Ask the average Downtown Manhattanite about their favorite NYC garden, and you’re likely to hear about Elizabeth Street Garden, a beautiful green oasis near SoHo featuring statues and hedges that look like they were pulled straight out of a British film set.
But if you’ve been on social media at all in recent weeks, then you know that the green space is in danger: the city, which owns the property on which the garden sits, wants to sell it to a developer that is looking to transform it into housing for senior citizens, according NBC New York.
Elizabeth Street Garden’s website currently includes a link to a legal fund to help the garden stay open, as well as a proposal to Mayor Adams that presents alternative locations where the housing complex could be built, including 388 Hudson Street in the West Village. According to the advocates of the garden, the address is comparable to the garden in size and features.
But the history of the destination is important to note as well: Elizabeth Street Garden as we know it today was created in the 1990s. Since then, the venue has been the site of different events, including yoga classes and concerts that are free and open to anyone passing by.
In 2012, the New York City Housing Authority took over the space and made plans to build a public housing facility for homeless seniors on the property. The garden’s executive team took the city to court and won in the State Supreme Court but lost in appeals twice, according to the New York Times.
As of now, it seems like the city is still intent on destroying the garden in a couple of weeks. Here’s to hoping officials will have a change of mind.
“Let Me Tell You” is a series of columns from our expert editors about NYC living, including the best things to do, where to eat and drink, and what to see at the theater. They publish each Tuesday so you’re hearing from us each week. Last time, Things to Do Editor Rossilynne Skena Culgan shared about her experience researching and writing about NYC’s many secrets.
New York City’s skaters are asking for a little room on the dance floor.
As a quad skater, finding a smooth surface is nearly impossible in New York City. As I mentioned in my last column, there are only a few permanent roller skating rinks around the city (Bushwick’s new Xanadu Roller Arts, Pier 2 in Brooklyn Heights, Riverbank State Park’s rink in Harlem; Staten Island’s RollerJam USA just closed in May). Instead, NYC’s skaters have been relegated to vacant volleyball courts, empty school play yards and far-off rinks to practice their sport.
But since June 2021, Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 has been an unexpected boon to the skating community, offering a reliable space to meet and skate without worrying whether they’re taking up someone else’s space.
No more scattering when tennis players descend with their rackets or waiting until students vacate their schools’ yards. Trips all the way out to Long Island or Bushwick are a thing of the past and they don’t have to worry about hills and cracks and uneven pavement.
The 245,000-square-foot pier behind the Javits Center is the widest, flattest space available, but in a few years, it could disappear too.
As reported earlier this month, Pier 76 will undergo some pretty major changes that could mean a big loss for skaters.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation that will allow development at the pier, including amusement rides, tourist attractions, facilities for waterborne transportation activities and floating restaurants, with the promise to keep 50% of it as park land. The new law also removes some limits on offshore barges and allow commercial development and allows for the Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) to request proposals for a potential helipad site with the hopes of moving an existing one away from West 30th.
All of this is meant to keep open public space while generating revenue to support the care of Hudson River Park. Pier 76 actually faces up to $150 million in repair and reconstruction costs that are needed to avoid removal of the pier’s public space.
There’s no timeline or implementation plan right now, but skaters are already fearing the worst—losing their space—and have launched a petition to include the preservation of a safe, inclusive, accessible and free skate space.
Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York
“We ask that the HRPT sees the redevelopment of Pier 76 as an opportunity to create a place unlike any other in the city: one specifically designed and designated for this kind of roller skating (similar to the Skate Dance Plaza in Venice Beach, CA),” the petition states. “We ask for an area of flat and leveled, smooth and continuous poured concrete, spanning more than 15,000 square feet, that is preferably well-lit and partially covered, to facilitate free year-round use for skaters of all ages, skill levels, and physical abilities.”
On Tuesday last week, I went to see the space for myself and skate with the community that calls the pier home. I arrived at sunset when about a dozen inline and quad skaters (of all ages and skill levels) were freely gliding around the gigantic space and and practicing smooth dance moves. As the sun fell below the Hudson River and lit the sky with pinks and oranges, it was clear to me why they are trying to protect this stretch of pavement.
