SUNSET OVER THE HUDSON RIVERNew York City used to be referred to as the concrete jungle, but anyone who has visited the Big Apple in the last five years knows that moniker is O-L-D. The NYC of 2010 is a green, pedestrian friendly place with parks and public spaces friendly to tourists and residents. So friendly in fact that for the first time in 50 years, couples having babies are NOT moving to the suburbs once that bundle of joy arrives. No surprise considering that living in Manhattan puts everything at your fingertips - nature now included!
PARK IN FULL BLOOM
The latest addition to Hudson River Park , just unveiled, as part of the staggering gentrification project happening under Mayor Bloomberg's leadership is Pier 62 & Pier 63 in Chelsea. Breathtaking lawns, landscaped gardens and piers abound. 
ACRES OF LAWNJust North of Chelsea Piers, the park unfolds out onto two newly created piers. A carousel honoring animals found in the Hudson Valley region is one of the crown jewels of the park. Think Hawks, Bears, & Trout -OH MY ( not the usual BEAR talked about in Chelsea mind you!). Also on top of the list for many teens is the largest skate park in NYC, or any major city for that matter.
While the space is overflowing with amenities like running paths, marinas, restaurants, etc - the true star of the Park is the Hudson river, and the amazing trees, shrubs, and flowers painstakingly planted for over a year before the park opened. I'm sure one day it will be as big a tourist destination as Central Park itself. 
CAROUSEL CRITTERS
If visiting for the first time, a great entrance point is 14th Street at 11th Avenue. Walking North or South are equally enjoyable.
ROLLING HILLS WITH CITY SKYLINE In fact, the entire Westside from Battery Park to above 125th Street is now seamlessly connected. As an avid long distance runner I can wholeheartedly confirm that! If you are looking for a true NY experience, walk the length of the Westside parks. You will see the true meaning of the term "melting pot" as you cross from neighborhood to neighborhood. 
ENDLESS LANDSCAPING FILLS THE PARK
TREES TREES TREESBravo to Mayor Bloomberg for his commitment to parks and public spaces and also his staggering Million Tree Project that has and will transform NYC for decades to come.
See you on the river! To see additional photos and full size of photos shown above - click PARK PICS.