Thank you, the Dutch!

Battery Park City is getting a present: a big one. In honor of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival in New York harbor aboard the Dutch vessel, the Halve Maen ("half moon"), the Kingdom of the Netherlands has given money to finance a new pavilion which will be used for public markets, food, information, seating, and shade. Designed by Dutch architect Ben van Berkelwill, the pavilion will be shaped like—what else—a windmill. Located at Peter Minuit Plaza in front of the Staten Island ferry terminal, it will be finished by September, 2009.

As soon as that project is finished, The Battery Conservancy will begin building a carousel at the southern end of Battery Park. Who doesn't love a carousel? Construction will begin this fall and is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010. I guess this is the present we give ourselves to mark the 401st anniversary of Henry Hudson's arrival. This isn't your run of the mill merry-go-round. Instead of riding an array of horses, the SeaGlass carousel will simulate the experience of going under water. Children (and this Museum employee, as it will be a quick jaunt from MJH) will ride in 30 iridescent fish that change colors housed in a spiraling pavilion of glass and steel that looks like a giant shell. The ride will feature music that is synchronized with lights, and ocean film projections.

Something to look forward to in the months and year to come! Thanks to The Battery Park City Broadsheet for this scoop: we continue to look to them for the latest in Lower Manhattan news, including dining and cultural events.