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
Address
Warren St, New York, NY 10005, USA
Phone
(212) 267-9700
+1 212-267-9700
Website
bpca.ny.gov/places/parksCoordinates
40.71707, -74.01552
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
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.
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.
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.
Seating For Parents
Several benches are positioned throughout the park, particularly near play areas, allowing parents to supervise children comfortably.
Restroom Availability
No public restrooms within the park itself, though nearby establishments in Battery Park City may offer facilities.
Drinking Fountains
Water fountains are available in the park for visitor use.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
The park is partially enclosed by surrounding buildings and has defined entry points, though it's not completely fenced around the entire perimeter.
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
Nearby Parking
Limited street parking is available in the area. Public garages can be found nearby, though many visitors arrive via public transportation.
Pet Policy
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash. The park is not specifically designed as a dog park.
Bike Racks
Bike racks are available near park entrances.
Nearby Food Options
Several cafes and restaurants are located in the Battery Park City area within walking distance of the park.
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
User Submitted Photos
Many visitors share photos highlighting the park's unique rock formations, slide hill, and water features, especially popular during summer months.
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.
Crowd Levels
Generally moderate crowds, with busier periods during weekends and after school hours. The park rarely feels overcrowded due to its secluded location.
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
Entrance Fee
Free public access to all visitors.
Space For Groups
The park can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, though there are no formal reservation systems for gatherings.
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.
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
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.
First Aid Availability
No dedicated first aid station, though Battery Park City Authority staff are typically trained in basic emergency response.
Community Interaction
Community Activities
The park hosts occasional children's programs, storytelling events, and small community gatherings throughout the year.
Social Interaction
The design encourages interaction between families and children, with shared play spaces that naturally bring visitors together.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
The park employs sustainable design principles including stormwater management, native plantings, and materials selection to minimize environmental impact.
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
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
View on GoogleL'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.
View on GoogleAndrew Lam
6 months ago
Decently sized park in the midst of an apartment complex with lots of rock formations to explore
View on GoogleTori 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.
View on GoogleBrittany 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!
View on Google