BROOKLYN, NY (April 3, 2017) —The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Conservancy) and Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) are proud to announce the full lineup of events and activities for 2017’s spring and summer season. Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of free cultural, educational, and recreational events, as well as expanded opportunities to volunteer and support this world-class waterfront park.
The expansive five-month season of programming begins on April 8 with the 19th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K. The 3.1-mile run honors Eileen Dugan – a New York State Assemblywoman who represented the local 52nd AD from 1980 to 1996 – whose leadership and advocacy were instrumental in the creation of Brooklyn Bridge Park. New to this year’s spring lineup is Big and Little Skills Academy’s Spring Fling (BALSA) which kicks off on April 10. BBP will partner with BALSA to bring a series of basketball clinics and youth tournaments to Pier 2 over spring break. BALSA will return for regular weekly clinics starting May 2. Long-time audience favorites such as Books Beneath the Bridge, Jazzmobile, and All The Park’s A Stage will all return to the Park.
Also returning are a number of free outdoor fitness classes such as Zumba, Pilates, Broadway Dance, Hip Hop Dance Aerobics, and Sunrise Yoga, taught by Dodge YMCA instructors. New fitness classes like Body Combat and Bond Fitness promise to stretch the skills of seasoned participants.
Movies With A View, the popular film series on the Brooklyn waterfront, returns for its 18th year. A new weekly preshow party with music, Brooklyn food vendors, and a beer garden will kick off every Thursday night screening. The theme for this year’s 8-week-long film series is “Resistance,” and it will highlight issues of race, gender, protest, and triumph. Movies to be featured include classics like Casablanca, cult hits such asOffice Space and 9 to 5, and modern favorites like Selma and The Lego Movie. The final screening of the series on August 24 will be put up for a public vote, and will round out the summer season.
BBP will host events that engage visitors across a wide spectrum of interests. The Community Room at 99 Plymouth will feature a number of exciting installations over the coming season. In April, BBP will welcome Twenty-Five Hours by artist Jesse Chun, which will reinterpret historical facts and scientific data about the East River tides into text-based drawings, and works on paper. The talented young artists of the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Summer Session will also return to 99 Plymouth this summer. On May 3, the Public Art Fund will bring Anish Kapoor’s Descension to Pier 1’s Bridge View Lawn. This massive continuously spiraling funnel of water descends into the ground, harnessing one of the most evanescent of materials and inviting us to experience the sheer perceptual wonder of an ordinary material in an extraordinary way. In partnership with United Photo Industries and Photo District News, The Fence will return to Brooklyn Bridge Park in June for its sixth consecutive year. The installation presents the work of talented photographers from all around the world.
Additional events will be available through BBP’s cultural partners located at the northern end of the park. St. Ann’s Warehouse will wrap up their current season with productions of 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips and Arlington at the Tobacco Warehouse. At Spark by Brooklyn Children’s Museum, drop-in play and free open hours will continue throughout the summer. Later this spring, in a preview of their upcoming space at Empire Stores, the Brooklyn Historical Society will debut Shifting Perspectives, a photo exhibit of Brooklyn’s waterfront, from the early 20th century to today.
In addition to its program offerings, BBP will add over four acres of new parkland with the opening of the Pier 5 uplands this summer. This latest addition will include sloping and terraced lawns, a grove with a flexible seating area, and a sound-attenuating berm to reduce traffic noise. Set into the hillside will be a new boathouse that includes public restrooms.
The Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center will offer free open hours to the public four days a week, in which visitors can learn about the Park’s ecology, history, and sustainable design. In addition to open hours, it will host individualized Discovery Sessions, and a variety of school programs that serve over 11,000 students each year.
Other family-friendly programs this year include public seining, Wednesday Night Tours, a Hindu Lamp Ceremony, and Summer Reading Storytime. Every Thursday and Saturday, families can enjoy public kayaking sessions on the East River with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse; and every Sunday, kayak polo games will be held for even more fun on the water.
Throughout the summer, the volunteer Green Team will offer nature enthusiasts an opportunity to learn about gardening and enjoy the outdoors every Saturday, and regular Coastal Cleanups will allow visitors to help keep the Park’s shorelines clean and beautiful.
“From public seining sessions, to Movies With A View, our programs all take advantage of the park’s spectacular waterfront location in order to give our visitors new and unique experiences, year after year,” said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Conservancy “With over 600 cultural, recreational, and educational programs this summer, we strive to have something for everyone.”
“With brand new parkland opening at the Pier 5 uplands and a great lineup of programs, this summer at BBP is bound to be our best yet,” said David Lowin, Brooklyn Bridge Park Interim President. “We look forward to welcoming visitors back for another exciting season on the waterfront.”
In 2016, Brooklyn Bridge Park saw an average of 330,000 visitors a week during the summer.
