Landscape Architect Articles

The Hills of Governors Island07-25-16 | News

The Hills of Governors Island
The Opening of the Hills is a Milestone

Governors Island has been transformed from an abandoned military base into a hilly topography of trees and shurbs. The hills are constructed of recycled demolition debris, general fill and lightweight pumice, stabilized with geotechnical reinforcement.
*Photo: Timothy Schenck*

The Trust for Governors Island announces the opening of the "Hills,' 10 new designed acres of park on Governors Island. The 172-acre island is in Upper New York Bay, just .45 miles from the southern tip of Manhattan.

The landscape was designed by West 8 urban design & landscape architecture. The hills, four in number, range from 25 to 70 feet and offer panoramic views of New York Harbor.

The opening of the Hills is a milestone in the transformation of Governors Island from an abandoned military base into a destination for New Yorkers and visitors.

Hills, opening nearly a year ahead of schedule, is the culmination of an eight-year collaboration with West 8, the Trust and the ideas contributed by New Yorkers and visitors.

The four hills embody art, play, nature, relaxation and views:

Grassy Hill is a 26' high gentle grassy slope.

Slide Hill, 36' tall, is home to four slides, including the longest one in New York City.

Discovery Hill, 39' high, features "Cabin,' a concrete cast sculpture by British artist Rachel Whiteread, reminiscent of a wooden New England-style cabin ?'?N????e'?N,A+ la Thoreau's Walden Pond abode. The hillside vegetation in time will grow about the cabin to better blend into the surroundings.

Outlook Hill, rising up 70', offers universally accessible paths and the "Scramble', reclaimed granite seawall blocks that extend to the outlook and views of the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn and Jersey City.

"Sculpted topography works in concert with winding pathways and trees to create 'conceal and reveal' vistas, choreographing the park experience," explains design director Adriaan Geuze, co-founder of West 8.

There are some 860 new trees and 41,000 new shrubs planted in high-quality topsoil and protected from brackish groundwater by the hilly topography. The planting of each of the four hills is designed for the varying degrees of the slopes, exposure to sun, salty-spray and prevailing wind, and to accentuate key views. The lawns, plantings and permeable paving reduce erosion and storm run-off, while allowing for water collection and irrigation.

Smooth, curved edging separates the green sections from the paved paths that wind through the park. From the hilltops one sees green parklands outlined by bright white concrete edging. The edging, which ranges from curb to bench height, is ornamented with subtle designs of marine life.