by Brooklyn Bridge Park on Jul 6, 2020
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) today opened just over 3 acres of new parkland at the Pier 2 Uplands, bringing the Park’s construction to 95% complete. The Pier 2 Uplands expands the Park’s green space east of Pier 2, adding a 6,300 square foot lawn and nearly 1,300 new trees and shrubs and also includes the completion of the sound attenuating berm to reduce traffic noise. Like other sections of the Park, granite from the Brooklyn Bridge was reused for seating throughout the new section.
The Pier 2 Uplands also includes a new water play area that features pier remnants cut away during the construction of Pier 3. Run off from the water play will be captured via an underground retention tank and to be re-used for irrigation throughout the site. The retention tank, which sits below the lawn, holds over 15,000 gallons of water and was designed specifically to meet the irrigation requirements of the Uplands.
Also as part of this construction project, BBP reconfigured the Pier 2 Parking lot, which now accommodates five bus layover parking spaces for school trips, an expanded Citibike dock station, and parking for park visitors. The Pier 2 Parking lot was completed and reopened last summer.
“Ten years after opening the first section of the Park, we are incredibly excited to today open the Pier 2 Uplands, now one step closer to finishing Brooklyn Bridge Park as originally designed,” said Eric Landau, Brooklyn Bridge Park President. “Parks have always been essential, but during this time, open space is more critical than ever. We’re thrilled to be able to open three more acres for people to spread out in and safely enjoy Brooklyn Bridge Park.”
“Our city’s parks have become vital respites during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing fresh air and natural beauty to New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs. The opening of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 Uplands is welcome news to so many Brooklynites that see the park as their communal backyard, and who flock to the park to gather with friends and family, play, or simply enjoy a moment in the sun. I thank my elected partners and Brooklyn Bridge Park for seeing this project through to completion, especially during these difficult times,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
“Additional parkland at Brooklyn Bridge Park is always welcome news, but never more so than right now, as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually diminished and more New Yorkers venture outdoors to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, while continuing to respect distancing and other health safety guidelines,” said State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who represents the waterfront area that encompasses Brooklyn Bridge Park. “Even in these extraordinarily difficult times, we can still appreciate the park as one of New York’s great treasures, with its beautiful, well-maintained spaces, lush greens, and breathtaking views. I thank everyone at Brooklyn Bridge Park for following through with the work necessary to make this new space available for public use.”
“I am thrilled to celebrate the opening of new parkland at the Pier 2 Uplands in Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon. “This new expanded area with a unique water play feature makes our treasured park even better, and provides more open space for New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors. Parks play a vital role in ensuring that New Yorkers can get outside and safely enjoy the warm weather right now, so this expanded parkland could not come at a better time. Thanks to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation for continuing to improve and beautify our waterfront.”
“I want to thank President Landau and the team at Brooklyn Bridge Park for working so closely with the community and I want to thank all of the community members for their incredible diligence to make Pier 2 uplands such a success. Pier 2 uplands is a great and essential addition to the Brooklyn Bridge Park experience,” said Council Member Stephen Levin
“MVVA is thrilled that Pier 2 Uplands is finished. The completion of the sound attenuating berm along the BQE and the additional water play area for children that employs fragments of salvaged concrete piers are both exciting new additions to the urban oasis of Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Michael Van Valkenburgh, President and CEO of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of three new acres of parkland in Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “Now more than ever, our City’s parks have proven to be invaluable places of respite, solace, and joy, and we congratulate our colleagues at BBP for making our beloved, waterfront park even more vibrant and welcoming.”
About Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, known as Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP), is the not-for-profit entity responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85-acre sustainable waterfront park spanning 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline. As steward of the park, BBP has transformed this previously deteriorated stretch of waterfront into a world-class park where the public can gather, play, relax and enjoy sweeping views of New York Harbor. The self-sustaining park was designed by the award-winning firm of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. and features expansive lawns, rolling hills, waterfront promenades, innovative playgrounds, a greenway, sports facilities and the popular Jane’s Carousel. BBP serves thousands of people on any given seasonal day, who come to picnic, walk their dog, play soccer, jog, bike or roller skate. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a signature public investment for the 21st Century and will be an enduring legacy for the communities, elected officials and public servants who made it happen.