Not only is the pavement relatively smooth with no cracks, but it’s open and big enough to allow everyone to express themselves, practice and spend time together without getting in the way. It feels free, because it is. There’s no entrance fee and no one is stepping on toes (or skates).
“Skaters are seen as kind of this almost undesirable in a lot of areas.”
“There are several things that make it a perfect oasis for skating, for sure, but the biggest thing is the amount of space and the fact that it is a flat surface that’s especially important for newer skaters learning how to skate, and the sheer amount of space,” Janette Johnston, the skater who launched the petition, tells me. “I feel like skaters are seen as kind of this almost undesirable in a lot of areas: we get kicked off of tennis courts, we get yelled at by cyclists, even on the bike path. And so this space is a place where we can be out of everyone else’s way, and they are out of our way as well.”
Jenzia Burgos, the skater who wrote our first look at Xanadu and its importance to the skating community, actually practices at Pier 76 and says it’s the only space where she feels comfortable trying new things because she can stretch out. “If you’re falling [at a rink], you’re gonna fall in close proximity to other people,” she says. “There’s that fear, too, of making other people tip over and grabbing other people, which you just don’t want. So here, it’s a little bit more of a controlled environment with the space, so it just helps you evolve as a skater. There’s room to breathe. And there’s also a big community here of people who are immediately ready to help you.”
“Central Park cannot be the only place in Manhattan where people get to be connect to the earth or connect to themselves…”
It’s also a more central location—at least compared to Bushwick, Harlem and Brooklyn Heights. But perhaps most importantly, it’s free and open daily.
“The people of this community need to also have a space to just relax and take in the sun,” Liberty Girl Melody Olivera tells me. “You know, like Central Park cannot be the only place in Manhattan where people get to be connect to the earth or connect to themselves with their bodies or their community.”
Not only that, but it is truly beautiful. The pier juts into the river, providing a nice breeze and stunning views of the west side of Manhattan and Jersey. It’s more similar to the Skate Dance Plaza in Venice Beach than you might think.
“It’s best to skate here during sunset to get really beautiful shots and videos,” says Ariana Santiago. “But also, if you need a sense of escapism, to get away from the city, this is also the perfect spot to just lay down and look at the water and even New Jersey. We’re out in middle of the water!”
Photograph: Shaye Weaver for Time Out New York
When I asked the skaters what they want state and city officials to do with their beloved space, some said they didn’t want any changes. But others were open to it as long as their community is considered.
That could be a stretch of pavement that the in-liners, quad skaters and long boarders can use that is out of the way of others—bicyclists, pedestrians and pets included. Additionally, restrooms, access to affordable food and some sort of covering to shield them from rain would also top the list.
“I would just say, ‘Please don’t take this home away,’” he says “For me, this is like a home away from home. I’ve made a lot of cool memories here, met a lot of cool people here, learned a lot here, too. So when it comes down to at the end of the day, I would just really hope they consider the fact that people come here [regularly] and love it here.”
Hearing that, I figured I’d go straight to the source to ask how the skating community will be included in the decisions made about the park.
“Parkland means grass, fields, and playgrounds but it also means open spaces which can be used by the public for a variety of purposes, including skating,” said Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who supports the bill and forthcoming changes.
“Importantly, community members will have an opportunity to weigh in on the changes in the park through the public planning process,” he continued. “Our bill also creates a community-led procedure to facilitate, once and for all, moving the West 30th Street helipad off of the parkland, which will create even more park space for all kinds of activities.”
Finally, a Hudson River Park Trust spokesperson told me that they’re aware that there’s an active skating community at Pier 76 and that they’ll include the community in the design process.
“In order to achieve our two long-term goals for the pier—creating great public open space and generating revenue to support the overall care and maintenance of Hudson River Park—the entire pier needs to be reconstructed,” the spokesperson said. “As is our practice, we will eventually engage in a community design process where skaters and other stakeholders can give input on their hopes for the open space.
The skaters are ready to make their voices heard.
“In the interim, we found a community, we found a home here,” says Johnston.
It goes without being said that there’s so many incredible things to do with kids in NYC, and if it’s a birthday occasion there’s EVEN MORE! With tons of venues and children’s experiences at your disposal, there’s so many great options to host a special kid’s birthday celebration. In this guide, we’re going to take the fuss out of the party planning and clue you parents into the best spots to host. From creative art studios to NYC’s incredible jungle gyms, here’s a conclusive list.
