BATTERY PARK CITY AUTHORITY RELEASES 2016 SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR

More than 500 Programs and Events Open to All

Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) President and Chief Operating Officer Shari C. Hyman today announced release of the 2016 Summer Parks Programming Calendar, detailing more than 500 art, play, and recreational programs and events launching between May and August. The full calendar of events – including live concerts, dance, storytelling, and more – the large majority of which are free to attend, can be accessed via the Battery Park City Parks website.

“Summer in New York City is a special time, but nothing quite compares to summer in Battery Park City,” said BPCA President Hyman. “We’re pleased to present this year’s Summer Calendar full of activities for people of all ages. Whether it be tending a garden as a tot, enjoying theater in the park, relaxing at our always popular River & Blues Festival, stretching and ‘om-ing’ at our free outdoor yoga class, or spending an afternoon sketching the scenes with our free adult art classes, there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to meeting you in Battery Park City soon.”

The 2016 Summer Parks Programming Calendar includes approximately 20 pages of illustrated program offerings, organized by those of interest to guests of all ages, teens and adults, school-age children, and pre-schoolers. It also includes a map of Battery Park City event venues as well as details about the BPCA-administered Community Center at Stuyvesant High School, for which steeply-reduced annual memberships were recently announced.

Highlights of the Summer Calendar include, in May:

• Stories For All Ages, May 7, 11am in Teardrop Park. Laura Simms performs Into the Ocean of Story, sailing adventures that conjure images from the sea.

• Walking Tour, May 7, 2pm at 6 River Terrace: History of the America’s Cup in New York. Historian John Rousmaniere shares the story of the America’s Cup, which in 2016 returns to New York City for the first time in 96 years.

• Go Fish!, May 14, 10am-2pm in Wagner Park. Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Festival includes art projects, birdwatching and a live family performance by Shine & the Moonbeams at noon.

• Flamenco Family Dance, May 21, 6:30pm on Esplanade Plaza. A live dance performance by Sonia Olla and Ismael Fernandez followed by a workshop where participants can learn the fast footwork of the traditional Spanish dance form.

And throughout the summer, events include:

• Swedish Midsummer Festival, June 24 at 5pm in Wagner Park. Enjoy a unique celebration of the summer solstice with traditional Swedish folk music and dancing, wreath making, and a parade. Co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Sweden.

• New York Classical Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, June 29-July 2, Rockefeller Park at 7pm. Celebrate Shakespeare’s 400^th anniversary against the Hudson River backdrop with this interactive troupe’s stirring rendition of the Bard’s classic comedy.

• River & Blues Concert Series, Thursday evenings in July, 7pm in Wagner Park. Enjoy sunset over the Hudson River while listening to folk, blues, and American roots music in a spectacular setting.

• July 7 – Amy Helm & The Handsome Strangers
• July 14 – Henry Butler & John Hammond
• July 21 – Robert Randolph & the Family Band
• July 28 – Daddy Long Legs

“Fun and safe community events are an invaluable resource for local families during the summer months,” said Congressman Jerry Nadler. “It is critical that New Yorkers of all ages have access to public activities throughout the year, and I am so pleased that the Battery Park City Authority is making these great experiences available in Lower Manhattan.”

“Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy this great City,” said Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick. “Programming at BPC offers a wide range of free activities for people of all ages and it’s a delightful way to be outside while participating in fun and unique events.”

“Battery Park City is one of Manhattan’s jewels, and the BPCA Summer Event Series provides even more incentive to visit,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I encourage all Manhattanites to plan a trip and enjoy their amazing programming.”

“One of the best things about Battery Park City is its unique and beautiful waterfront location, which I encourage people of all ages to enjoy to the fullest this summer, said City Council Member Margaret Chin. “I thank BPCA President Hyman and BPCA staff for offering these recreational programs and events that will enhance what is already a treasured part of our City.”

“The outdoor, free events that the BPCA organizes in its beautiful parks is a great way for everyone in lower Manhattan to get to meet your neighbors,” said Catherine McVay Hughes, Chairperson, Manhattan Community Board 1.

The 2016 Summer Parks Programming Calendar has also been mailed to all BPC Parks mailing list subscribers; to subscribe visit bpcparks.org or call (212) 267-9700. Interested individuals can also subscribe at the Rockefeller Parks House, open daily from May-October, or at any BPC Parks program or special event.

