East Side Coastal Resiliency

Through the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, or ESCR, we’re working with the City and Federal government to protect Manhattan neighborhoods and parks from the effects of climate change, such as storm damage, increased flooding, and sea level rise.

About the Project

Thanks to joint funding by the City of New York and the federal government, the City will rebuild Manhattan’s East Side waterfront to protect parks and communities across 2.4 miles of Manhattan’s East Side from East 25th Street to Montgomery Street.

ESCR is being led by the New York City Department of Design and Construction in partnership with several city agencies, including NYC Parks. For more about the project, visit NYC’s East Side Coastal Resiliency website.

Creating Resilient Parks

We’re reconstructing parks across Manhattan’s East Side to make them more safe, resilient, and accessible. Parks that are affected include John V. Lindsay East River Park, Murphy Brothers Playground, and Asser Levy Playground.

The ESCR project is based on scientific analysis. The project responds to the projected rise in sea level height through 2050, the projected effects of waves, and the standards for 100-year flood levels set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

What’s Open Now on the East Side

A section of a map of Manhattan’s East Side displaying open spaces.

Looking for a place to play? We’re sprucing up parks, playgrounds, and open spaces in neighborhoods that are affected by ESCR construction.

Learn More

Aerial rendering of the ESCR design

Aerial rendering of the ESCR design

East River Park

The City will elevate and reconstruct East River Park to withstand coastal storms and protect it from the effects of sea level rise. Raising the elevation of East River Park, installing floodwalls, and reconstructing the waterfront bulkhead will protect a diverse array of plants and recreational facilities, while keeping nearby neighborhoods safe. Creating a resilient park helps to ensure that it remains open for generations to come.

What’s Changing at East River Park

A rendering of the lawn at the rebuilt East River Park

Future View from the Houston Street Entry of East River Park

The reconstructed East River Park will continue to offer the many amenities that New Yorkers have come to know and love. We’ll also be creating new spaces for relaxation and sports. Here’s what to expect:

  • Reconstructed recreation fields & courts, track and field, and playgrounds
  • Rebuilt, state-of-the art play areas at Delancey Street and East 10th Street
  • A new water play area at Houston Street
  • Two redesigned waterfront embayments allowing park users to get down to the water
  • A rebuilt amphitheater for more flexible community programming, and to meet universal accessibility
  • Rebuilt tennis house, track house, and 10th Street restrooms to meet modern facility standards, including accessibility along ADA guidelines

Improved Park Access

We’re going to make it easier for New Yorkers to access East River Park and the East River waterfront. We’ll be rebuilding the Corlears Hook Bridge, replacing the Delancey Street and East 10th Street Bridges, and creating a new bridge near Con Edison’s East River Dock (on the east side of the FDR Drive between East 13th and East 15th Streets). We’ll also be building a better shared-use bikeway/walkway path to make the park more accessible and inviting for all users.

Other Park Upgrades

Rendering of Murphy Brothers Playground

View of future entrance to Murphy Brothers Playground

The City is improving other parks along the waterfront as well, including Murphy Brothers Playground, Stuyvesant Cove Park, and Asser Levy Playground.

Improvements at Murphy Brothers Playground will include a new protective floodwall integrated into the fence line of the park. In addition, we’ll be expanding recreational access, improving sight lines, and building a new dog run.

At Asser Levy Playground, a new floodwall will be built to protect local amenities, including the Asser Levy Recreation Center and Pool. We’ll also be improving the play equipment and expanding access to the play area.

Project Schedule

Work on ESCR will be phased. This means that parts of East River Park will remain open for public use and recreation throughout construction. Construction at Murphy Brothers Playground, Stuyvesant Cove Park, and Asser Levy Playground will also be staggered to reduce impact to neighbors.

For more information and the latest updates on construction progress, visit the ESCR website's Construction Notices section.

Environmental Impact

Visit our Environmental Impact Statement page to learn more about the project's development.