Four Freedoms Park: Roosevelt Island’s Quiet Gem

Four Freedoms Park is one of the most modern parks in New York, with a prime location in the middle of the East River.

It sits at the southern tip of Roosevelt Island, at the end of Southpoint Park. Visiting is a great excuse to ride the Tramway, the only aerial tram in Manhattan.

What to see at Four Freedoms Park

Beyond its beautiful architecture, it offers a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyscrapers around 50th Street, with the United Nations Building standing out right across from the park.

On the other side of the river you'll take in the revamped skyline of Long Island City in Queens. You'll spot it easily thanks to the famous vintage Pepsi-Cola sign at Gantry Plaza State Park (another of the newer New York parks you shouldn't miss).

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

Four Freedoms Park is a memorial to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the celebrated American president born in New York State.

You'll find the monument at the southern end. Tree-lined walkways, ramps and granite steps lead you to the focal point of the park: the bust of Roosevelt and a wall carved with the words of his Four Freedoms speech.

Roosevelt delivered this address to Congress in 1941, on the eve of Pearl Harbor:

1. Freedom of speech and expression
2. Freedom of worship
3. Freedom from want
4. Freedom from fear

The park's architecture

Four Freedoms Park was designed by architect Louis Kahn. In fact, it was his last project, planned in 1972, shortly before he died.

Because of New York City's budget problems, it would take four decades for construction to actually happen.

The park's layout is shaped like a ship, making the most of the triangular area at the south end of the island.

If you stand at the southern tip of the monument, the sound of the water hitting the rocks, the squawking gulls and the New York wind will make you feel like you're sailing.

The history of Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island, a long, narrow islet in the middle of the East River, was once Blackwell's Island and later Welfare Island. It's full of stories and has gone through several transformations over the past 200 years.

Read up on what to see on Roosevelt Island. Go visit: it gives you a fresh perspective on the city's skyline and especially on its past.

The island was home to asylums, prisons and hospitals for contagious diseases, like the Smallpox Hospital, whose ruins you'll pass on the way to Four Freedoms Park (the park sits on the hospital's former grounds).

You'll also find an old lighthouse and traces of what was once the New York City Lunatic Asylum. This was Gotham City!

Today it's a residential neighborhood whose biggest draw is being a fantastic New York viewpoint, along with the Roosevelt Island Tram and its parks at either end: Four Freedoms Park to the south and Lighthouse Park to the north.

How to get to Four Freedoms Park

The best way to reach the park is to take the Roosevelt Island Tram, a one-of-a-kind ride alongside the Queensboro Bridge that you can pay for with your MetroCard.

When you exit Tramway Plaza, the tram station, walk toward the southern tip of the island along the terrific pedestrian path beside the East River. Manhattan views follow you the whole way.

If you're short on time, the fastest option is the subway (Roosevelt Island station, F line). Coming out of the station, head south as well. There are also buses that run the length of the island, but I'd insist you walk: the distances are short, the air is refreshing and the views are tremendous.

Another way to get there, perfect for a leisurely trip, is the NYC Ferry (Astoria route).

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Prices

Free admission

Hours

Open daily, except Tuesdays and December 25, when it's closed.

April to September 9 am to 7 pm

October to March 9 am to 5 pm

Closed December 25.