(TURKISH JOURNAL) – Nishat Mirza – A few minutes walk from the R train at Court and Montague Street, past Monty’s pizza place and a cozy Thai restaurant, brings you to the heart of Brooklyn Heights. The cobblestone streets here whisper tales of history and charm, each stone imbued with the footsteps of countless wanderers. As you stroll along these storied paths, memories of my own walks flood back, golden hours spent exploring hidden corners, and twilight hours watching the city come alive. Reaching the promenade, you’re greeted by a panoramic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Here, is the entrance of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the newest and most biodiverse park in NYC.
The park brings nature back to Brooklyn, with clean benches, green grass, and
meadowlands. It provides a refreshing escape from the urban jungle. Children and dogs
play on the lawns, native forests thrive over the East River on repurposed piers. Winged
creatures of all kinds flit about: red-winged blackbirds, monarch butterflies, dragonflies,
and sparrows.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is part of a larger transformation along the East River
waterfront. Three lush parks have drastically remade the shorelines of Brooklyn and
Queens, offering quiet places to pause, look, and stroll. Over in Williamsburg, Domino
Park, built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, preserves the industrial
heritage while providing green spaces and recreational areas. Across the river in
Queens, Hunter’s Point South Park offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and
features expansive lawns, a dog run, and a playground. All three parks have quickly
become beloved community hubs, showcasing sustainable designs and integrating
stormwater management systems and native plantings.
Some people come to the park for the city view, ice cream, and barge music but for
nature enthusiasts like us, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a sanctuary teeming with wildlife,
where birds and squirrels coexist with humans in a thriving, nature-positive
environment. I saw American Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird, Laughing Seagulls, and
discovered that 12,000 species now call Brooklyn Bridge Park home. The park is a
haven for plant-lovers. You can escape the broiling sun by taking a shady, winding path
through lush plantings dense with natives. Birds abound, and occasionally a muskrat is
seen cavorting in a manmade salt marsh. A beautiful place to explore near the boat
ramp is the path that follows, and occasionally crosses, a stream surrounded by
highbush blueberry, serviceberry, swamp rose, and joe pye weed, as well as iris,
lupines, and ferns. A rain garden system collects stormwater and purifies it before
draining into an underground tank to be used for irrigation.
The park’s diverse flora attracts an array of pollinators and wildlife. Monarch butterflies
flutter around milkweed, while beach plums draw in bees. Black cherry trees are a
favorite among birds and butterflies alike. The vibrant purple coneflower and aromatic
aster provide nectar for honeybees, bumblebees, and even the occasional
hummingbird. Beetles, too, are frequent visitors, playing their part in this thriving
ecosystem. Each step you take along the winding paths reveals new sights and sounds,
making every visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park a unique and enriching experience. The
transformation of Brooklyn Bridge Park is a testament to urban renewal and the
resilience of nature. This story captures the park’s evolution from an industrial
wasteland to a thriving green space, highlighting the return of wildlife and the
community’s role in this remarkable journey.
Landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, who led the transformation of the
85-acre industrial land along the East River into Brooklyn Bridge Park, holds a deep
affection for this urban oasis. His connection to the park is not only professional but also
personal, as he resides nearby, keeping a close watch on its evolution. Reflecting on
the park’s creation, he highlights its unique features, such as the sound berms that
absorb the roar of the nearby Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the resilient vegetation
designed to withstand future flooding.
Van Valkenburgh proudly describes Brooklyn Bridge Park as “the coolest place to play
basketball in New York.” This 1.3-mile-long waterfront park, stretching north and south
from the Brooklyn Bridge, has become a vital escape from city life and a popular urban
destination, attracting an estimated 5 million visitors annually.
Van Valkenburgh emphasizes that the park’s success lies in its ability to be both specific
to Brooklyn and universally appealing. “It’s an extremely active park with first-rate
athletic facilities and plenty of places for people who aren’t remotely interested in
athletics,” he explains. “Anyone can make it their own.” The park offers diverse
experiences, from the ice skating and Jane’s Carousel north of the bridge to the active
passages along the five-acre piers south of the bridge, featuring basketball courts,
athletic fields, playgrounds, and serene, pastoral areas.
In 1999, when Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc., was brought on board, they
envisioned a park that would not only reconnect the city to its shoreline but also serve
as a buffer against storms in an era of climate change. Through hundreds of public meetings and meticulous planning, they crafted a design that incorporated specific
features to address these challenges.
One of the key elements of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s design is its flood-tolerant shoreline.
The failing seawalls were replaced with a rip-rap stone edge, capable of absorbing and
dispersing the energy of storm surges, thereby protecting the inland areas from
flooding. Additionally, the park includes a network of rain gardens that collect and purify
stormwater, reducing runoff and preventing erosion. This system not only manages
stormwater but also recharges groundwater supplies, making it a sustainable solution
for urban water management.
The park’s elevated lawns and meadows act as natural storm barriers. These green
spaces are strategically placed to absorb excess rainwater, further reducing the risk of
flooding. The diverse plantings, including native species such as milkweed, beach plum,
black cherries, purple coneflower, and aromatic aster, are chosen not only for their
beauty and ecological benefits but also for their resilience to extreme weather
conditions.
