The de Blasio Administration and the Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) today broke ground on Pier 3, the final pier to be converted to parkland at the 85-acre park.
Expected to be completed in Spring 2018, the five-acre Pier 3 will include a central lawn, a flexible hardscape area for recreation and programming, and a play labyrinth featuring historic elements salvaged from the Park for visitors of all ages.
Capital funding for the $26 million pier was included in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s FY17 budget.
“This park has become the front lawn of Brooklyn. And Pier 3 will add more space for kids to play and for families to enjoy this incredible place. We have made building Brooklyn Bridge Park and securing it for the long-term a major priority, and we are thrilled to support this latest addition,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The groundbreaking also marked the final initiative of outgoing BBP President Regina Myer, who has overseen every aspect of the Park’s transformation from 1.5 miles of industrial waterfront into one of the city’s top destination points.
“Breaking ground on Pier 3 marks a landmark achievement: the final major stage of construction to get underway at BrooklynBridge Park,” said Myer, who will soon head the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “A decade ago, our 85 acres were still a barren stretch of industrial wasteland. Today, 330,000 visitors enjoy our waterfront every week and now they’ll have Pier 3 – a beautiful central lawn and a fabulous play space that will transform this five acre concrete platform. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved here.”
All of Brooklyn’s elected officials representing the area in which the park sits in their respective legislative bodies also hailed the groundbreaking.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park is an incredible source of relaxation, recreation, and inspiration for our borough, and it is exciting to see the next chapter in its evolution be written on Pier 3,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “Hundreds of thousands of families from near and far alike will enjoy this welcome addition of open space that will further elevate the unparalleled experience that is Brooklyn’s waterfront.”
“Brooklyn Bridge Park is rapidly becoming an institution for our entire City with a host of recreational benefits for local residents and visitors alike,” said Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez. “Work on the final remaining pier in Brooklyn Bridge Parkconstitutes another important milestone in connecting New Yorkers with the waterfront. The park is an attraction supporting local businesses, while giving working families a place to play, relax and spend time together. I’d also like to recognize Regina Myer for her many years shepherding the park from plan to reality.”
“Today’s groundbreaking brings Brooklyn Bridge Park its own great lawn, which is appropriate for the Central Park for the center of our city — the Harbor Park,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “I’m proud to have worked with the Park and community to help bring such an incredible park to life. Thank you to Regina Myer for bringing so much of the park to fruition, as well as the Park Corporation, Deputy Mayor Glen, the Conservancy, and my colleagues.”
Assembly Member Joanne Simon said, “I look forward to the opening of Pier 3, as this brings us even closer to finishing the park. When open, Pier 3 will be a great addition to our wonderful park. I want to thank Regina Myer, and the rest of BrooklynBridge Park for all of their hard work in getting this project off the ground.”
“I thank Regina for her many years of service to Brooklyn Bridge Park – her mark will forever be felt,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “She leaves us now setting in motion the completion of one of the final, much anticipated open spaces at BBP. I, along with the community, welcome what will become the newest addition of world class parkland in Brooklyn for all to enjoy.”
