Respite from the city at a public space in midtown. Paley Park is just that. It's a small, three-sided pocket park with a rear wall of water, creating grey noise to mask the sounds of the city. Delicate locust trees canopy the space, which always seems cooler than the street just outside the gate.
We love a visit to this space, particularly on hot summer days. It is an outdoor respite even then. And what an inspiration to offer such an outdoor escape in a small space smack in the middle of the city.
The simple 42x100' rectangular layout is furnished with Bertoia side chairs and a little snack stand is tucked away at one side of the entry. We're always overjoyed when a visit reminds us of the powerful design punch packed into this tiny park.
Located on E. 53rd Street, Paley Park has been a public success since it opened on May 3 in 1967. It was designed by architects Zion and Breen for the William S. Paley Foundation, a memorial to William's father, Samuel Paley. A small plaque at the entry reads: This park is set aside in memory of Samuel Paley, 1875-1963, for the enjoyment of the public.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Shhh Regina - its hard enough to find a seat here at lunch time - dont go telling everyone how great it is!!! Or how wonderful and soothing it is that waterfall sound drowns out the sound of traffic outside the gate...
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This park used to be the location of the famed Stork Club - imagine the ghosts of Orson Welles, Roy Cohn, Ernest Hemingway, Walter Winchell (you name 'em, they were there), being soothed by sounds of the falling water....
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