We’re spotlighting our team — the people who show up every day to make Brooklyn Bridge Park the special place that it is. Today, we highlight
Lisa Cepeda, a dedicated custodian who has been with us for six years.
Q: Tell us about your role at Brooklyn Bridge Park. What are your primary responsibilities?
A: My role in the park is custodian, taking care of the park itself. I handle the trash, basic detailing, the restrooms—whatever needs to be done. It gets a little crazy at times, but nothing we can’t manage. We get assigned to different piers. Personally, I like the busiest ones! It keeps me rolling, and I love interacting with people.
Q: What drew you to work at Brooklyn Bridge Park, and how long have you been with the organization?
A: I applied for this job six years ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. The main reason I took the job was because it was in a park. It was outdoors, in a beautiful place. That’s very different than other custodial work! The work is different across all these environments.
Q: Can you share a favorite memory or experience you’ve had while working here?
A: My favorite memory is meeting this woman who walks through the park every morning with her dog. She’s the sweetest, kindest person. We’re always talking, including about how she remembers what the park used to be back when she was growing up. To see the park bloom into what it is now—she thinks it’s beautiful. It’s a joy to see her walking through with her dog every day. There’s not a day that I don’t look forward to seeing her.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about your work at the park?
A: To be honest with you, it’s the people. It’s rewarding because I’m consistently meeting different people from different backgrounds. It’s nice that I can interact with them in a way I didn’t get to in my previous jobs. Here it’s more open, and you’re constantly running into interesting people. I love that. We have visitors from all around the world— lots of tourists that come to the park.
Q: How does your role contribute to the park’s mission and impact on the community?
A: The park offers a lot of open space with different features. You have kids’ parks, the barbecue area, the basketball courts. All of this brings people into the park. The flowers, the lawns, all these things attract attention and make the park full of happy people. By keeping it pristine, people can enjoy places like Pier 6 as if they’re in nature.
Q: What is one thing you wish more people knew about Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: I wish people would get to know us custodians a little more, interact with us, and recognize who we are. Some people just see us as custodians, but it’d be nice if they would say, “Hey, how are you? How’s your day going?” We love to keep the park clean, but we’re also here to help you out and get to know each other. I recognize a lot of the regular visitors who come to the park every day.
Q: How do you see the park evolving in the coming years? What are you most excited about for its future?
A: Even more things to do! We’re developing more activities for people to come and enjoy. There are always new programs and events. Music and movies. I think there are some big plans in the works for new amenities.
Q: Outside of your work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
A: I enjoy bicycle riding and going out to eat by myself once in a while. I like finding a nice spot where I can just sit and mellow out and enjoy a slice of pizza. My favorite spots are Table 87 and the Brick Oven up on Old Fulton. They make really good pizza. After a long day, sometimes that just hits the spot.