When complete the Catherine Slip median will connect to Tanahey Park

In less than a year, the city Parks & Recreation Department has completed the renovation of two formerly paved medians at Montgomery and Rutgers Slips, both just north of the Manhattan Bridge. The new pedestrian malls feature more trees, planters and new pavers that will also improve rainwater drainage; a planted median also adds greenery to upper Montgomery Place.

Similar improvements are going in at Catherine Slip from Cherry to South Street, where the newly planted wide median will connect to an extension of Tanahey Park. That will greatly expand the green space to include recreation areas and new paved paths lined by trees and benches. Work there is expected to wrap up approximately late November.

The slips are named for boat slips that existed in the same locations more than 200 years ago, and were eventually added to Manhattan’s street grid by landfill extending the shoreline. The Parks Department is rebuilding them to tie into the renovated East River Waterfront Esplanade, which opened its newest section this summer near Wall Street, with more to come next year.

James Madison Plaza scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011, is in the final phase of work

Also part of the East River access plan, the Pike and Allen Street pedestrians malls are being rebuilt block by block through spring 2012. Their new look will be centered on decorative pedestrian-path pavers, with lawn, new benches and more trees flanked by new railings and painted bike lanes. Work is taking place in two phases: Phase 1 began in late 2010 between South and Madison, while phase 2 work extended northward between Grand and Delancey last spring. The entire mall is slated for spring 2012 completion.

At James Madison Plaza,Parks crews also are in the final phase of reconstruction work. The once entirely concrete plaza is being rebuilt as a landscaped pedestrian plaza with a central water feature, game tables, benches, bike racks, and better lighting. The $2.1 million makeover is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Pearl Street Playground is scheduled to be complete in April 2012

The new parks join several more that opened over the past several years along the East River, including DeLury Square, Titanic Park, and the innovative Burling Slip Playground.

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