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 Sarra Metoui of the Park’s programming department
Staff Profile: Sarra Metoui, Public Programming Coordinator
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
A: I’m the Public Programming Coordinator, and this is my third season at the park. Our programming team is small, so I help plan and execute all of the public programs here. That includes the movie series, dance parties, fitness classes, and some art and culture events. We also bring on seasonal staff in the summer to help with equipment and logistics. If it’s open to the public, I probably had a hand in organizing it!
Q: What made you want to work at Brooklyn Bridge Park?
A: I’ve always loved being outside. I used to work as a nanny and would spend every day in Prospect Park. I remember thinking, “It’d be so cool to work in a park.” I started looking for jobs in parks, and this one felt like the perfect fit. It’s a mix of community organizing, which is important to me, and being outdoors. It all just aligned in a really nice way.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Being outside and seeing people enjoy the programming we put together. You can literally see the impact in real time. People are always so appreciative, they’ll come up and say thank you. It’s good to feel that your work is making a difference right in the moment.
Q: What’s something you wish more people knew about the park?
A: That it’s here! I’m surprised how many people have never visited or don’t know it exists. Also, it has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in New York City. That’s really special and something not a lot of people realize.
Q: Do you have a favorite part of the park?
A: Piers 1 and 3. Pier 1 was the first part of the park I ever visited. At the time, I thought it was the whole park! It’s where a lot of the nature and biodiversity is. I’ve got a soft spot for it.
Q: Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?
A: Honestly, I feel proud of all of it. This job is very fulfilling. But if I had to choose, the movie series is my favorite. The movie days are long, but they’re my favorite days because I get to be outside, and the crowd is always great. There’s such a positive energy.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I make a lot of art. I create and show zines; most of my work is about trash. I take photos of trash around the city, draw it, and turn those images into stories. I’m really interested in the environmental aspect of things.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in a public park?
A: Be ready for the weather! And try everything. There are so many different roles and opportunities in parks. It’s not just one type of job, so be open to anything.
Q: What are some of the best parts of working here?
A: I get to see the skyline in every condition. Most people only come to the park when it’s nice out, but I’m here in the rain, fog, snow— you name it. I’ve seen so many beautiful moments that most people miss. Rainy sunsets, foggy mornings… I feel lucky to witness those.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share?
A: Just that building community is so important. It feels good to know my work helps people connect and feel like they’re part of something. That’s the most rewarding part of it all.
