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August 19, 2009
Sandy Waterfront in Brooklyn?
OK, I know this is not a strict Brownstoner question/topic. But I can't find an answer anywhere else and I know people on here will know.
I live in Carroll Gardens. For medical reasons, I need to start walking on sand daily. I'm trying to find a sandy area on the water that is closer than Coney Island. I have to be able to drive there; can't take the subway or bus. I'm hoping that someone knows some little spot, natural or man made, somewhere in Red Hook, or between the bridges, or some place I'm not thinking of that I can get to without a huge commute. Thanks.
Comments
That lil' beach in dumbo is somewhat sandy. Kinda small tho. Don't know about driving either, not easy parking in Dumbo. Can you get a handicap parking permit?
Posted by: denton at August 19, 2009 7:24 AM
I can't think of anywhere too close to Carroll Gardens, but I can tell you that the fastest way to Coney is Ocean Parkway (although my husband likes Coney Island Ave). I'm not sure if there's anything sandy along the Belt near Bay Ridge, but then you can just take 3rd or 4th Ave all the way up.
Here's a suggestion: Put a sandbox in your backyard and exercise in place?
Posted by: rh at August 19, 2009 7:35 AM
There's the long jump pit at the track in Red Hook Park. It's not much bigger than a sandbox, but at least you won't be competing for space with a bunch of toddlers.
Posted by: Sparafucile at August 19, 2009 8:46 AM
What about the fake beach in Queens? There's also a little tiny beach in a small park in Williamsburg somewhere around Grand & Wyeth close to the Williamsburg bridge. But it's small and I can't recall if it's actual sand or just dirt.
Hm -- have you considered weekend trips to Fire Island?
Posted by: mopar at August 19, 2009 9:13 AM
There is a small 'beach' area with sand. in the state park directly under the Manhattan bridge on the east river.
Posted by: SenatorStreet at August 19, 2009 9:50 AM
Hi, this is offtopic, but [without knowing what the medical reasons are] I recommend you to take a look at MBT footwear. The reason I am mentioning it is that those ugly looking shoes are built to imitate walking on sand. I own two pairs (summer/winter) and they helped me a lot.
Posted by: kensingtonka at August 19, 2009 10:48 AM
What about walking on grass? Or is that still too hard?
Posted by: CG_ups at August 19, 2009 11:00 AM
This is great so far. Thanks so much.
Yes, CG ups, grass still too hard.
kensingtonka: Have tried many shoes, but I don't think MBT. Will check out. But right now I really need actual sand.
Sandbox? I don't think I could take laps in a sandbox. Trying to make it something that is not a chore.
Posted by: Nomi at August 19, 2009 12:14 PM
well if you can manage the drive, even occasionally, it's worth getting to Riis park, at the end of Flatbush Ave. Best beach in NYC!
Posted by: herkimermaid at August 19, 2009 12:43 PM
Hello. I know you're all waiting for me to report before going to bed tonight: Went to the sandy spot beneath, directly beneath, the Manhattan Bridge. It's part of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Yes, there is indeed a bit of sand there. It's triangular, sloping and about half the size of my floor thru apartment. Not a bad spot, actually. Well, minus the roaring trains above. But not so good for walking in the sand. Just too small and too sloping. So, search continues. I may just have to go to the beach proper. I LOVE the beach. Was just hoping for something closer.
Posted by: Nomi at August 19, 2009 10:18 PM
Are you walking barefoot? Some of these might be a stretch regardless:
Maybe Plum Beach, which is not geographically closer that Coney Island, but can be reached through a pull-off on the Belt. I haven't been there since I was a kid when it was a fantastic, wind-blown, wonderful dunes (in tandem with being dirty, desolate and creepy). Another place I haven't been in years: what's now called Valentino Park/Pier in Red Hook. Other possibilities (stretching further): ask the grounds crews at Green-Wood Cemetery or Dyker Beach Golf Course whether they've got a sand pit they'll give you access to. Finally, maybe something available through local college athletic departments.
Posted by: vinca at August 20, 2009 9:31 AM
Hunters Point in LIC Queens, just over the bridge from Greenpoint. Do they call it the Water Taxi Beach?
Posted by: werner at August 20, 2009 10:46 AM
Drove down to Manhattan Beach today. OK. But kind of a production. Crowded for a weekday. $6 to park. And trash in the water. Went in a little anyway. It's warm now.
But I walked on sand for maybe a half hour! That's a big deal for me. (Yes, to vinca, has to be barefoot. Also, there's only the tiniest bit of sand at Valentino Park/Pier, a few feet for putting in kayaks.)
Yes, the Water Taxi Beach in LIC does have imported sand. But luckily I called first cause they were closed to the public today for some private event. Also, they are probably just as far from me as actual beach.
Posted by: Nomi at August 20, 2009 7:51 PM
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