Going Coastal

Construction is now underway for four spectacular temporary waterfalls. Scaffolding was erected at the sites last week.

By mid-July, there will be a waterfall right underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Another will cascade from two Brooklyn piers, easily visible from the Promenade.

A third waterfall will be at the tip of Governors Island, and a fourth on the Manhattan side of the East River at Pier 35 just north of the Manhattan Bridge.

“The idea of having four waterfalls in the middle of the city will be a surprise,” said Public Art Fund Director Rochelle Steiner. “Waterfalls are captivating to people. Hopefully, they will help people consider taking more time on the waterfront.”

When completed, the four cascades will be between 90 and 120 feet tall. The scaffolds from which water will tumble are bulkier than those that would go up around a building, said Richard Kielar, a spokesman for Tishman Construction, which is overseeing the building of the art project.

“They have to hold all the piping, pumps and electronic equipment that control the flow of water to make it fall as the artist envisioned,” Kielar said.

The manmade installations won’t be nearly as high or as wide as the natural waterfalls on the U.S.-Canadian border, but they will provide a nice breeze on a hot summer day.

The city’s Economic Development Corp. estimates the installations will contribute $55 million to the city’s economy.

The Public Art Fund commissioned artist Olafur Eliasson to create New York City Waterfalls, showcasing the city’s natural environment against its industrial and commercial landscape.

Money for the project was raised privately by the Public Art Fund.

From mid-July to mid-October the installations will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. They will be lighted after sunset.

Working with several city and state agencies, the Public Art Fund is developing activities for students and families related to the installation.

Also, for visitors who want to go by boat to see the waterfalls, free or discounted daily trips will be available on the Circle Line.

For more information, visit the Waterfalls Web site: www.nycwaterfalls.org.

NY Daily News