Cool Hunting

by Evan Lamagna

Integrating itself into the now desolate landscape at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, the long-anticipated construction of the Brooklyn Bridge Park finally broke ground recently, commencing the first installment of the 85-acre park that will assume the Brooklyn waterfront along the East River.

Sections of the park covering Piers One and Six are anticipated to open by the end of 2009, consisting of a nearly two-acre destination playground complete with a marsh exploratory garden, swing valley, slide mountain and small water park.

The initial phase will also include three sand volleyball courts, a dog run, a wide promenade onto Pier Six and a park concession comprising a 1000-square-foot restaurant and roof top deck boasting views of the Manhattan skyline.

The creative minds behind the park's design are landscape architects Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, who are responsible for Union Square and a myriad of other civic landmarks around New York City. The group seamlessly blends fun with responsibility, using locally sourced or recycled wood when possible, as well as incorporating renewable energy sources and sustainable systems into the park's design.