The integration of native plants plays a crucial role in the park’s climate resilience.
These plants are well-adapted to the local environment and require less maintenance,
such as watering and fertilizing, compared to non-native species. They also support a
wide range of pollinators and wildlife, contributing to the park’s biodiversity. Monarch
butterflies flutter around milkweed, while bees are drawn to the beach plums and
aromatic asters. Black cherry trees attract birds and butterflies alike, creating a vibrant
ecosystem that enhances the park’s ability to recover from environmental stresses.
The park also includes a massive sound-deflecting landform along its eastern edge,
which doubles as a noise barrier from the nearby Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and as
a protective berm against storm surges. This innovative feature significantly reduces
noise pollution and enhances the park’s tranquility, making it a more enjoyable space for
both wildlife and visitors.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a model of urban design that harmonizes climate resilience with
ecological richness. Its flood-tolerant shorelines, rain gardens, elevated green spaces,
and diverse native plantings collectively defend the city against climate change while
fostering a thriving habitat for wildlife. The park’s construction started in 2008 and was
completed with the dedication of Emily Roebling Plaza in December 2021, under the
iconic Brooklyn Bridge, marking the culmination of a visionary project that redefines
urban living in harmony with nature.
On a hot day with the temperature soaring to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, Conner is out in
the park, his blond hair peeking out from under a hat that bears the park’s name. His
t-shirt also proudly displays “Brooklyn Bridge Park” as he carefully waters the plants, a
necessary task to keep the greenery thriving in the summer heat. In the background,
birds are chirping, adding a soothing soundtrack to his work.
Conner’s journey to this park begins with his background in ornamental horticulture—a
program dedicated to teaching people how to grow and care for decorative plants, both
for commercial purposes and to beautify spaces. This knowledge is now being put to
good use at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where he focuses on working with native plants.
These plants are carefully chosen to attract pollinators and insects that are rarely seen
in Brooklyn. He is thrilled to see the success of his efforts, especially when he spots the
elusive blueberry digger bees.
Blueberry digger bees, known scientifically as Habropoda laboriosa, are solitary bees
that play a crucial role in pollinating blueberry plants. Unlike honeybees, these bees do
not live in colonies but instead dig small burrows in the ground to lay their eggs. They
are vital for blueberry crop production due to their unique buzz pollination technique,
where they vibrate their bodies to release pollen trapped in the flower’s anthers. Seeing
these bees in Brooklyn Bridge Park is a significant indicator of the park’s thriving
ecosystem and successful integration of native plant species.
Planting different species to attract specific pollinators is a key part of his work. Moths,
butterflies, caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, milkweed bugs, and dragonflies are
among the many insects that Conner seeks to bring into the park. His efforts have paid
off, and the park now hosts a variety of these creatures, thriving in their new
environment.
Conner adds, “There are many local marine organisms here, such as porgy, kingfish,
tautog, snails, and turtles. This estuary also contains seahorses, crabs, and starfish.”
The integration of these marine species further enhances the park’s biodiversity,
creating a dynamic and balanced ecosystem. This diverse range of wildlife, both
terrestrial and aquatic, makes Brooklyn Bridge Park a true sanctuary for nature in the
heart of the city.
Balancing the public usage of the park with maintaining its wildlife is a challenge.
Conner finds it difficult at times, but he is committed to working within the urban
environment to create a harmonious space for both people and nature. Conner explains
that they are focusing on introducing native plants specifically suited to this area—the
native plants of Long Island and the tri-state region. Rather than filling the park with
pretty flowers from all over the world, they choose beautiful native plants that can thrive
in this specific environment. These include Spicebush, Summersweet, Swamp
Milkweed, Sweet Gum, and Sweetbay Magnolia, which not only add to the park’s
aesthetic appeal but also support local wildlife and create a resilient ecosystem.
“Can nature coexist with us?” I inquire. Conner’s eyes light up as he responds, “Yes,
when we want it to. We can make it happen.”
Growing up in Brooklyn, I witnessed Brooklyn Heights’ transformation firsthand.
During my high school years at Midwood High, my friends and I often visited the
Brooklyn Heights Promenade. We would sit for hours at the promenade, mesmerized by
the sunset over Manhattan’s skyline. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the high-rise
buildings in Downtown Manhattan would light up one by one, a sight that left us in awe
every single time.
In 2010, the year the park officially opened, when I returned with immense enthusiasm.
Seeing the former junkyards transformed into green spaces was a surreal experience.
The once barren land was now filled with trees, plants, and well-maintained pathways.
The park had basketball courts where kids and adults could enjoy games under the
open sky, adding a lively and energetic atmosphere. The courts quickly became a hub
of activity, fostering community spirit and healthy competition, as friends and strangers
alike came together to play and connect in this revitalized urban oasis.
