November Issue #3
I Live on a Small Island
I live on a small island. It’s only 13 miles long and 3 miles wide.
I think we often forget NYC is a small island. You might be asking why I’m opening this email this way. It’s about perspective. Odds are your mind went straight to a tropical place, and that’s understandable because islands are generally associated with warmer climates. I made a very loud, crowded city seem peaceful and tropical. In the theme of this month’s newsletter, I urge you to think differently. How can you reframe the routine to add a bit of spark?
From a morning walk to get coffee, to an evening paddleboard, we hope you find some moments to enjoy time outside.
Finding Whimsy Amongst Concrete
Little Island at Pier 54 is a space straight out of a Dr. Seuss book—and I mean that in the best way. Rising from the remnants of Pier 54, the public park is less than 2.5 acres and is supported by 132 pot-shaped structures (called tulips) suspended above the Hudson River.
My favorite time to visit Little Island is during sunrise when the park has just opened because that’s the least busy. While it’s a very small park, it offers beautiful views of downtown and a few winding (but very short) trails to viewpoints. The park is so unusual in design, that whenever I visit I often forget I’m in NYC because the tulips block most of the skyline so you’re surrounded in greenery.
The pier has a long history. The land that now makes up Hudson River park (which Little Island sits on) was originally home to the Lenape. In 1912, the pier welcomed survivors of the Titanic before becoming a venue for concerts in the 80s and 90s. Check out my post on the NP app to learn more about Little Island, the Pier’s history, and programming.
Is there a park near you that makes you feel similar?
