A Stunning New 58K-Square-Foot Park Opens On The Astoria Waterfront — With Views Locals Haven’t Seen In Decades

For the first time in decades, Astoria locals can walk right up to this stretch of the East River–and it’s looking better than anyone imagined. The brand-new Halletts Point Waterfront Esplanade just opened, transforming 58,000 square feet of former industrial land into a park packed with skyline views, native plants, and plenty of spots to sit and stay awhile. A waterfront made for wandering ------------------------------- This isn’t just a new walkway–it’s a full-blown waterfront escape where every corner is bursting with seasonal color and teeming with food sources for wildlife. Designed by Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners, the landscaping is a showstopper: over 70 trees (like red cedar, sweet bay magnolia, and bald cypress) and 700+ shrubs and species like seaside goldenrod, milkweed, and iris to support pollinators, draw migratory birds, and help manage stormwater were chosen to thrive in the salty, windy waterfront air. And instead of crumbling concrete and chain-link fences, visitors now find winding, zig-zagging paths that reveal fresh views of Manhattan with every turn. Laura Starr, Co-founder of Starr Whitehouse, stated: > The design offers generous street entrances, guiding visitors along paths framed by native plants and locally sourced boulders, leading to breathtaking vistas. A park built for lingering -------------------------- This park isn’t just for passing through–it’s designed for lingering. There’s seating for about 550 people, from granite steps and benches to picnic tables, chaise lounges, and movable chairs. A tree-lined esplanade provides ample shaded space and at the center: a nautically inspired playground and spacious lawn, perfect for picnics and relaxation, with panoramic views of the East River. And as the temperatures cool down, the surrounding residential towers will block the wind and offer just enough shelter to keep things comfortable year-round. More than green space – a community hub --------------------------------------- Beyond being a lively, walkable natural haven, the esplanade is also a new neighborhood hub. Nearly 8,000 square feet of retail will soon bring coffee, snacks, and local shops right to the waterfront, keeping the area buzzing year-round. The design links the waterfront directly to nearby residences and businesses, creating one continuous, walkable green corridor through the Halletts Point development. A major milestone in the evolution of Astoria’s waterfront ---------------------------------------------------------- Astoria is no stranger to a waterfront park–what with Socrates Sculpture Park, Astoria Park, and Rainey Park–but the Halletts Point esplanade adds waterfront access to a part of the East River that has been inaccessible for quite some time. Starr stated: > The opening of the Halletts Point esplanade represents a major milestone in the evolution of Astoria’s waterfront. This part of the East River has been inaccessible for so long, so everything we did here was to bring people to the water...With places to sit, walk your dog, and play with your kids, we wanted people to be able to spend the day here, whether strolling in nature, relaxing, exploring, or enjoying the amazing view. 20 and 30 Halletts Point ------------------------ The Halletts Point esplanade is situated at 20 and 30 Halletts Point, a mixed-use, mixed-income development with 1,000 residential rental units and ground-floor neighborhood retail. Leasing launched earlier this year, bringing 647 studio, one, and two-bedroom units to the campus alongside 40,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a pool terrace, fitness center, lounges, and coworking spaces–all designed to complement and connect with the surrounding waterfront environment. Source: https://secretnyc.co/astoria-halletts-point-waterfront-esplanade/