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ABOUT BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK CONSERVANCY
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has worked for over 30 years to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life. We started out as grassroots advocates, bringing together residents, government, and local supporters to transform an abandoned waterfront into the park you see today. Now an essential supporter, we work in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation to ensure that the park reaches its full potential as a dynamic and vibrant public space for Brooklyn, New York City, and beyond. The Conservancy produces diverse and innovative programming for park visitors and cultivates volunteer and philanthropic support of this special place on the Brooklyn waterfront. Since 2000, more than 1,600,000 visitors have enjoyed the Conservancy’s free, public programs in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
ABOUT BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) is the not-for-profit entity responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85-acre sustainable waterfront park spanning 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline. As steward of the park, BBP has transformed this previously deteriorated stretch of waterfront into a world-class park where the public can gather, play, relax and enjoy sweeping views of New York Harbor. The self-sustaining park was designed by the award-winning firm of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. and features expansive lawns, rolling hills, waterfront promenades, innovative playgrounds, a greenway, sports facilities and the popular Jane’s Carousel. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a signature public investment for the 21st Century and will be an enduring legacy for the communities, elected officials and public servants who made it happen. For more information, please visit brooklynbridgepark.org.
Twitter: @BklynBrdgPark
Instagram: @BrooklynBridgePark
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BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK SPRING/SUMMER 2017
ARTS & CULTURE
Bargemusic Family Concerts
Saturdays, 4 pm | Pier 1
This one-hour performance includes a Q & A session with the musicians. Doors open 15 minutes before the performance - no reserved seating is available. Visitbargemusic.org for more!
Jesse Chun: Twenty-Five Hours @ 99 Plymouth
April 25-June 20 | Main Street
Twenty Five-Hours is an exhibition featuring Jesse Chun’s text-based drawings and works on paper. Working from a research-based process, she reinterprets a collection of scientific data, charts and predictions, historical facts, books and articles about the Brooklyn Waterfront and the East River tides.
Anish Kapoor : Descension
May 3-September 10 | Pier 1
Public Art Fund brings Descension, one of Anish Kapoor’s most viscerally arresting installations to BBP. Located on Bridge View Lawn, this massive, continuously spiraling funnel of water harnesses one of the most evanescent of materials and creates a striking contrast to the adjacent East River. 26-feet in diameter, the spiraling funnel is treated with an all-natural black dye, creating an opaque, seemingly endless hole.
THE FENCE
June | Parkwide
For the sixth consecutive year, United Photo Industries, in partnership with Photo District News, brings its enthralling photography exhibition, THE FENCE, to BBP. Its many sections throughout the Park will display the work of photographers from around the world depicting a variety of subjects.
Summer Reading Storytime
Wednesdays, 11 am| June 7 – August 2 | Pier 3 Greenway Terrace
Enjoy storytime with librarians from the Brooklyn Heights branch of the Brooklyn Public Library who read fun stories from their summer reading list and more.
Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself Marathon
June 10, 5 pm| Granite Prospect
Annual marathon reading of Walt Whitman’s critically acclaimed poem, Song of Myself.
BAMcinemaFest Outdoor Screening
June 22, 8 pm | Pier 1
Join BAMcinemaFest for an outdoor festival featuring live music, curated food, and a special film screening.
Movies With A View
Thursdays, 6 pm | July 6 – August 24 | Pier 1
Join us as we celebrate the 18th season of the Conservancy’s movie series! Shorts curated by BAMcinematek, DJs from Brooklyn Radio kick-off the evening, and bike valet is provided by Transportation Alternatives. Preshow party with music, food vendors, and beer garden begins at 6 pm; movie at sundown.
July 6: Office Space
July 13: Pariah
July 20: Casablanca
July 27: The Lego Movie
August 3: 9 to 5
August 10: Selma
August 17: Mad Max: Fury Road
August 24: Public vote
Books Beneath the Bridge
Mondays, 7 pm l July 10 – August 14 | Granite Prospect
On six Monday nights during July and August, six of Brooklyn’s best independent bookstores curate readings, discussions, signings, and more inspired by each event’s author.
Rush Arts @ 99 Plymouth
Mid-July – September | Main Street
Rush Kids and Teens will return to the Park to create vibrant site-specific paintings that celebrate the adjacent parkland as a place of natural beauty and respite in our often times chaotic urban environment. The students will work in the style of NYC-based artist and Rush Director of Education, Meridith McNeal. Rush Summer Session is a free art education program provided to underserved youth by the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation.
Gibney Dance at Brooklyn Bridge
July 15, 22, 29 | 7 pm | Pier 1
Gibney Dance brings their lower Manhattan performing arts center to the Park. Join them for sunset performances on the river, class on the grass, and other dance happenings set against the Manhattan skyline.
Hindu Lamp Ceremony
August 5, 4 pm| Main Street
Decorate your own palm leaf lamp and release it in the East River as part of the traditional Aarti ceremony for peace and harmony. Presented with Brooklyn Arts Council.
Jazzmobile presents The Eric Person Band with Jazz Master Houston Person
August 15, 7pm | Pier 1
Come enjoy an evening of jazz on Harbor View Lawn with NYC’s acclaimed Jazzmobile. Special Guests: Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.
All The Park’s A Stage: Macbeth
August 22, 23, 25, 26, and 27 | 7 pm | Pier 1
Free performances of Macbeth by the New York Classical Theatre.
