Discover Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” recently viewed a depiction of the 1883 opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. This caught our attention for two reasons. First, the show is filmed at our sound stages and we love following its storylines and recreation of 19th century New York. Second, the structure is among the iconic symbols of our beloved city. Designed by John A. Roebling, the bridge was the first to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River, and was at one time the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Today, the bridge is the backdrop for Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85‐acre sustainable waterfront park stretching 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline and providing a place where city residents and visitors can enjoy green space with city and river views. The park also provides a home for over 12,000 species of plants and wildlife, and boasts a horticulture program to beautify a former industrial site.

Some highlights of the park are:

Glide Ice Rink, which provides winter fun daily through March 1, located under the bridge in the historic DUMBO neighborhood.

Pier 2, which provides athletes with five acres of space to engage in a variety of sports including basketball, handball, ping pong, and pickleball. You will also find fitness equipment, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more. Plus, there are even free, seasonal kayaking programs!

Pier 5 features playing fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Visitors can also experience views of lower Manhattan, Governors Island, and the New York Harbor from the promenade. And, boating enthusiasts should check out ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, located north of Pier 5.

The Environmental Education Center offers programs to engage nature lovers of all ages. In addition to early childhood and teen programs, the center offers open hours planned around monthly environmental themes where visitors can experience live animals native to New York, a reading library, crafting, science-based games, and more (open for free, drop-in Open Hours four afternoons a week at 99 Plymouth Street).

The non‐profit organization that plans, builds, maintains, and operates Brooklyn Bridge Park is the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation. And the 501(c)3 non-profit that brings more than 500 innovative and engaging educational, cultural, fitness, and recreational programs each year is the Brooklyn Bridge Conservancy.

There are several ways you can join with others to support the Conservancy. Consider making a tax-deductible donation to ensure quality programming and volunteer opportunities. Or consider donating your time to volunteer to help with education, clean-up, tour activities, and more. Memberships are also available and come with discounts and other benefits.

Find directions to the park here, and learn more about all the park has to offer here. Read more about the history of the bridge on the NY Department of Transportation website here.