About This Playground

🌳 Teardrop Park is a unique 1.8-acre public space tucked between residential buildings in Battery Park City in Manhattan, New York. Designed by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, it features distinctive natural elements including massive bluestone rocks, a water play area, a slide hill, and sustainable design principles.

Visitor Experience: Teardrop Park receives generally positive reviews, particularly from families who appreciate its unique natural play spaces, water features, and hidden urban oasis feel. Visitors often mention the creative design that makes excellent use of limited space and the integration of natural elements.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Park Tourist attraction Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

Warren St, New York, NY 10005, USA

Phone

(212) 267-9700

+1 212-267-9700

Coordinates

40.71707, -74.01552

Hours of Operation

Open Now
Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Today Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

The park is suitable for children of various ages, from toddlers to pre-teens, with different zones catering to different age groups. The sand play area works well for younger children, while the dramatic slide and climbing rocks appeal to older kids.

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Equipment Available

The playground includes a 14-foot stainless steel slide built into a hill, water sprays and channels for water play, a sand play area, natural climbing rocks, and stepping stones.

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Shaded Areas

The park offers good shade coverage from strategically placed trees and the surrounding buildings. The north side is particularly shaded, while the south side receives more sunlight.

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Seating For Parents

Several benches are positioned throughout the park, particularly near play areas, allowing parents to supervise children comfortably.

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Restroom Availability

No public restrooms within the park itself, though nearby establishments in Battery Park City may offer facilities.

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Drinking Fountains

Water fountains are available in the park for visitor use.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

The park is partially enclosed by surrounding buildings and has defined entry points, though it's not completely fenced around the entire perimeter.

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Surface Material

Various surface materials are used, including rubber safety surfacing in play areas, stone pathways, grass, and sand in designated play zones.

Ada Accessibility

The park includes accessible pathways and entrances, though some areas with natural features and elevation changes may present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

Cleanliness Maintenance

The park is typically well-maintained by the Battery Park City Authority, with regular cleaning and maintenance keeping facilities in good condition.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Limited street parking is available in the area. Public garages can be found nearby, though many visitors arrive via public transportation.

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Pet Policy

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. The park is not specifically designed as a dog park.

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Bike Racks

Bike racks are available near park entrances.

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Nearby Food Options

Several cafes and restaurants are located in the Battery Park City area within walking distance of the park.

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Sports Areas

The park does not contain formal sports fields or courts, as it's designed primarily as a naturalistic playground and relaxation space.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

The Hudson River Park waterfront path is just a short distance away, offering extensive walking and biking trails along the waterfront.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

Many visitors share photos highlighting the park's unique rock formations, slide hill, and water features, especially popular during summer months.

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Recent Reviews

Recent visitors praise the imaginative design and appreciate the park as a hidden gem in Manhattan, noting it's less crowded than many other city parks.

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Crowd Levels

Generally moderate crowds, with busier periods during weekends and after school hours. The park rarely feels overcrowded due to its secluded location.

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Special Events

Occasional community events and children's programs are held in the park, particularly during summer months, often organized by the Battery Park City Authority.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Free public access to all visitors.

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Space For Groups

The park can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, though there are no formal reservation systems for gatherings.

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Nature Connection

Strong nature connection despite urban setting, featuring native plantings, rock outcroppings, and water elements designed to reflect the natural landscapes of upstate New York.

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Noise Level

Generally peaceful with the sound of water features masking some urban noise. The park's design between buildings creates a relatively quiet urban sanctuary.

Aesthetic Design

Award-winning design by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates featuring sustainable elements, artistic stonework, and naturalistic landscaping that creates distinct microclimates within the small space.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Regular patrols by Battery Park City Authority security staff and NYPD officers in the larger area.

Rules Restrictions

Standard park rules apply including no smoking, proper pet handling, and restrictions on commercial photography without permits. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

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First Aid Availability

No dedicated first aid station, though Battery Park City Authority staff are typically trained in basic emergency response.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

The park hosts occasional children's programs, storytelling events, and small community gatherings throughout the year.

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Social Interaction

The design encourages interaction between families and children, with shared play spaces that naturally bring visitors together.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

The park employs sustainable design principles including stormwater management, native plantings, and materials selection to minimize environmental impact.

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Renewable Energy

Some lighting elements utilize energy-efficient systems, though no major renewable energy installations are present.

Walkability Bike Access

Excellent walkability from surrounding Battery Park City neighborhood. Well-connected to bicycle infrastructure including the Hudson River Greenway nearby.

Reviews

4.7
(393.0)
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Cleaning Party

a year ago

I love the water sprinklers here! That big slide? Amazing! There is also a really nice sized sandbox. However, the water is not working on that side. However, this little park is a great hidden gem. Definitely felt like k escaped the city for a little

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L

L'Erin

7 months ago

One of our favorite parks. It genuinely feels magical to both parents and kids: you almost forget where you are! The way its natural elements appear and move between crowded columns of high rise apartments is top tier design. The tall slide is super fun. We like to start at Teardrop Park, then go over to Rockefeller Park, and finally run down the Battery Park Esplanade to get out the remaining zoomies.

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A

Andrew Lam

6 months ago

Decently sized park in the midst of an apartment complex with lots of rock formations to explore

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Tori Di Bartolo

7 months ago

It’s open again! My very favorite spray park in the city, tucked into the trees and rocks with plenty of shade. Be warned, the wood deck is incredibly slippery and everyone will probably wipe out at some point.

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Brittany Harvey

6 years ago

I LOVED this park! I had been wanting to go there for years and I was not disappointed. It is a wonderful example of how to use natural materials to the fullest extent. It is a perfect shady spot to stop for lunch. Kids really seemed to be enjoying the natural playground area and the plantings were fabulous. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

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