Dr. Toulouse - Summer 2010

Last updated: 7/12/2010

Lilly Marie Mihaklo

Valerie Mabry

Lilly Marie Mihaklo

Valerie Mabry

Lilly Marie Mihaklo

Valerie Mabry

Valerie Mabry

VISITING BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK

"Visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park" by Dr. Toulouse (07/01/2010 01:25:43 EDT)

Hold on: time to be cynical New Yorkers here: is Brooklyn Bridge Park too good to be true?

It's big right? It's going to be huge. What's going to get in the way of its success? It's going to cost a lot to maintain. It has to maintain political momentum. It could easily get flooded (and so could we).

What do you think of the modular park concept (different parcels for different purposes)?

"A new kind of public space in NYC" by Lilly Marie Mihalko (07/01/2010 16:05:30 EDT)

I absolutely loved Brooklyn Bridge Park. I love how expansive it is, and I love that it brings recreational space to a part of the city that needed it so badly. It is accessible to a vast array of communities and allows for all its visitors to experience the unique Brooklyn waterfront. In addition, I think that it serves as a great destination for tourists. It's got a perfect view of Manhattan, and it's right under one of the most popular bridges in NYC. I think it will cost a lot to maintain, and yes, it could easily flood, but the benefits of an area like this far outweigh the negative potential.

"If it lives up to half its potential..." by Daniel Fern (07/01/2010 20:26:40 EDT)

Or it better be, with all the plannings that I've seen were going on there, this project will bring every form of entertainment to Brooklyn Heights...and salt marshes!

I loved that if you ran on pier 6s playground and fell, it wouldn't do much...it's bouncy! The upkeep of course is going to be huge but I assume the condominiums and the real estate in general around the area is going to explode. Brooklyn Heights is going to be even more expensive, great. I assume the park will generate revenues for the city, however I am unsure as to how this is going to turn out. The predictions for 2050 are pretty dim ocean level wise...yeah...but as long as I can play bocce ball I'll be fine. Seriously though, this park, or mini park ensemble looks impressive and I can't wait to take advantage of that.

"Wait til everyone hears about it!" by Stephanie Scott (07/01/2010 23:57:05 EDT)

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of my favorite parks to visit. The other parts you took us to I have never been that far, but the park right under the two bridges has a great view and very relaxing. The one thing that might get in the way of its success and people may not be able to find it. There was an ice cream parlor in the area and I can't imagine that it makes money because I'm sure people don't know about it. I had no idea it extended that long or it was still under construction. Two of the most interesting parts were the famous River Café, which you know cost tons of money because of the location and the children's playgrounds. The playgrounds were up to date on the latest technology and clean making it more enjoyable for young kids to play on. Bottom line this is a beautiful park and I'm excited to see the final result!

"But is it for tourists or residents?" by Carole Bruno (07/02/2010 01:38:28 EDT)

Although when the park is finish, it could be enjoyed by many. Lately I find myself wondering who they'll be, because I am afraid many Brooklynites don't or won't even know it exist at the location it's at, especially those who lives on the southern end of Brooklyn. The park, although it will be beautiful when it's finished will not benefit most who lives in the borough. Already many hardly knows it's there, if not for those who have it right in their backyards. I think when the work is completed there should some advertising made to attract other Brooklyn residents to visit. I know that many who lives there, likes the fact that the park is secluded and available to them when they need, and they don't have too much people traffic. Many families on the other ends of Brooklyn should also get a chance to enjoy that beautiful view of the city, I fear that they won't.

"The modular park concept is genius. But the kids' playgrounds need some work" by Valerie Mabry (V) (07/02/2010 02:08:14 EDT)

I think this modular park concept is great. I enjoyed the serenity felt around the pier 6 section that we went to which was close to the River Cafe. I enjoyed the view of the Manhattan skyline and the two bridges. I also enjoyed the view of being able to look up to the Promenade whereas I always looked down from the Promenade. Looking around at others they seem to enjoy themselves as they strolled, sat, talked and enjoy the fresh breeze. I also enjoyed watching various individuals sit on the grass and the children running around the grass.

One thing I didn't like much was as the Professor mentioned, being so close to the water reminds me that there is a possibility that the area can get flooded. Another thing that perturbed me, as the Professor and I discussed, was at the mountain playground I did not agree with those rocks being visible within the area that the children were playing. A kid can hurt themselves if they fell on one of those rocks.

Other than that, I believe this is a great place to spend time with your family or loved ones. It's a great area for strolling and to hang out with your children. On our field trip, I happened to bump into a coworker who was at the mountain playground with her 4yrs old daughter.

