by Brooklyn Bridge Park on Apr 22, 2010
Brooklyn Bridge Park Opens Pier 1 Lawns to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day
The gently sloping hills and grassy expanse complete the 7 acres of open green space on Pier 1
Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC) today opened the remaining acreage of Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The milestone opening of Harbor View and Bridge View lawns, as well as the Vale, has two-fold significance: it adds nearly two additional acres of recreational space to Pier 1 and it highlights another aspect of the park’s sustainability, as the lawns are organically maintained. The announcement comes on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, an appropriate nod to the occasion as both the observance and the park seek to inspire awareness and appreciation of the environment.
In early April, Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation began implementing its organic lawn care program designed to respond to the specific needs revealed in a soil test. An organic mixture enhanced with nitrogen has been applied that will promote beneficial microbes and fungus and inhibit the growth of detrimental bacteria. This will continue throughout the season and, along with other organic applications, will encourage the growth of lush and full lawns while keeping weeds under control.
In order to prolong the quality and the life of the lawns and keep them at peak condition, BBPDC expects to close the lawns one day per week to allow them to stabilize after active public use. While leashed dogs are welcome on Pier 1, dogs will not be permitted on the lawns. Lawn closures will be staggered to ensure that at least one lawn is open every day of the week.
“We are thrilled to be celebrating Earth Day with the opening of the Pier 1 lawns and welcoming visitors to these spectacular park amenities,” said Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation. “We are proud that these lawns will be organically maintained and watered primarily from our on-site storm water management system with its 104,000 gallon-storm water containment tank. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a new park for a new era in environmental sustainability. Come and celebrate Earth Day at Pier 1!”
“In the month that it has been open, Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park has already emerged as Brooklyn’s new front yard on the waterfront,” said NYC Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Now with the opening of its organically maintained lawns, New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the experience of Central Park’s Sheep Meadow while enjoying amazing views of New York’s harbor.”