Albert Capsouto Park facts for kids
Albert Capsouto Park is a small, triangle-shaped park in the Tribeca neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, New York City. It's located where Canal Street, Varick Street, and Laight Street meet. This park is just east of the Holland Tunnel exit.
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Discovering Albert Capsouto Park
Albert Capsouto Park is known as a "pocket park." This means it's a small park, often found in busy city areas. It offers a peaceful green space for people to relax and enjoy.
How the Park Was Created
Work on the park began in September 2008. It officially opened its doors in November 2009. Building this special park cost about $3.4 million. Before it became a park, this spot was just a parking lot.
After the events of September 11, 2001, this parking lot became a very important place. It was used as a base for rescue teams. In the weeks that followed, people left flowers, cards, and letters there. It was one of the closest places to the former World Trade Center that people could visit. The park now stands as a place of quiet reflection.
A Special Fountain
The park features a unique fountain designed by local artist Elyn Zimmerman. This fountain is 114 feet long. Its design reminds us of a canal that used to flow where Canal Street is now. In 2007, the park's design was even recognized for its excellence. The New York City Public Design Commission gave it an award.
Why the Park's Name Changed
When the park first opened, it was called CaVaLa Park. This name came from the first two letters of the streets around it: Canal, Varick, and Laight. Some people thought this name was a bit silly.
A few months after the park opened, people wanted to rename it. They wanted to honor a man named Albert Capsouto. He was a popular restaurateur and a helpful community activist in Tribeca. Albert Capsouto had been a member of Community Board 1 for 20 years. He was often seen riding his bicycle around Tribeca, helping his neighbors. The park was officially renamed Albert Capsouto Park in 2010.
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