Well a park like this will definitely bring more tourists to the downtown part of Brooklyn, that is if they can find the place.

Lastly I'd like to add, me being one that drives from here to there frequently, parking is not an option!

"You have to wonder who this park is really for?" by Felicesade Brandt (07/04/2010 13:52:20 EDT)

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the most beautiful parks I have seen in NYC. It is almost like being on a vacation when you walk in, but why is it so secluded from the rest of the world.

It is the perfect family park, one could take their children there, have a romantic picnic, or just go to relax and have some quiet time.

The problem is not many people seem to know about it and if they do it is hidden away from the public in a way. The rent is ridiculously high in those parts so it kind of makes me think "Who was this park built for?"

"We've seen this modular design before at Chelsea piers" by Liane Wilson (07/06/2010 17:40:27 EDT)

My first impression of the Brooklyn Bridge Park is that it is a stellar idea and will most certainly be a raging smash. Already the entrance of it by the promenade is beautiful, and the following modules are well underway. As we were walking around the park, I could not help but notice the beautiful brownstones and apartment buildings lining the park.

As I walked, I found myself daydreaming of the possibility of one day living there, with such a great view and now with a beautiful park to match. As we have seen from Central Park East and West and all the following parks, these real estate properties will sky rocket in the coming months, if they have not already. Yuppies better strike while the iron is hot!

The modular system is identical almost to Chelsea Piers, which is already a major attraction and quite successful. Therefore I can say with certainty that this park too will be very successful. It will draw in all sorts of locals and tourists and further prompt the development of Brooklyn more and more.

"Brooklyn's Oasis" by Candace Jones (07/10/2010 15:06:45 EDT)

It's amazing to see such greenery in New York City, better yet, in Brooklyn. Living in such a polluted and congested city sometimes makes me feel as though I am slowly suffocating and fading away into nothing. But after spending almost everyday at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, I now hold a different perspective on Brooklyn and what it can offer.

Of course something of this magnitude seems too good to be true, but if we have the space, why not build something sustainable and open to all? Everyday I walk into the park and feel a since of rejuvenation; knowing that there open space and "fresh air" around me.

Yet, I do agree with those who think this park has a long way to go. With six piers, Main Street Park and the Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn Bridge Park is going to take a long time to complete and that also means a lot more money is going to be needed. I don't doubt the completion but I do not see it coming to an end until 2015, at least.

"They should make playgrounds like this for adults" by Amy Lawrence (07/10/2010 23:23:32 EDT)

The Brooklyn Bridge Park has been talked about since the mid 1980s. Jack lived at the foot of Joralemon Street.. My father would talk to him from time to time about the neighborhood and future plans for the area under the promenade. Jack had lived in Brooklyn Heights for almost fifty years and had seen the area change dramatically since his childhood. One thing Jack understood about the politics of the city was that planned change doesn't come overnight. He said that it was all talk for now; the park wouldn't be built for another fifteen or twenty years. And he was right.

The park between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge is one of my favorite areas of Brooklyn. When I was growing up, the area consisted of old abandoned warehouses, with minimal foot traffic (if any at all). Most of the people who ventured down to the area used the warehouse buildings as art studios.

The speedy development of the park over the past several years can be credited to the Bloomberg Administration. I don't know that creating green spaces in the city would be a top priority in New York if Bloomberg were not in charge. The park caters to everyone; playgrounds, picnic areas, large grassy areas and awesome views of the Manhattan skyline.

The playground on Pier 6 is one of the coolest children's areas I have seen in Brooklyn. There aren't many parks with sandboxes anymore, and it seems to be maintained well like the rest of Bklyn Bridge Park. The swings and slide look like so much fun and the spongy bouncy material on the ground is perfect for the little ones. If was I was a little kid so I could experience the playground firsthand.

If there were adult size playgrounds like this one in the city people would probably be less stressed out all the time. The traffic at Atlantic Avenue meeting the BQE ramp is a bit dangerous, especially near a children's park, but I'm sure the city will figure out a way to make the area safer for pedestrians. A public bathroom would also be nice.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FACTS

"Brooklyn Bridge Park Facts" by Dr. Toulouse (07/01/2010 01:28:04 EDT)

Find a web PAGE about Brooklyn Bridge Park OR any of the other upcoming park projects around the city:

AUTHOR:
TITLE:
SITE NAME:
WEB ADDRESS:

Add a one paragraph review with a quote from the web page and a comment.

