Nestled in the Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca is a small, triangular green space named Albert Capsouto Park. This park is a recent addition to the NYC park system, having opened in 2009. Despite its short history and limited size, the park has already changed names once and offers several special features.
First, the name change. When the park first opened in 2009, it was known as CaVaLa Park. The unusual name came from the park’s location, as the park’s three sides are bordered by Canal Street, Varick Street, and Laight Street. If you look closely as you explore the park, you will find the dedication plaque with the park’s original name.
In 2010, the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation renamed the park in memory of local restaurant owner Albert Capsouto, who was known for his efforts to obtain financial support for small businesses in the area after the September 11 attacks. (The park is less than a mile from the World Trade Center site, and local businesses experienced significant economic challenges in the aftermath of the tragedy.)
Now for the park’s interesting details. My favorite details are found on the large granite posts next to each of the park’s three entrances. The park’s designers installed a series of etched steel plates highlighting historical images and maps of the neighborhood around the park. (Original images are part of the collections of the New York Historical Society, New York Public Library, and the Library of Congress.) Here are few examples of those images, which illustrate the evolution of Tribeca.
As you enter the park, you will immediately notice another feature – a long sculpture/fountain (depending on the time of year) that stretches for 114 feet. The sculptural fountain was created by NYC artist Elyn Zimmerman, and draws inspiration from the canal that used to stretch along what is now Canal Street. When I visited, the Parks Department had not yet turned the water on for Spring, but it is even more beautiful when the fountain is running. (Although there was a little standing water because of a recent rainfall, so you get a little sense of what the fountain is like when it’s running.)
And nearby there are benches and these tables, perfect for picnicking or a game of checkers or chess! (In case you can’t tell from the photo, each table has a checkerboard built in.)
Want to visit Albert Capsouto Park yourself? Take the 1, A, C, or E trains to their respective Canal Street stations. The park is just a short distance away.
Finding NYC 
I love seeing photos of the way things were. These have been beautifully incorporated into the park – and beautifully photographed and attributed, might I add!
I enjoyed seeing how the neighborhood had evolved over time – I’m glad you enjoyed seeing it too!
Some really imaginative ideas for a small park. And well done, Albert Capsouto. If they can survive the tyranny of the huge corporations, small businesses are the future of the planet in my opinion. Ironically, according to what I read, this was the model for society that Thomas Jefferson had in mind when he started thoughts of independence.
That is so true. Small businesses are still the heart of New York City, even with the huge corporations and their skyscrapers. But things are getting hard for many of them in Manhattan especially, as the property values mean that rents are rising exponentially.
I am constantly impressed by how much rt NYC has.
It really is a treasure trove of public art, in particular.
How cool – you discover the most interesting things to share with us and I couldn’t be more grateful to you for always being kind enough to share your world with us followers!! Loved it!!!