About BPCA: The Hugh L. Carey Battery Park City Authority is a New York State public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, create, coordinate, and maintain a balanced community of commercial, residential, retail, and park space within its designated 92-acre site on the lower west side of Manhattan.

For more info visit: bpca.ny.gov.

 

Battery Park City Parks continues its outstanding line up of winter programs with its Adult Art: Still-Life & Figure class. This summer time favorite will resume indoors starting February with art specialist Marla Lipkin.

Please find attached the following press release:

• Adult Art : Still-life & Figure

The Community Center at Stuyvesant High School is pleased to announce two exciting programs during winter recess: the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and its Basketball Clinic. Come have fun, socialize, and build new skills!

Please find attached the following press release:

• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
• Basketball Clinic

 

The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy and the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School present the programs, special events and classes for the Winter 2015/2016 season. This includes the following:

• Parent & Baby Yoga
• Stories & Songs
• Chess for Children
• Preschool Play and Art
• Friday Night for Teens
• Young Artists’Workshops: Picture Books
• Battery Park City Parks’: Annual Art Exhibition
• CCSHS Offers: Drop-In Badminton
• CCSHS Offers: Hatha Yoga
• CCSHS Offers: Total Body Boxing Workout
• CCSHS Offers: Cardio Swim Workout
• CCSHS Offers: Tai Chi
• CCSHS Offers: Battery Park City Running Club
• CCSHS Offers: Masala Bhangra Workout
• Saturday Tennis for Kids
• CCSHS Offers: Group Swim Lessons for Kids
• CCSHS Offers: Group Swim Lessons for Adults

Welcome to a wonderful winter! BPC Parks offers yearlong programs and activities for all.

Battery Park City Parks is proud to announce the publication of its 2016 Winter Calendar. BPC Parks Programming has offered yearlong programs since its formation, but we are best known for our annual May through October season of outdoor, mostly free programs. Battery Park City Parks looks to expand its appeal to all by showcasing our winter offerings with a print calendar available now!

Most recently, our indoor program venue at 6 River Terrace (which is also available for party/ gathering rental) has allowed a continuation of winter time versions of some of our most popular outdoor programs- such as Preschool Play and Art and Adult Art drawing and painting classes. Meanwhile, the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School- one of Downtown Manhattan’s most affordable and excellent venues for fitness, swimming, and recreation- continues to expand its yearlong repertoire with new and favorite classes. Battery Park City Parks Ballfields- with state-of-the-art artificial turf now open year-round- offers 3 weekdays of afternoon Winter Games to keep kids active and Sunday Ultimate Frisbee for adults. An annual tradition to celebrate the art made at BPC Parks outdoor programs: the 2016 Art Exhibition will take place at the Parks headquarters at 75 Battery Place.

Some new highlights from the 2016 Winter Programs Calendar:

Young Artists’ Workshops: Picture Books

Inspired by the best illustrated literature for children, these workshops- lead by art specialists and Parks staff of Early Childhood Educators- will promote the vital experience of art and books. Participants will take part in an enriched reading experience of a classic book and then create artwork in the style of the author/ illustrator. Select Saturdays, 10AM, 6 River Terrace, Free! Jan. 23: Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar; Feb. 20: Leo Lionni, Inch By Inch; March 19: Ezra Jack Keats, The Snowy Day; Apr. 9: Steve Jenkins, Biggest, Strongest, Fastest.

Winter Talks

Enjoy an afternoon learning about interesting topics that pertain to Battery Park City’s unique geographic and cultural place in the world. These fascinating speakers use illustrated computer projected slide shows to enhance the experience. Select Tuesdays, 1PM, 6 River Terrace, Free! Feb. 16: Bill Fink, Saving the Hudson River, 1960s to the Present; March 1: Marla Lipkin, The American Landscape as Artists’ Inspiration; March 15: Gwen Dawson, Pier A: Revival and Restoration; March 31: Dorothea Basile, BPC’s World Renowned Public Art Collection.

And NEW at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School…

Total Body Boxing Workout

Develop self-defense skills and overall fitness. The biomechanics of the sport require developing power from the legs up, resulting in a total-body workout. Wednesdays, starting Jan. 6, 7 to 8:15PM, free for members, gym day pass $15 adults/ $10 youth

Masala Bhangra Workout

Inspired by traditional Indian dance moves that make working out fun! Instructor: Cloe Andrade.