1. Book Nook, Multiple Locations
Source / Wise Wonder
If you’re kids a bookworm, you’ve got to treat them to a birthday party at Book Nook, where a group can partake in crafting sessions, book readings, and so much more. Their party packages are pretty affordable at just $25 per child (with the birthday kid being free), and the time slots run on weekends starting at 11 am. It’s the best chance for your kid to become their favorite fairytale character, discover their new book series, and flex their crafting muscles. Learn more about all of Book Nook’s birthday party options here!
Where:
West End – 555 W 59th St
Tribeca – 23 Warren St
Park Slope – 58 Garfield Pl, Brooklyn
2. The Craft Studio
Facebook / The Craft Studio
As the name suggests, The Craft Studio is all about the arts, and kids can take over the whole studio and get their hands on a unique crafting experience. Each party space is 1.5 hours of fun, and comes with on-site staff to teach, 1 craft per kid, choice of face painting or temporary tattoos, balloons, music, dancing, games, ice cream cake, and so much more. Their sessions start with a $350 deposit for their backroom (which fits about 35 kids and their accompanying adults) or you can rent their entire store out for another $1,000 (fits 50 kids and their accompany adults).
The Craft Studio’s multiple locations makes it the perfect kids birthday venue for the creative kid in your life.
Where:
Upper East Side – 1657 Third Ave
Tribeca – 176 Duane St
Brooklyn – 295 Atlantic Ave
3. Chelsea Piers
Source / Chelsea Piers
For the sporty kids, look to Chelsea Piers for a fun afternoon/night of a birthday party. Chelsea’s premier fitness and sport center is an amazing way to get the little ones exercising, with loads of customizable party packages and activities just waiting to be planned. There are truly options for every kind of kid, ranging from bowling parties to gymnastic parties to even American Ninja Warrior parties.
Prices start at $1,075 for a gold package, which includes 2-hours (75 minutes of activity 45 minutes in party space for up to 10 participants); or the platinum package for $1,275 which includes all that plus cake and party favors. You can view the bountiful sport party options at Chelsea Piers’ website here.
Where: 1 Old, Dock St, Brooklyn
4. Jane’s Carousel
Source / Jane’s Carousel
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s famous Jane’s Carousel is always a great Brooklyn spot to host, where you can rent 1.5 hour time slots of up to 45 guests. Kids can ride the carousel an unlimited amount of times during the session and even walk away with a commemorative keepsake ticket too. The reservation will cost you $350 on weekdays and $450 on weekends, with each reservation also coming with reserved seating in the picnic grove or inside the Pavilion on rainy days. Learn more about how to plan a kids birthday here!
This 40,000-square-foot indoor adventure park is a kid’s wildest fantasy, and you can host one of the most memorable kid’s parties here for sure. Area 53’s attractions include rock climbing, ropes courses, ball pits, laser tag, bowling, paintball, and so much more! They offer 3 hour private room options for parties, where you can have cake and presents in between roller skating and dueling on the battle beam. Learn more about Area 53 here, and see their full party options here!
Where: 616 Scholes St, Brooklyn
6. The Art Farm
Source / The Art Farm
The Art Farm’s classes and kids birthday parties are focused predominately on art, animals, nature, seasonal cooking, and more…making it a great option for the little ones. Their mission is to let kids “engage in the natural world” through indoor petting zoos, arts and crafts, plus other activities. Their themed birthday parties make them an optimal venue, where kids can choose from a variety of themes like an “Exotic Animal Party” to a “Princess & Knights Party.” It’s great for kids ages 3-10 who want to bake chocolate cookies, pet snakes, and everything in between. See The Art Farm’s themed birthday party options here.
Where: 431 E 91st St, 2nd floor
7. The Painted Pot
Instagram / @paintedpotbk
Let the kids’ creativity run wild at Painted Pot, a pottery spot who just recently moved into the Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn! Little ones can be the artists of their dreams here, thanks to the various hands-on art experiences they offer. They offer 3 different kinds of art parties, including a classic pottery painting session (labeled the “Van Gogh Party”), a canvas painting party, and clay hand-building party where kids actually craft it themself. Prices usually hover around $100 per kid and you can learn more about Painted Pot’s options here.