RECREATION
NYRR Open Runs
Tuesdays, 7 pm| Pier 6
New York Road Runners invite you to join their free Open Runs! Volunteers track the timing and marshal the course. Meet on the path south of Fornino at 6:45pm for registration. The run begins at 7 pm and the course comprises a full 5K. Open to all ages. Strollers and dogs on leashes welcome.
*No run July 4th
19th Eileen C. Dugan Memorial 5K
April 8, 9 am | Pier 6
A scenic 5K route (3.1 mi) spanning Brooklyn Bridge Park with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the NYC harbor.
Big and Little Skills Academy’s Spring Fling Basketball Clinics
April 10 -14 | Pier 2
BALSA will offer skills clinics and 3-on-3 tournaments during spring break. Clinics include ball handling, shooting, strength and conditioning, yoga and more.
Basketball Clinics
May 2 – August 27 | Tuesdays & Thursdays 4 – 7 pm | Sundays 12 – 2 pm | Pier 2
Join Big and Little Skills Academy for dynamic youth basketball clinics on Pier 2 that include either yoga to enhance flexibility or flag football for agility training. Recommended for ages 8-17.
Kayaking
June 3 – August 26 | Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm | Thursdays 5:30 – 6:45 pm | Pier 2 Dock
Paddle in the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Join us for Kayak Polo on Sundays at 11 am too!
Double Dutch
Wednesdays, 7 pm | June 7 – August 30 | Pier 2
Join Double Dutch Empire for OPEN ROPES a weekly double dutch jump rope session every Wednesday.
OPEN ROPES is free and open to everyone of any age, skill, and jump style. Skilled instructors are on-hand to provide basic double dutch instruction in a fun block party environment.
Pop-Up Pool
Daily | June 29 – September 4 | 10 am – 6 pm
Take in the sunshine and cool waters at the Pop-Up Pool! The 30’x50’ pool includes a sandy beach and play area. Swim lessons are available.
FITNESS – WATERFRONT WORKOUTS
Broadway Dance with Dodge YMCA
Mondays, 10 am | May 8 – August 14 | Pier 2
* No class May 29th
Bond Fitness with Dodge YMCA
Saturdays, 10 am | June 3 – June 24 | Pier 6
Sunrise: Abhaya Yoga
Mondays, 7:30 am | June 5 – July 24 | Pier 6
Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Sundays, 4:30 pm| June 4 – August 13 | Pier 2
Ballet Barre with Dodge YMCA
Mondays, 7 pm | June 5 – August 7 | Pier 2
Piyo with Dodge YMCA
Wednesdays, 7 pm | June 21 – August 18 | Pier 6
Pilates with Fitness Guru
Tuesdays, 7 pm| June 27 – September 5 | Empire Fulton Ferry
* No class July 4th
Hip Hop Dance Aerobics with Dodge YMCA
Fridays, 7 pm| July 7 – August 11 | Pier 3
Body Combat with Dodge YMCA
Fridays, 7 pm | July 7 – August 11 | Pier 6
EDUCATION & ENVIRONMENT
Ed Center Open Hours
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3 – 5pm | Saturdays & Sundays, 1 – 5 pm | Environmental Education Center
Explore the history and ecology of Brooklyn Bridge Park like never before during open hours in our Environmental Education Center.
Wednesday Night Tours
First Wednesday of every month, May – October | 6:30 pm | Pier 1 Entrance
Take an evening stroll with New York’s finest scholars and learn about the extraordinary history, ecology, design of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Purchase tickets ($5 members, $10 non-members) on our website.
Waterfront Walks
Last Sunday of every month, May - October| 11 am | Pier 1 Entrance
Engage with our docents on a tour about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, BBP’s sustainable design, and how the Park came to life.
The Great Fish Count
June 3, 2 pm | Main Street
Pull on a pair of waders, cast a net, and find marine life. Join top ecologists and biologists to catch, count, identify, and release the animals in NYC's swarming waters. Presented in collaboration with the World Science Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Stargazing with the World Science Festival
June 3, 7pm | Pier 1
Get out your telescope (or share with astronomers) for a night of urban stargazing and music to celebrate the dance of the planets.
Seining
June 18, June 25, July 15, July 22, August 5, August 20 | Various Times | Main Street
Learn about the remarkable creatures of the East River as our scientists use a seining net to humanely catch and release these unique critters.
Journey to the Stars
Thursdays, 8:30 – 10:30 pm| July 6 – August 24 | Pier 1
Gaze across the New York sky and all the wonders it holds with Amateur Astronomers Association of New York.
City of Water Day
July 15 | Main Street & Pier 2
Celebrate the waterfront by getting on the water on a kayak, and exploring what’s below the water’s surface during our seining program.
VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Green Team
Saturdays, 10 am| April 29 – October 21| Pier 1
Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who keep Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful. The Green Team meets every Saturday to provide essential horticultural care to the park. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about gardening, enjoy nature, and help the park look its best. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
Coastal Cleanups
May 4, June 2, July 19, August 16, September 15, October 15 | Various Times | Main Street
Team up with volunteers to combat pollution in our waterways and along our coastlines. Volunteers will care for the park’s unique coastal environment by cleaning up the park’s beaches, shorelines, and salt marshes.
