Landscape architect Signe Nielsen, along with foreman Cardell Thomas, are putting finishing touches on a project they have been working on for more than a year. They have been planting a wide variety of trees, plants and flowers on a 2.4 acre island in the Hudson River called Little Island.

"I think that's one of the reasons the park feels so great on entering, the trees are not the same size, so it looks like it's been here awhile,” explained Nielsen, a founding principal at Matthews Nielsen Landscape Architects.

What You Need To Know

  • Little Island is a new, free public park located on 13th Street in Hudson River Park

  • The 2.4 acre park features a 687-seat amphitheater for free and ticketed events, an intimate stage and lawn space and a social hub called The Playground where food and drink will be served

  • The project was made possible through a $260 million contribution from the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation
  • The park is accessible by two bridges and built on 132 concrete structures or pots that resemble tulips

The island was built where Pier 54 used to be on 132 concrete structures or pots that resemble tulips, or maybe giant golf tees.

New York's newest public park is located at West 13th Street, just off West Street on Manhattan's West Side. 

Nearly a decade in the making, it was made possible through a $260 million contribution from the Diller-Von Furstenberg family — that's fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg and media mogul Barry Diller. They have also committed an additional $120 million for the Park's future maintenance. The city and state also pitched in on the project. 

"This whole park was intended to give people a sense of discovery,” said Trish Santini, executive director of Little Island, who added, “You never know quite what you are going to see or find when you go around the bend." 

That includes a 687-seat amphitheater with Hudson River views for free and ticketed events. There is The Playground, which is not an actual playground, but a social hub that will serve food and drinks from morning until night. The Glade is a more intimate performance space and will also host a variety of educational programs. 

"Families with children can expect to have workshops that are open for them and free. We will do music, dance and theater,” said Michael Wiggins, director of engagement and education at Little Island.

There's one part of Little Island that most visitors will not see: The back of house space built beneath the performing areas where there are dressing rooms and storage space for artists and staff.

Little Island producer Julia Kraus said the island will be buzzing with performances galore.

"Every day is going to be completely different, so we hope people come back for more,” said Krauss.

The park will be open 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Timed-entry tickets are required from noon to 8 p.m.

Find out more here.