Brooklyn Bridge Park

Following the development of the Brooklyn Bridge, the land surrounding it became a thriving public waterfront. What had been the Fulton Ferry Landing area, before the demise of the ferries, became over 40 piers and approximately 150 store and warehouses. In 1950, New York’s older port areas lost ground to container shipping and competition from other east coast cities. By the late 1970s piers 1-6 were primarily serving as warehouses, and in 1983 Port Authority ceased shipping.

Today that area is an 85-acre sustainable waterfront park known as the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Thanks to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, the park is now a world class park that is recreational, environmental and cultural destination. The conservancy worked for over 25 years to transform an abandoned waterfront into the park it is today. With so much to see and do at the park, it can really be an all day event.

If you’re an active person there are plenty of offerings at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. There is a boathouse where you can try your hand and kayaking. You also watch, or be a part of a pick-up soccer game on one of the sports fields, or play some beach volleyball on the sand courts. During the summer months a pop-up pool is available for public use at Pier 2, and you bring the kids so they can play on the playground, or take a ride on the historic Jane’s Carousel.

The Conservancy also offers after-school and summer education programs for grades K-12. Beginning in 2008, the after-school programs have served over 10,000 students from more than 150 schools. You can also take in some art as the Brooklyn Bridge Park is happy to host Oscar Tauzon: People, presented by the Public Art Fund. Three sculptures have been debuted, responding to the surrounding landscape and incorporating natural materials and industrial building techniques.

No matter your interests the Brooklyn Bridge Park has something to offer everyone. Take in the historic scenery, bring a picnic lunch, and watch some volleyball. Or bring a book, take in the art, and maybe play a game of chess. Whatever you’re into, you can probably do it at the Brooklyn Bridge Park.