Pier 51 Water Playground

from http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/explore/playgroundspier51.html :

Pier 51
Greenwich Village
Cross at Horatio St. and W.12th St.

Named "Runner Up" as the "Best Playground Worth Traveling to" by Time-Out New York, this exciting playground features climbing equipment and slides, water and sand play, a pretend boat hull, and benches. Open all year, but water features are turned off seasonally.

From Time-Out New York: "Especially in warm weather, when the park’s elaborate sprinkler system provides kids with a thorough soaking (as well as a canal to paddle in), this riverside playground is a paradise."

Educational features at this playspace include a replica of Minetta Brook. Once a part of Manhattan’s wetland ecosystem, the real Minetta Brook now runs underground. Brass animals, such as turtles and crabs, dot the playground. The flow of water is controlled by interactive play structures. The sand play area and fences also recall Manhattan’s ecological history.

While not immediately obvious, the jungle gym plays homage to the “White Fort” which was once located on nearby Gansevoort Peninsula. ("Gansevoort" means "white fort" in Dutch.) Also known as Fort Gansevoort, this was an important part of New York City’s military campaign during the War of 1812. It was razed in the mid 1850’s to make way for new market uses.

Seasonal: Open all year. Water features are turned off for the Winter.

Subway
1 at Christopher St.

Bus
M8, M14

Restrooms: Pier 51 Comfort Station

Nearby:
Christopher Street Fountain
Sunbathing
Cafe
Fishing
Educational programs