by Brooklyn Bridge Park on Oct 26, 2015
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) today opened 3.5 acres of parkland to complete the landscape of Pier 6. Planted with a diverse array of native plants and trees, the meadows and lawns create a green oasis at the southernmost point of the Park and offer spectacular new views of the New York Harbor.
Capital funding for the new parkland was secured through allocations from the City of New York. BBP President Regina Myer was joined by NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon, and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Webster.
Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc., the large lawns and planted areas of Pier 6 provide a relaxing retreat from the more active offerings at Piers 2 and 5, as well as the signature playgrounds of Pier 6 that opened in 2010. The sweeping flower meadow and surrounding plantings transport visitors to a beautiful, natural environment and the large lawn areas will host public programs such as the Conservancy’s Harvest Festival – a wonderful fall tradition that has attracted thousands of NYC families since its launch 6 years ago.
“The new Pier 6 parkland is a shining example of how we’ve incorporated nature into this former industrial site,” said Brooklyn Bridge Park President Regina Myer. “Looking out at these magnificent flower fields and tree-lined pathways, it’s hard to imagine this space as an abandoned, concrete deck. The transformation is truly remarkable and we’re thrilled to welcome visitors here today.”
“Cutting the ribbon on the remainder of Pier 6 brings NYC Parks and Brooklyn Bridge Park one major step closer to completing one of the borough’s premiere destinations,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “With its sprawling lawns and lush greenery, Pier 6’s last phase is perfect for bringing families and friends, and residents and tourists all together in one magnificent gathering place. Our generous partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park and the passionate communities surrounding this park will no doubt continue to serve as proud stewards of its newest addition.”
“We’ve made great strides since 1988 when a coalition of groups advocated for a waterfront park, said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY). “ Today, we celebrate Brooklyn Bridge Park’s three-quarter completion with the opening of its southern Pier 6, adding three-and-a-half new acres of multicolored meadows, paths and a breathtaking esplanade. This important project brings important benefits to Brooklyn families and I salute those making the dream of Brooklyn Bridge Park a reality.”
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams said. “Brooklyn Bridge Park is a crown jewel of our borough, and the opening of new parkland at Pier 6 adds even more luster and shine to this gem of open space. I am proud to be a strong supporter of the park as well as an avid patron of its many passive and active recreation amenities. From DUMBO to the Columbia Street Waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an exciting experience that helps make our borough a safe place to raise healthy children and families.”
Michael Van Valkenburgh, President and CEO of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. said, “Pier 6 stands out as a particularly exciting moment in the park because it combines the experience of being out in the harbor with the pleasures of a beautifully textured coastal plant palette that you don’t typically see in the city. It unites a sense of boundlessness with the intricacy of a garden.”
“One thing we can all agree on is that Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the city’s great parks — and it’s getting even better with today’s opening,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “The City and the Park deserve real credit for building extraordinary parkland. I thank them for that, and look forward to continuing to work with them, community members, and colleagues to expand parkland at Pier 6 and beyond.”
“This new parkland is a great addition to Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. “Community members will enjoy more opportunities to gather in Brooklyn Bridge Park with family, friends, and neighbors. I want to thank the New York City Parks Department for their efforts on this project and I look forward to seeing Brooklyn residents enjoy this wonderful new space.”
“Every neighborhood can use more green space, said Council Member Stephen Levin. “The plants, trees and lawn on the new parkland at Pier 6 will be a welcome addition to the community and the expansion will connect the park to more Brooklyn neighborhoods. I’m looking forward to New Yorkers exploring their new parkland this fall.“
“We have always thought of Atlantic Avenue’s Pier 6 as the primary gateway to Brooklyn Bridge Park, said Josef Szende, Executive Director of the Atlantic Avenue BID. “With the completion of Pier 6 we look forward to continuing our work in creating a pleasant seamless connection for pedestrians between the park and our wonderful shops and restaurants.”
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of Pier 6 here at Harvest Festival,” said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “The thousands of families and visitors joining us today for our annual harvest festivities will also be among the first visitors to experience this beautiful new section of parkland.”
Adding over 3.5 acres of open space, Pier 6 brings the Park to 75% completion. With its winding paths, lush plantings and undulating lawns, Pier 6 provides a pastoral contrast to the Park’s active recreation areas. Lawns in the new section will not only offer the opportunity for relaxation, but also provide areas perfect for programming that is easily accessible for communities to the south. The views of the Harbor and Buttermilk Channel are unparalleled from its promenades, and the Pier 6 ferry landing that will soon provide citywide service makes this an even more vital junction for Brooklyn. The newly planted lawns will remain closed to establish root growth.