Williamsburg State Park Opens to Little Fanfare
After several years of anticipation, the as-yet-unnamed State Park at North 9th Street on the Williamsburg waterfront opened on Saturday to little fanfare. There were no picnic tables, no jungle gyms and (much to our chagrin when we stopped by on Sunday) not even a tree to seek shade under, but Williamsburg inhabitants still seemed…
After several years of anticipation, the as-yet-unnamed State Park at North 9th Street on the Williamsburg waterfront opened on Saturday to little fanfare. There were no picnic tables, no jungle gyms and (much to our chagrin when we stopped by on Sunday) not even a tree to seek shade under, but Williamsburg inhabitants still seemed pleased (if slightly underwhelmed) to have an alternative to Grand Ferry Park for accessing the East River. It’s nice, said Paul Jenkins, a musician, told The New York Times. But it looks a little parched, like an afterthought, or that they didn’t put much love into it. The 7.5-acre park (which the state bought for $7.3 million) is said to have “recreational facilities” and longer hours in its future, but for now it remains accessible (to only the dog-less and bike-less) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Did any readers stop by this weekend? What did you think?
Modest Space, but It Does Have a View [NY Times]
New Williamsburg Park’s Opening Day! [Gowanus Lounge]
Yes, We’re Open! [I’m Not Sayin’]
poopless grass – you should also ask if it contains the pesticides and insecticides that will kill your children far quicker than dog shit.
this city is as silly as america
and bikeless? i have to assume this is so that all attempts to get bike paths along the water in brooklyn are dampened by property lines.
and no recreational activities allowed, watch out for that one, because one day your kid may ask you why you didn’t move to the suburbs afterall so that they can go to the park to play, the only thing i can remember liking about the park when i was a kid.
the picnics and viewing only parks are for people satisfied with what the city has in mind for the future. supporters beware, you are being counted as popular votes for the current park rules.
Dogs are awesome, but I agree that it’s nice to have dog-free people areas too. It’s nice to sit in poopless grass and eat with out happy albeit annoying pups looking for a treat. I’m sure a dog run is in the plans, so you’ll just have to be patient.
Half of the dumbo park is state, and half is city. The city half is much, much nicer, and the guards at the state half are usually pretty assholy.
I’m cool with the no dog rule. I’m a dog lover myself but so many WBurg streets are covered with huge loads of dog poo. It’s an obstacle course just to get to the subway in the morning, and I’m happy to not have to deal with that when looking for a spot to sit in the park.
i accidentally stumbled onto the park this past weekend. i lived in williamsburg years ago and didn’t even know they had this planned. it was a great surprise. i think it has huge potential and it’s way better than another luxury high rise blocking out the sun so how can you complain about that, dogs or no dogs!
it is possible this rule will not be enforced like the no bike rule. I showed up on Monday to check it out and there were plenty of people on bikes. It turns out they where just asking people to walk there bikes in.
Also I want to add the park is much more impressive when you get down to the water. It has great potential the amount of unused space on the concrete is very huge
It is an Asperger
oooooh 5:12 you seemm so mature and, well, humorless. But I suppose that is a result of being superior and ultra-sophisticated. Also that touch of Asberger’s in the family probably adds to your mystique -n’est-ce pas?
Rail against “puppy” dogs? Anon 2.26
I can’t believe you actually wrote that.
And yes lisa (4.27), the other poster was saying “all dogs are murderers” – so your sarcasm is well placed.
Is there anyone here who can have an adult discussion about the pros and cons of dogs in parks – you bunch argue your points like high-schoolers.
I live on N 8th between Wythe & Kent and it’s kind of a bummer the park is little more now than what it was before it was a “park” but I do think it has potential…
Also, as a responsible dog owner who always picks up the pooh, it would be nice to be able to walk down there with my 18-lb fighting machine, I mean, dog.