Gantry Plaza State Park is a 12-acre riverside oasis that boasts spectacular views of the midtown Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and the United Nations. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the park's four piers or through the park's manicured gardens and unique mist fountain. Along the way take a moment to admire the rugged beauty of the park's centerpieces - restored gantries. These industrial monuments were once used to load and unload rail car floats and barges; today they are striking reminders of our waterfront's past. With the city skyline as a backdrop and the gantries as a stage, the park's plaza is a wonderful place to enjoy a spring or summer concert. Recreational facilities include basketball courts, playgrounds, handball courts, and a fishing pier with its own cleaning table.
Cooking grills of any kind and cooking are prohibited in the Park at all times.Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.
The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.
Created through a cooperative undertaking between New York State and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey -- Queens West Development Corporation (a subsidiary of NYS Empire Development Corporation) -- oversaw the remediation and redevelopment of former industrial waterfront property along the East River in Long Island City into a vibrant community of residential buildings, retail, public schools and the magnificent 13-acre Gantry Plaza State Park. The park consists of an expansive waterfront esplanade, large lawns and picnic areas, four public piers and very popular inland track and sports field, dog runs and playgrounds. Sited directly across from the United Nations and in one of NYC's fastest growing neighborhoods, Gantry Plaza State Park is a popular tourist destination as well as the backyard recreation space for millions of community locals