"NYT (2010) - The Greening of the Waterfront" by Daniel Fern (07/01/2010 20:58:33 EDT)

NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF
The Greening of the Waterfront
The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/02/arts/design/02bridge.html

Nice review of the process involved in making this park the ultra amazing park it better be!

Overall this is a positive review, praising the smart usage of space, the assimilation of lamp posts to a non traditional design to match the modernity of the park. I was wondering what it had to say about the Marshes...not much, it praised the recycling of the stone from the willies avenue bridge and made some comparisons of innovations towards Robert Moses and land artist, Robert Smithson and his essay on central park.

"Gotham Gazette (2000) - Park plan had its origins in 2000 (before Bloomberg became Mayor)!" by Valerie Mabry (V) (07/02/2010 02:33:32 EDT)

AUTHOR: Anne Schwartz
TITLE: In The News: Finally! The Brooklyn Bridge Park plan
SITE NAME: gotham gazette
WEB ADDRESS: http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/parks/20000401/14/643

This article elaborates on the planning and blossoming of the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This article informs us of those that were a part of the planning of the park, those who have ownership of the different piers still in the process of being built, the amount of piers being built and their reason for usage and the contribution of the Port Authority Piers and Empire Fulton Ferry State Park.

"This is the only planning process we know of where the community has been involved on this scale from the beginning," said Lee Silberstein, the spokesman for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (BBPDC), the non-profit local development corporation charged with planning the park."

"The Gothamist (2010) - How to pay for the $16.1m annual maintenance budget" by Lilly Marie Mihalko (07/02/2010 03:41:27 EDT)

Author: Ben Muessig
Title: Condos Could Be Cut From City-Run Brooklyn Bridge Park
Link: http://gothamist.com/2010/03/11/with_brooklyn_bridge_park_under_cit.php

"Since the city assumed control of the unfinished Brooklyn Bridge Park project, there's a chance the controversial plan to fund park operations by building condos inside the greenspace might be scrapped. The Bloomberg administration has said it will form a committee to investigate other revenue streams that could earn money to cover the estimated $16.1 million maintenance budget, including building stores or charging local homeowners a fee or tax."

This article highlights different amenities that are or will become available in Brooklyn Bridge Park, as well as briefly discusses how this project has inspired Bloomberg to obtain Governors Island from the state, much in the same way he acquired the Brooklyn Bridge Park project. It also, as its title suggests, discusses how condos may or may not be used as additional revenue for park maintenance.

"The Gothamist (2009) - Bloomberg takes money from Javitts project for BBP and Governors Island" by Lilly Marie Mihalko (07/02/2010 03:44:49 EDT)

Author: John Del Signore
Title: City Wants State Out of Governors Island, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Link: http://gothamist.com/2009/03/13/city_will_take_governors_island_bro.php

As I mentioned in a previous post, Bloomberg took over the Brooklyn Bridge Park from the State. This project led to the subsequent push for Bloomberg to take over the Governors Island project.

"The Bloomberg administration is working to eliminate the state from the funding and operation of the two parks. In response to reporters' questions yesterday, Bloomberg admitted he's trying to negotiate a deal wherein the city would end its partnership with the state in the long-delayed Jacob K. Javits Convention Center expansion, and use the $300 million the city had committed to that project to fund the parks."

"Yelp (2010) - Talking about the Park" by Candice Spigner (07/02/2010 17:36:34 EDT)

Title: Brooklyn Bridge Park
Site Name:Yelp-Real people real views
Web Address: http://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-bridge-park-brooklyn

This is a site that has an ongoing discussion about the park. (BLOG). Some people actually have high hopes about the new Park. They are discussing how it will help the city. Some people have reservations about it but on the whole everyone seems to give it high marks. The fact that the new project generates so much conversation means that people are taking a vital interest in it, and are hoping that it transforms the city like many other projects have in the past

"Daily News (2010) - BBP set to stay open til 1.00AM" by Laura Bourne (07/04/2010 13:24:56 EDT)

AUTHOR:Erin Durkin
TITLE:A park after dark: The fun to go on under Brooklyn Bridge until 1 a.m.
SITE NAME:NY Daily News
WEB ADDRESS://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/03/11/2010-03-11_a_park_after_dark_fun_under_brooklyn_bridge_until_1_am.html#ixzz0poxRAQHn

Under a deal struck yesterday for the city to take over Brooklyn Bridge Park, the park will stay open until 1 a.m. - and plans to build condo towers inside park boundaries are being reconsidered.

"We want people to have fun," said Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corp. president Regina Myer, explaining rules that will allow leashed dogs and bikes - unlike the tight restrictions and dusk closings that rubbed parkgoers the wrong way at nearby Fulton Ferry Park, which is set to be absorbed into Brooklyn Bridge Park.

