Pier A
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Pier A is an exceptional park in Hoboken, New Jersey. It was originally used as a pier for ships and was recrafted as a park in 1999. It extends from the southern end of Hoboken, with a view of the entire Manhattan skyline and the restless currents of the Hudson River as it begins to clash with the tides of New York Bay. Pier A has a water-jet fountain, bike paths, rows of trees (some of them transplanted in maturity), a big field, a fishing area (with water pumps and cutting boards), and a gazebo at its eastern extremity. It is an example of good civic design, particularly the grass field which is firm and natural-looking though its sod is layered atop concrete. In warm weather movies are shown on it at night, the blazing Manhattan skyline rising behind the screen.
Many people witnessed the September 11, 2001 Attacks from Pier A because it had good views of the World Trade Center. On March 11 2002 a memorial service was held on Pier A. On September 11 2003 a section of land was created as a memorial for the September 11, 2001 victims (by planting trees).Currently, there is a temporary memorial to victims in the form of a tear drop. A permanent memorial, called Hoboken Island, is planned to be built.