An urban sanctuary in Brooklyn; the scene is a blend of natural beauty and the towering
presence of the city skyline. The waterfront area, with its mix of concrete pathways, lush
greenery, and rocky borders, provides a refreshing escape from the urban bustle. At the
wetlands of the park, Herring Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls are enjoying the warm sun as
they spread their wings and sunbathe on the docks and rocks. They can also be seen
pecking at clams and insects, taking advantage of the abundance of food. As the day
progresses towards sunset, the seagulls become more active, scavenging for their
evening meal before settling down to rest. Redhead Ducks and Common Loons are
often spotted gliding gracefully on the calm waters of the harbor. They interact primarily
within their species, swimming in small groups and diving occasionally to catch fish.
Common species such as Pigeons and Sparrows show a more social behavior, often
seen eating together without any signs of territorial disputes. Human visitors frequently
feed them, leading to a harmonious coexistence between the two species.
Recently, the presence of oysters indicates improving water quality and the success of
conservation efforts in Brooklyn. These oysters play a crucial role in filtering the water
and providing a habitat for other marine life. The marsh grass adds to the ecological
diversity, stabilizing the shoreline and offering shelter to small aquatic creatures. This
urban sanctuary, with wildlife and serene environment, offers a peaceful retreat for both
humans and animals in this park, fostering a unique coexistence amidst the backdrop of
NYC skyscrapers.
Brooklyn Bridge Park was Billion Oyster Project’s first community-focused reef, installed
in DUMBO, Brooklyn, along the edge of the park. In August 2020, 30 SEAPA
cages—each filled with hundreds of oysters—were carefully lowered into the waters at
One°15 Brooklyn Marina. This installation allowed for easy monitoring by community
groups, students, and volunteers, who were eager to contribute to the health of the
harbor.
In September 2021, the park buzzed with excitement as volunteers, elected officials,
and Harry Smith from NBC News’ TODAY Show gathered to install a community cabinet
reef. The atmosphere was charged with hope and determination as the Billion Oyster
Project showcased a real-world example of living in harmony with nature. Founded in
2014, this non-profit organization is dedicated to restoring oyster reefs in the waters
surrounding New York City. Oysters, being natural purifiers, play a crucial role in
cleansing water; a single adult oyster can filter approximately 50 gallons of water each
day. Their reefs serve as habitats for various marine species and offer protection to New
York’s shores during storms.
As I stood at the edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the sky began to transform, signaling
the impending arrival of a storm. Dark, heavy clouds rolled in, casting a foreboding
shadow over the marina filled with boats gently rocking in the water. The air grew thick
with anticipation, and a faint rumble of thunder echoed in the distance.
Within moments, the drizzle turned into a torrential downpour, soaking me to the skin.
Despite the rain, I remained rooted to the spot, captivated by the dramatic interplay of
nature around me. The wildlife seemed to come alive with the storm. Birds, startled by
the sudden change, took flight, their calls piercing through the sound of raindrops
pelting the ground. Nearby, the trees swayed vigorously, their leaves rustling in the
wind.
As I stood there, mesmerized by the scene, I noticed a woman next to me, struggling to
cover her small dog with her jacket. Bella, a pink-haired girl who stood out with her
vibrant pink shoes, pink jacket, and her black and white King Charles dog named Marlin
by her side. She was doing her best to shield Marline from the downpour. We
exchanged smiles, both of us finding a shared sense of wonder in the chaotic beauty of
the moment.
Amidst the storm, my attention was drawn to a heartwarming sight. Baby ducklings, no
more than fluffy little balls, were paddling through the choppy waters, following their
mother closely. The mother duck led them with calm determination, guiding them safely
back to their nest, nestled somewhere among the rocks and marsh grass along the
shore.
Bella, who lived nearby in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, had made it a routine to walk her
dog in the park every evening. She used to be a broadcasting student and worked in
television before transitioning to a government job. Her daily walks in the park offered
her a sense of peace and connection to nature amidst the urban setting. Her dog is a
British King Charles breed named Marlin. As we walk, Bella says, “despite the concerns
about gentrification, the creation of Brooklyn Bridge Park has brought undeniable
benefits”. The return of wildlife to the area is a testament to its success. Birds, insects,
and small mammals have found a new home in the park’s diverse habitats, from the
meadows and wetlands to the carefully curated gardens.
The rain easing slightly, Bella shared more of her thoughts. “When you hear from those
visiting this park may say it is like a theme park. It’s for the skyline; it’s a frame for
Manhattan. It’s more like a theme park when you look at it from the perspective of an
outsider who came to visit the city from the countryside. She paused to let Marlin (her
dog) sniff around a patch of grass. “While Brooklynites think this park is amazing, so
much greenery is hard to find in the tri-state area. Nature and people can coexist, we
don’t have any other choice than to coexist. There’s no delineation between humans
and nature, nothing unnatural, just rocks, woods, metals. It’s its own ecosystem.”
Bella smiled, looking up at the clearing sky. “It’s coexisting with nature. We just need the
balance to be useful in some ways to halt the effect of global warming.”
Her words lingered in my mind as I watched her walk away, the rain now a gentle patter,
the park’s vibrant life slowly returning to its calm state. Bella’s insight had added a
deeper layer of appreciation for Brooklyn Bridge Park, a place where the urban and
natural worlds seamlessly blended, offering a sanctuary for both wildlife and people.
