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East River Esplanade

FDR Dr. bet. E. 36 St. and E. 41 St.

Manhattan

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Acquired in 1939 as a result of the construction of the East River Drive (later renamed the Franklin Delano Roosevelt East River Drive), the East River Esplanade is a vital part of New York City’s vast greenway system. The park forms the edge of Manhattan as it meets the East River and varies as one travels along it, with sections maintained by different groups and featuring various designs. At the time of construction, borough president Samuel Levy (1876-1953) predicted that the project would “play a leading role in the transformation of the East Side from a slum area into a beautiful residential district.” The East River Esplanade was part of a larger City effort to improve living conditions in crowded Lower Manhattan with the addition of playgrounds and open space.

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