Tuesdays, starting January 12, 7 to 8PM, $96 members, $108 non-members, $20 drop-in

Basketball Clinic

Former professional basketball players lead drills and teach the fundamentals of the game that help build skills and develop talent. Instructors: Jamel Thomas and Louis Frye. For 10 – 13 year olds and 14 – 17 year olds.  Winter Break: Feb. 15 to 19, Spring Break: April 25 to 29; $250 members, $300 nonmembers;

Pre-registration required; call 646.210.4292 to pre-register.

For a full overview of everything offered, the Battery Park City Parks 2016 Winter Calendar is available by mail by contacting Battery Park City Parks: [email protected] or call 212.267.9700. Program information is also available by visiting www.bpcparks.org

The perfect place for any occasion…

While the weather outside is frightful, Battery Park City Parks provides a spacious and comfortable setting for celebrations and meetings. Whether you are planning a holiday extravaganza, celebrating your child’s birthday, or hosting a family gathering, let 6 River Terrace set the stage for your special event.

The flexible venue boasts over 350 square feet of windows providing natural light and views of Nelson A. Rockefeller Park and the Hudson River.

6 River Terrace rental fees start at $600 for 4 hours. All rentals include:

• Exclusive use of the 2000 sq. ft. venue
• Tables, chairs, and soft mats for adults and children
• Restrooms within the space
• Access to kitchenette with a refrigerator and freezer
• An event coordinator on site throughout rental
• Toys available to rent for an additional fee

For a tour of the venue and more information, please call (212) 267-9700 ext.363 or email [email protected]

Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate Frisbee in the Battery Park City Ball Fields is a great way to get in a Sunday work-out.  Battery Park City Parks’ Ultimate Frisbee pick-up games welcome all skill levels and ages.  Parks staff will be on hand to organize and facilitate the games, keeping the focus on fun.  Discs will be provided.  Battery Park City’s state of the art synthetic turf field and the gorgeous views of downtown Manhattan add an additional level of enjoyment to the experience.

Like in football, players advance by moving across the field to score goals in their opponent’s end-zone.  They can toss or tip the disc to another player, but upon catching the disc, players must remain stationary though they can pivot as in basketball.

Ultimate Frisbee stands out from other team sports because sportsmanship (“the Spirit of the Game”) is part of the game itself, with players calling their own fouls.  Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect between players, adherence to the agreed upon rules of the game, and the basic joy of play.

Be merry and bright and join Battery Park City Parks for an evening of seasonal cheer at the annual Holiday Lights Tree Lighting! Battery Park City Parks is an environmentally friendly organization that strives to promote and maintain the health of our trees for future generations. With this in mind, we will be lighting one of the majestic Cedars of Lebanon growing along South Cove. An outdoor Menorah will be lit at sundown on Sunday, December 6th.

The a cappella group THE Accidentals will perform seasonal songs and encourage the audience to sing along.  Complimentary holiday cookies will be served, as well as hot cider and hot chocolate. A special visitor from the North Pole will also join the festivities…Share the joy! Please join others in bringing a new unwrapped gift or article of clothing for the many children and teens living in NYC shelters.

Gifts will be wrapped and distributed by Stockings with Care.

The Community Center at Stuyvesant High School will host a Cardio Swim Workout on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm beginning September 16. Workouts will incorporate sprint, distance and interval training to increase speed, endurance and overall fitness. This small group program is for experienced swimmers ages 14 and up. Participants must be able to swim 40 laps.

Swimming results in lean muscle mass and increased cardiorespiratory fitness, all without causing stress to your joints. This low impact exercise is a great alternative or addition to your weekly routine. Join Water Safety Instructors and fellow swimmers for innovative and fun swim workouts.

Free for members. Pool day passes available, $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and youths. Kick boards and fins provided. All swimmers need to bring a towel, swim cap, goggles and a lock. Caps and goggles are available for sale at the CCSHS.

Battery Park City Parks Conservancy will continue its Teen Night featuring games, snacks, music, movies, and socializing. On Fridays, November 6 to December 18 (except November 27), from 4 to 7 pm, Battery Park City Parks Conservancy’s event space, 6 River Terrace, will be open so young people can drop by to have a snack, play games, or just hang out.

Get together with friends and meet new people. Play ping pong, foosball, or organize a game of supersized chess or Connect 4. A smartphone dock will be available to play music. Staff will be on hand to supervise and help facilitate the activities. There will be pizza, snacks, a movie, and lots of opportunities for selfies. No parents allowed!