Getting a kayak at Pier 26. 3 July 2005.
The north side of Pier 26 is home of the Downtown Boathouse, where members can store small craft such as canoes and kayaks. The public can borrow these canoes/kayaks or launch their own for free (donations suggested). The River Project, an ecological education and research center that studies Hudson
River life, is located on the west side of Pier 26. Nearby you can try your skills at the Trapeze School – the first of its kind in New York.
In the future, Pier 26 will be fully rebuilt and extended to cover its original footprint. It will continue to have a boathouse and boat launch for non-motorized boats. The Pier will also be home to an estuarium – a Hudson River education and research center – with interpretive science exhibits,
a science garden and classroom space. A restaurant will also be located here to serve park patrons.
In May of 2005, Gov. George Pataki announced the long-anticipated allocation of $70 million for the rebuilding of the Tribeca portion of Hudson River Park, a project expected to be completed in 2008. Demolition of Tribeca’s two piers, 25 and 26, started in November of 2005.