The Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park Are a Must for Anyone in New York
Whether approaching the New York metropolitan area by plane, train, or boat, you are likely to see the grand arches of the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn and bringing together communities on either side of the East River.
It’s hard to imagine a time when pedestrians and vehicles could not travel so easily back and forth. In the 1600s, the area we now call Manhattan and New York City was first inhabited by the Native Americans, then the Dutch, and later the British with some juggling back and forth before the country officially obtained its independence from Great Britain. The only way to transport people and goods was by ferries. Finally in 1869, construction on the bridge began. John A. Roebling designed the stately bridge, and it was completed 14 years later, in 1883. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time.
There are six lanes for vehicles and a path for pedestrians and also for bicycles… more than 116,000 vehicles, tens of thousands of pedestrians, and roughly 3,000 cyclists cross the bridge each day. It seems that crossing the Brooklyn Bridge by foot is a right-of-passage for so many tourists. With unlimited locations along the main span of the bridge to take photos/selfies, the bridge is often crowded with those trying to take that perfect picture. It is a very moving experience whether you are a tourist or resident of NYC. The bridge gives us a 360-degree view of the city and one can really see how the Brooklyn Bridge is almost the center of it all, quite literally bridging the gap between past and present and the millions of visitors who come from all over world.
I have been living in New York City since 2002, and I remember looking out of my cab window at night while crossing from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and not seeing much of interest on that side of the East River. It seemed like such a shame… Well that has all changed now. Starting in 2008, work on the 85-acre park began, with the first section, Pier 1, opening in 2010. It is an extraordinary park to visit, and a very welcome element to Brooklyn. There are so many activities for all ages there: basketball, biking, birding, fishing, kayaking, ping pong, roller skating, soccer, volleyball…
But for me, I like to meander through the gorgeous greenery along the river. The landscaping was designed carefully to help the park blend seamlessly with the buildings and surrounding environment so there are so many environmental benefits to the park as well. More trees, fresher air, places for wildlife to be, and of course all of the people employed by the park help make it a beautiful place.
A trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park would not be a trip to Brooklyn Bridge Park without going to Jane’s Carousel. Situated on the edge of the water, the views are incredible as you and your young ones enjoy the magical ride. If you have made the journey over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan on a hot summer day, why not treat yourself to a delicious ice cream cone at Van Leeuwen’s, in the historic Fireboat Station at the Fulton Ferry Landing? There are also outdoor screenings of movies during the summer, waterfront workouts and art installations to enjoy.
The Brooklyn Bridge and Park offer us ways to connect with one another and also with nature. A trip to New York City would be incomplete without passing over the bridge that has for over a hundred years brought communities together.