Ouroussoff: BBP to be an 'Enormous Achievement'
The Times’ architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff files a review of Brooklyn Bridge Park today, and he definitely likes what he sees so far. He writes that though one needs to use imagination to picture the full park beyond the just-opened Pier 1, the completed section feels roomy and connected to surrounding infrastructure. Ouroussoff notes that…
The Times’ architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff files a review of Brooklyn Bridge Park today, and he definitely likes what he sees so far. He writes that though one needs to use imagination to picture the full park beyond the just-opened Pier 1, the completed section feels roomy and connected to surrounding infrastructure. Ouroussoff notes that while he had major reservations about the park’s public-private funding structure, “the city can live with the trade-off. The construction of Brooklyn Bridge Park will be an enormous achievement. And assuming that the other harbor parks go forward, the project as a whole will radically alter the character of the city, not only by making it greener but also by reorienting it toward the life of the harbor.”
The Greening of the Waterfront [NY Times]
Brooklyn Bridge Park Opens at Pier 1 [Brownstoner]
I was in the park on Saturday and share mgm’s and hsh’s concerns. The helicopters were constant, one after another, as close together as taking off and landing would permit. Not DUMBO-under-the-subway loud, but quite annoying nonetheless. Some of the choppers came in low and banked over the park before making their approach to the heliport in lower Manhattan.
I had the same experience mgm. I sat on one of the recycled wood benches facing Manhattan to relax and the constant drum roll of 4 helicopters overhead broke whatever moment of peaceful contemplation I had imagined I would find. I understand this is New York City- and have accepted the hum of people and traffic that have become white noise for me. But these hellcopters are like giant mutant sci-fi movie mosquitoes and a true blight on this new beautiful new addition to our waterfront. I guess I’ll go to Valentino pier and park in Red hook for the quieter experience for now. What a darn shame. They just gotta go.
Went today for the first time. Had to leave because of helicopter noise. Hope that’s not the way it’s going to be.
My husband says that the best thing they could do for the city would be to have an independent water taxi service from Manhattan to Brooklyn, similar to what they have in Hong Kong (the Sampans) connecting Hong Kong City and Kowloon. It needs to be cheap and easy.
The three domes are for climbing on. The posts are whirligigs. You put your feet on the bar on the bottom and hold on to the bar on top, and then with one foot you push off to make yourself spin around. Spend some time watching the kids – they’ve figured it all out. This playground is really a tot lot designed for younger kids. The playground on Pier 6 is designed for older kids. There’s much more to do there.
CGar… kids go to parks?! I thought they just played Xbox.
Walked through Pier 1. It’s great. They did a really nice job, and I loved being able to get so close to the water — finally. I can’t wait until the entire park is finished.
My only question is what, exactly, is there for kids to do in the kids’ park on Pier 1 other than the swings?? There are 3 metal domes, which look like they could be covered sand boxes, but otherwise don’t look like much fun to play on, and there are three “posts” which resemble fire hydrants, but I’m guessing are sprinklers.