Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park

A mention of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 might bring to mind the controversy surrounding two proposed residential towers. But those buildings — which would add 339 apartments to the area — aren’t actually on the pier itself.

While a playground and three volleyball courts opened at the base of Pier 6 in 2010, the vast majority of the pier’s 4 acres have been closed to the public. Until now.

Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park

“To think we are standing on a concrete slab jutting out over the East River is just amazing,” Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez wondered to the crowd at the park’s public opening Saturday. “Now the public has another reprieve from the bustle of the city in which to relax and enjoy.”

But one of the greatest joys of Pier 6 isn’t its separation from the life of the city, but its connection to it — views to Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, the BQE, Governors Island, and even the Red Hook container terminal provide the sense of being in the middle of it all.

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The meadow at the heart of the new park area was carefully planted over the past 18 months with 35 different plant species — selected so that something is in bloom year round. On Saturday, it was the Seaside Goldenrod and Smooth Aster, adding dabs of yellow and purple to the flower field’s autumn incarnation.

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The park opening drew a flock of local politicians and park officials enthusiastic about what the new space means for the city’s children, mental health, and economy.

Here’s the attendance list: New York City Council Member Brad Lander, BBP Conservancy Executive Director Nancy Webster, Council Member Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Executive Director of the Atlantic Avenue BID J. Josef Szende, State Senator Daniel Squadron, Brooklyn Bridge Park President Regina Myer, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, and New York State Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon.

Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park

Pier 6 marks the very southern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s 85 acres. Like the northern end of the park that opened in August, the Pier 6 section was designed by landscape specialists Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates.

For the John Street section, Valkenburgh created a rhythmic, linear walk through a sequence of spaces and views. But where that northern park space is linear, Pier 6 is deliciously rambling — offering a setting more inviting to aimless strolling, sitting, and admiration of the skyline across the water.

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Brooklyn Bridge Park wrapped up a number of projects this summer and fall, not only the opening of the Pier 6 meadow and the John Street park, but also the installation of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Marina on the north side of Pier 5 and the opening of the park’s Environmental Education Center at 99 Plymouth Street beneath the Manhattan Bridge.

But the park is still only three-quarters complete. The warehouse at Furman Street near Pier 5 was torn down this month. And there’s still the matter of those two residential towers. You can check out the proposed site of those buildings on your way to the meadow.

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How to Get There

A or C to High Street or 2 or 3 to Clark Street: Walk south on Henry Street, take a right on Joralemon and walk down to Pier 5. Once you’re in the park, take a left until you get to Pier 6.

4 or 5 to Borough Hall: Walk west on Joralemon until you get to Pier 5. Once you’re in the park, take a left until you get to Pier 6.

Ferry to Pier 6: You’re there! Check NY Waterway for the schedule.

CitiBike: The closest dock is at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street, but there are nearly a dozen nearby.

 

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NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver and Brooklyn Bridge Park President Regina Myer

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[Photos: Barbara Eldredge]

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