About
Located in upper Manhattan, New York City, New York, Muscota Marsh is a one-acre public park situated on the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, a tidal estuary connecting the Hudson River to the Harlem River Ship Canal and then on to the Harlem River. Previously known as Boat House Marsh, Muscota Marsh was restored in a joint effort by Columbia University and New York City Parks to create public access to the waterfront, restore habitat, increase biodiversity, and improve stormwater management.
Project Details
Description
The restoration of Muscota Marsh in New York City, New York, created public waterfront access through land owned by Columbia University. In the late 1800s, the wetland was cleared for construction of the Harlem River Ship Canal. The area was later known as Boat House Marsh for the Columbia crew facilities located nearby. It was renamed Muscota, which means “place in the reeds” in the language of the Lenape, Manhattan’s original Native American inhabitants. The marsh fills a gap in access to the Harlem River for residents of the Inwood neighborhood and creates a public educational and recreational space for the community. It also extends the riverfront of adjacent Inwood Hill Park, the oldest forest and last remaining salt marsh in Manhattan.
The one-acre project restored tidal mudflats and salt marsh, as well as adding a freshwater wetland habitat. The restored marsh improves the river's water quality by creating a buffer to filter stormwater and slow runoff. Muscota Marsh is notable for having both a salt marsh and freshwater marsh in such a small area.
Leading the project team, the landscape architect collaborated with three engineering firms to implement a three-tiered freshwater wetland system to filter stormwater and the restoration of the saltwater marsh and tidal mudflats. This dynamic ecosystem provides habitat for numerous wildlife species and supports a variety of native plants. A boardwalk allows visitors to be immersed in the sounds, smells, and sights of the naturalized riverbank. Artfully arranged seating creates spaces for quiet reflection and social interactions.
Project Goals
- Create public waterfront access to the New York City (NYC) Parks waterfront through land owned by Columbia University.
- Restore saltwater marsh habitat and mudflats by removing invasive species.
- Enhance biodiversity and increase stormwater infiltration by building a freshwater wetland ecosystem connected to the saltwater marsh and tidal mudflats.
- Create a low-maintenance, user-friendly public park.
Reprinted from the original LAF LPS case study.
Social Benefits
- Created public waterfront access where there was previously none, with 73% of 63 surveyed visitors reporting that they visit at least once a week.
- Supports well-being and improved mood, with the number of surveyed visitors reporting feeling “great” increasing by 20% between arriving and departing the marsh. 56% of 64 surveyed visitors attributed their improvement in mood to scenery and views, 16% to wild animals, and 13% to plants.
- Promotes public awareness and education about marshes and wetlands with 54% of surveyed visitors indicating their visits pushed them to seek out information and learn more.
- Provides aesthetic value, with 100% of 63 surveyed visitors reporting that they enjoyed the scenic views.
- Supports social interaction, with 68% of 63 surveyed visitors confirming that they interact with strangers at the marsh and 75% of 40 surveyed visitors agreeing that it is a good place to meet new people.
- Supports cross-group interaction, with 80% of 60 surveyed visitors reporting that they have observed people of different backgrounds interacting at the park and 76% of 63 surveyed visitors reporting having interacted with people of different backgrounds themselves.
Reprinted from the original LAF LPS case study.
Contact info@fieldoperations.net Design Firm – Field Operations Design Project – Muscota Marsh Muscota Marsh
Project Team
Prime, Landscape Architect, Public Realm: Field Operations
Hydrology, Natural Resources Engineering, and Habitat Restoration: eDesign Dynamics
Civil and Environmental Engineering: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
Structural Engineering: Halcrow Yolles
Lighting Design: Brandston Partnership Inc
Amenities & Services
The ADA-compliant pier at the end of the boardwalk has an adjustable-height boat dock used by Columbia University and the public. The entry from 218th Street to Inwood Park was widened to include access to the marsh and graded to comply with ADA, thus improving accessibility.
Awards
New York City Public Design Commission's 2012 Design Award with special recognition for Green Infrastructure
