LUTHER GULICK PARK

Location: New York, New York
Client: New York City Parks
Award: ASLA-NY Chapter Board Award

Luther Gulick Park is a New York City Parks property, whose conceptual and schematic designs were agency-developed while MKW was responsible for design documentation and construction observation. The project represents what can be achieved with successful agency/private firm coordination.

Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, Luther Gulick Park is nestled adjacent to the Williamsburg Bridge. Approximately 1.6 acres, the park provides passive leisure and active recreation to a community primarily composed of multi-family residential buildings.

The site is organized around a sinuous path that runs through the middle of the park and curves along different program uses. A calm, open green introduces the park in the west and takes advantage of the existing perimeter trees to frame the area and provide shade for the benches and adjacent seating area below. The elliptical loop path along the green provides passive recreational opportunities for both casual visitors and also the occupants of the senior living facility adjacent to this area of the park.

For those seeking more active recreation, an adult fitness area, a full basketball court, four refurbished handball courts and a table tennis area supply many options. In the southeastern corner of the park is a playground area which includes new, accessible, city-themed play structures for both younger and older children, new spray shower equipment, climbing structures and swings.

Planting buffers throughout the site help define individual spaces as well as increase permeability compared to existing conditions (a 43% increase). Low-growing plantings were selected to allow for constant lines of sight, while secure children’s areas provide reassurance for parents and guardians.