Williamsburg’s Waterfront Domino Park Is Set to Open This Weekend

Just a few more days and Brooklynites will finally be able to access more waterfront green space in Williamsburg.
Domino Park, stretching from South 5th to Grand Street, is scheduled to open to the public on June 10. Brownstoner got a recent peek into the 5-acre space as workers were putting the finishing touches on plantings, seating areas, playgrounds and other amenities.

The sugar factory-inspired playground by Mark Reigelman
The publicly accessible green space is one component of the larger Domino Sugar Refinery redevelopment project from developer Two Trees. Landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations designed the park, while SHoP created the master plan for the Domino site. James Corner also had a hand in Manhattan’s influential High Line.

Looking north toward the gantry and elevated walkway
Domino Park includes its own elevated walkway, anchored by two 80-foot gantry cranes at the north end of the park and incorporating elements salvaged from the historic sugar factory. The walkway ends at the picnic area with Tacocina, a taco stand from restaurateur Danny Meyer, and the adjacent garden featured syrup tanks from the refinery.

Salvaged syrup tanks in a garden area
In addition to the sweeping waterfront views, the park also incorporates a couple of waterfront features into the design. There are spurting jets of water near a stepped seating area and a short bridge that reveals a view of the pier and water beneath.
There’s also a dog run, bocce and volleyball courts and a colorful playground inspired by the refinery.
The public’s first chance to view the newest Brooklyn park will be on Sunday, June 10 with events taking place from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be a formal ribbon cutting followed by special activities, including waterfront yoga, live music, an acrobatic workshop, arts and crafts activities, and food from Tacocina, Mekelburg’s, Fornino and more.

Bocce courts and a dog run at the south end of the park with a view of 325 Kent

A view of the park from a NYC Ferry

Workers install signage at Tacocina

A man puts the final touches on Tacocina

A detail in the playground

A bridge provides a glimpse of the pier and water below

Sensors near the bridge will trigger spurts of water

A water feature and seating area facing the river

Signage on the gantry walkway
[Photos by Susan De Vries]
Related Stories
- Peep the Waterfront Park at Burg’s Domino Sugar Mega-Project That Will Open to Public in June
- Domino Sugar Refinery Redesign Approved by Landmarks Preservation Commission
- LPC Commissioner Asks If It’s Right to ‘Unbuild’ Landmarked Domino Refinery (Update)
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