Where: 188 5th Ave, Brooklyn
8. Prospect Park Carousel
Source / Prospect Park Alliance
Prospect Park’s iconic carousel has wow-ed many children in Brooklyn since 1912, and it’s available for children’s birthday parties on 2 hour time slots. Party planners can book the carousel and get unlimited rides during the time period, as well as access two 6-foot tables, 10 chairs, two child-sized tables and twelve child-sized chairs in a dedicated space under an awning. Guests are encouraged to supply their own food, but there is a nearby concession stand for snacks too. Learn more about to book a kids birthday party here!
Where: 452 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
9. Genius Gems
Source / Genius Gems
This STEM-focused kids birthday party idea combines “creativity, interacting with peers, critical thinking, and having fun.” The play space is most well known for their over 100,000 magnetic tiles, robots, slime, 3D printers & more. Kids can play in their STEM-focused rooms and exhibits, as well as getting a private room for the party for a few hours. Genius Gems offers different birthday packages which start at $799 + tax for 12 kids and 2 adults. You can of course add more kids and activities. Learn more about Genius Gems’ options here.
Where: 555 6th Ave
10. Queens County Farm Museum
Source / Jeff Kollbrunner & Queens County Farm Museum
This farm birthday experience is perfect for the little ones (ages 12 and under), and there’s plenty of farm-focused fun to be had! Think hayrides, farmyard tours and animal feedings, food and snacks, plus a whole lot more! Queens County Farm Museum hosts recommends reserving a birthday party slot at least four months in advance, on Saturdays & Sundays from April – October. The reservation times are 10:30am – 1:00pm (Apr – Oct) and 2:30pm – 5:00pm (Apr – Sep). Learn more about how to book your kid’s birthday party at Queens County Farm Museum here!
Where: 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens
11. Industry City Game Room
Source / Industry City
Brooklyn’s lovely Industry City complex is a great spot to host a kid’s birthday party, which can hold up to 100 people! Their event space offers free-to-play vintage arcade games, ping pong, giant Jenga, table top gaming, and so much more. It’s able to be rented on Saturdays and Sundays, with two different sessions (12 – 2:30 pm or 3 – 5:30pm). Learn more about how to book your kid’s birthday party at Industry City’s Game Room here!
Bluey x CAMP, a traveling immersive experience, proves that it’s the animated pup’s world and we’re just living in it, quite literally, as it brings her home to life.
The fifth stop of the cross-country pop-up is Manhattan, where it’s guaranteed to receive two paws up. Plus, it’s likely to top the list of best things to do with kids in New York City this winter.
“The excitement has been extraordinary, and we are planning for the most spectacular holiday season yet at our 5th Avenue store,” CAMP’s CEO Jenica Myszkowski said in a press release. “We will bring the Heeler Home to our NYC community, to families visiting New York this season, plus Bluey and Bingo holiday gifts co-branded exclusively for this experience. We can’t wait!”
If you and your little ones often visit the Heeler canine family on TV, now is your chance to enjoy the show in real life.
So, what exactly does Bluey have cooking for her visitors? Those who venture to CAMP’s 5th Avenue flagship will open the store’s Magic Door and enter a colorful, inviting 5,000-square-foot experience that is modeled after Bluey’s home, complete with slides galore, a two-story pillow fort, and a cardboard box castle, to name a few enticing features.
Once at the event — the brainchild of the store, BBC Studios, and Ludo Studio — children will be able to play games they see in the show, including the ever-popular Magic Asparagus and Keepy Uppy, take in animated shorts, go into “DANCE MODE”, discover Easter eggs from the series hidden throughout the venue, and of course, snap a picture with Bluey and Bingo on their way out. What a way to wrap things up!
Tickets are available on the CAMP website from $54 per person beginning December 6. Children two and under are able to be admitted for free. Tickets are timed and attendees are asked to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to their start time. You’ll have to hurry: Bluey and Bingo won’t be in Gotham forever, so now’s the time to act. If your tot loves immersive experiences, we also recommend a trip to Bubble Planet at American Dream.
