side masses.
A section of the East River esplanade was just carved out for use as a free open-air activity center. Beneath the Manhattan Bridge overpass, and within earshot of passing cars on the FDR, residents can now enjoy a small selection of basic exercise equipment, twin basketball courts, bocce ball, bench seating, and new flower beds.
The South Street gym debuted Friday with a dozen machines, which have quickly become a hit with the locals. Your choices are a rowing machine, chin-up bar, bench dip station, cardio walker, and double shoulder rotator.
Time to get buff.
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