Pier A was originally used by ships and it was not until 1999 when it was redesigned as a park. It extends from the southern end of Hoboken (just north of the Hoboken Terminal), east into the Hudson River, with a view of the entire Manhattan skyline. Pier A has a water-jet fountain, bike paths, rows of trees, big field, a fishing area and a gazebo at its eastern extremity.
Since Pier A is the nearest park to downtown Hoboken, at lunchtime on weekdays many office workers use to stroll there. On hot, summer weekends the grassy field is swarming with sun worshippers. In warm weather, movies are shown on the pier at night, with the blazing Manhattan skyline rising behind the screen. On one Saturday during the summer, a town fair is held on Pier A, including music, craft shops and rides for the kids.
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 there. On September 11, 2003 a section of land was created as a memorial for the September 11, 2001 victims. Currently, there is a temporary memorial to victims in the form of a tear drop.