Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the largest parks proposed in Brooklyn since Prospect Park was created 140 years ago. The park is an 85 acre stretch from Atlantic Avenue to Dumbo currently with unused piers, boating docks, and storage warehouses. The Downtown Brooklyn Local Development Corporation is conducting a $1million study to explore ways for people to get to the park. The Brooklyn Queens Expressway divides the park from Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights, and doesn’t have too many parking options nearby. So the study is considering alternative options to get there.

According to the Brooklyn Papers article:

…On Wednesday, planners also said they would ensure that the aesthetics of any future elevator would be in context with the affluent neighborhood — the city’s first landmark district…

…But already, Brooklyn Heights civic leaders are expressing renewed opposition to such a connection.

“We have concerns about marring the landmark or obstructing the view,” said Irene Janner, a member of the Brooklyn Heights Association. “I have trouble imagining how [a connection] could work.”

I mapped out the five proposed entrances and the nearby subway stations. The Downtown Brooklyn Local Development Corporation is also looking into a stairway or elevator from the Brooklyn Heights promenade, either at or near #3 or #4. I have safety concerns about the tunnel option. A walkway/stairway from the promenade will provide better visibility from a safety standpoint and with the views, it could be a grand entrance to the park. Parking will still be an issue, but if the planning goes well, people should be able to walk from the A/C, 2/3, or F stations nearby.

The proposed park entrances are at:

• John Street (1)
• Fulton Ferry Landing (2)
• Squibb Park at Middagh Street (3)
• Joralemon Street (4)
• Atlantic Avenue (5)

{Google map of Brooklyn Bridge Park area}
{Planners again consider Promenade ‘park’ link, Brooklyn Papers}
{The Park Plan, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservatory}