Bella Abzug Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Bella Abzug Park, especially when combined with a visit to The Vessel (a prominent architectural structure nearby), offers a unique urban experience focused on design, climbing, and panoramic views rather than traditional playground activities. The park provides a quiet, well-architected green space, while The Vessel offers an engaging 8-floor climb.
Key Highlights
- ✓The Vessel features amazing, puzzle-like architecture and an 8-floor climb, providing stunning views of the Hudson River and surrounding skyscrapers.
- ✓Bella Abzug Park is a professionally designed small acreage park by Michael Van Valkenburgh, noted for its unique layout (not a typical NYC playground/green space).
- ✓Offers a refreshing, quiet respite in the middle of a busy urban area.
- ✓Excellent for taking photos from different angles due to unique architectural designs.
- ✓The Vessel is fully accessible with an elevator to the top level, accommodating disabled visitors.
Standout Features
- ⭐Free entrance to The Vessel (requires timed tickets).
- ⭐Elevator access to the top level of The Vessel.
- ⭐Proximity to a shopping center offering food and retail options.
- ⭐Numerous halal food carts available around the park area.
- ⭐The Vessel is open for last entry until 10 PM.
- ⭐Well-integrated design with surrounding skyscrapers.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Arrive early to The Vessel to secure timed entry tickets, as lines can get long quickly.
- →Check The Vessel's closing times, especially if planning to reach the top.
- →Dress in layers or warmly, as the park can be very chilly and windy, requiring shelter.
- →Consider combining your visit with High Line Park for an extended architectural and urban exploration.
- →Utilize the nearby shopping center or halal food carts for meal and snack options.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The park area can be very chilly and windy, potentially requiring shelter.
- ⚠The Vessel has specific operating hours; late visits might prevent access to the top floors as it closes.
- ⚠Bella Abzug Park is not a typical NYC playground and may lack traditional play structures for younger children.
Price & Value
Entrance to The Vessel is free, but requires timed tickets, indicating high demand. The value is derived from a unique architectural and climbing experience with panoramic views at no direct cost. No additional fees or hidden costs were mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •The Vessel is fully wheelchair accessible with an elevator to the top level.
- •Bella Abzug Park is a well-designed urban space, likely offering paved paths for general accessibility.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Many halal food carts are available in the vicinity of the park.
- •A shopping center next to The Vessel offers various food options.
- •No explicit rules about bringing outside food into the park itself were mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking information was not explicitly mentioned in the reviews. Given its busy urban location, street parking may be challenging, and paid garages are typical for the area.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Lines for The Vessel tickets get long very quickly, indicating high popularity and potential crowding for entry.
- •Bella Abzug Park itself is described as a 'quiet respite', suggesting it might be less crowded than The Vessel or other popular NYC attractions at times.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid station, security measures) were explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you are specifically looking for a traditional playground with swings, slides, etc., as this park does not offer that layout.
- • Late visits to The Vessel if you intend to climb all 8 floors, due to potential closing times.
- • Very cold or windy days without appropriate warm clothing, as the park can be exposed.
- • Expecting immediate entry to The Vessel without potential long waits for timed tickets, especially during peak hours.
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🛡️Safety Policy
- • The park operates under NYC Parks' 'Clean & Safe' initiatives.
- • Violations of general park rules can be reported.
📅Booking Policy
- • For accommodations for NYC Parks programs, services, or activities, contact the NYC Parks Disability Services Facilitator at least 72 hours before the event.
- • Event permits for hosting events in parks are required and detailed on the NYC Parks website.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Carmen Keith
a week agoA refreshing, quiet respite in the middle of a busy area!
Nur Azzura
a year agoWe went to sit around the park and it was very very chilly that we had to take shelter from the wind. There were many halal food carts around to curb those hunger pangs. We didnt get a chance to go up as it was almost closed when we went down from the edge. If you wish to admire the unique design, you can visit it.
Mike Z
a year agoWell architected small acreage park spanning few blocks from Vessel to W 36th st. It is not a typical NYC playground / green space layout. Professional park design by Michael Van Valkenburgh landscaping firm is felt as soon as you enter the park (other notable projects of this firm are Brooklyn Bridge Park and BBG). It is well integrated with surrounding skyscrapers, would be a good idea to combine visit of this park with High Line Park.
Lhynnix
5 years agoAmazing architecture. First time being here. And i loved the amazing puzzle of how they build this place. Just amazing. I had a big smile looking at this piece of art. Walked all the way up. It has 8 floors as you may count it. I can see the Hudson River and the tall building around it just made the place really cool. Also, a shopping center next to it, if you love shopping and food to buy. Free entrance NO FEE. Just be there early to get a ticket and time you will be entering the place. The line gets long really quick. The place open until 10pm is the last time to enter.
Donna Gerlear
5 years agoWonderful structure. We had great time inside to take photos from different angles. Good views too. It's worth to spend your valuable time to visit the Vessel. Amazing design. Disabled people also can come to visit. There is elevator to the top level.