This is an awesome place to take a first date. The ambiance is simply lovely. Unlike a lot of parks that close early, this park is open until 1 a.m. This park is simply lovely, and it's FREE. I think this is a place that everyone will enjoy on a nice cool night. You can walk around, or take a sit on a bench and look around. You are right by the water where you can see the statue of liberty, there is a beautiful view of the city, or the brooklyn bridge.

"Daily News (2010) - Walk to new park v.dangerous for kids" by Laura Bourne (07/04/2010 13:38:07 EDT)

AUTHOR:Erin Durkin
TITLE:Walk to new Brooklyn Bridge Park full of traffic dangers for stroller pushers
SITE NAME:New York Daily News
WEB ADDRESS: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2010/06/24/2010-06-24_park_trek_chancy_walk_to_new_park_full_of_traffic_dangers.html?r=ny_local/brooklyn#ixzz0pp09KlJ8

It's a pedestrian peril at Pier 6.

Brooklynites are flocking to the newly-opened playground at Brooklyn Bridge Park - but getting there is a big challenge for the stroller-pushing crowds.

"The park is amazing ... We're really lucky it's here," she said. "It's just crossing over here with little kids; it's just unsafe."

On one side of Atlantic Ave., parkgoers have to cross an on-ramp to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway where cars - which are allowed to make right turns on red - speed around the corner even when "Walk" lights are on. On the other side, there are two BQE exits with no pedestrian signals.

No matter where you go in the city, you have to be careful.

We have to be mindful of the traffic and just be patient when it comes to crossing. Drivers have to realize also that they are in an area where kids are prevalent and just be on the lookout which they should already be. Everyone is responsible enough- we've been crossing streets all of our life. We just have to be careful, look both ways, and be aware of our surroundings.

"Daily News (2009) - The Van Valkenburghs: rock stars of landscape architecture" by Felicesade Brandt

(07/04/2010 14:11:13 EDT) Jason Sheftell
Brooklyn Bridge Park: Is it the new Central Park?
The NY Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com/real_estate/2009/12/18/2009-12-18_brooklyn_bridge_park_is_it_the_new_central_park.html

"This park is possibly the most important public space in the last century anywhere in the country,"

The article talks about the new park and all the amenities that it comes with. It is built on a former Port Authority pier and is like a new age Central Park. For the past 10 years the park was being worked on behind chained fences but now it is busting out being a park unlike any other in the city and built around and on the history of NYC.

"The Gothamist (2010) - While City And State Fight, New Yorkers Don't Get New Parks" by Candace Jones (07/10/2010 15:11:15 EDT)

Author: Ben Muessig
Title: "While City and State Fight, New Yorkers Don't Get New Park"
Site Name: Gothamist
Web Address: http://gothamist.com/2010/02/01/while_city_and_state_fight_new_york.php

While the complete opening of the Brooklyn Bridge Park is underway the project has met a speed bump. It appears as though the state and city dealt with the an issue of who would have control over the park in the long run. While the underlying reason for this argument can be tied to who will receive credit after the completion of the project, there is a lot more to consider. Mayor Bloomberg was willing to give $300 million in funding to get both the control over the Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governor's Island.

"The Brooklyn Park (2010) - Concessionaires at Pier 1" by Amy Lawrence (07/10/2010 23:51:03 EDT)

Bklyn Bridge Park is half Manhattan! Two of four concessionaires are from the outer borough
By Andy Campbell
The Brooklyn Paper
Web Address: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/20/dtg_bbpconcessions_2010_05_07_bk.html

Brooklyn Bridge Park will have four concession stands for park-goers and tourists crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Catering to Brooklyn-based shops, Brooklyn Bridge Park will include Blue Marble Ice Cream and Calexico Carne Asada. With three locations in Brooklyn already, Blue Marble has developed a reputation as one of the best ice cream shops in the borough. Calexico has one location on nearby Columbia Street.

"Myer and company never specifically denied that Manhattan-based food would creep into the pier at the foot of Old Fulton Street, but their press releases certainly suggested otherwise, with promises of "local fare" and the continuation of "strong Brooklyn culinary traditions." Instead, outer-borough eateries Ditch Plains will sell hot dogs and French fries, and Pier 66 Maritime will serve drinks at an outdoor, cordoned-off bar."

The Park will offer a little bit of everything from snack foods to drinks to ice cream. Thankfully, Blue Marble and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory will be far enough from each other to avoid any competition.