Under the K Bridge Park
Open: DAWN to DUSK
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bike rack
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bird watching
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flower garden
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monument
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public art
- Founded: 2019
- Acreage: 6.7
- Property Type: Public Space - Privately Operated
- Council Member: Jennifer Gutiérrez
- Contact 311 - Request Public Space Maintenance
- Contact North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
- Maintained & Operated by: North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
- #underthek
Under the K Bridge Park
Located directly under the Kosciuszko Bridge and called “Under the K Bridge Park,” the new park converts a formerly abandoned site into a vibrant seven-acre open space that invites the public to a little-known waterfront of Newtown Creek.
The space, designed by Toronto- based landscape architecture firm PUBLIC WORK, features expansive multi-purpose sections for recreation, culture, and woodland areas where more than 20,000 trees and native plant species now grow.
Under the soaring Kosciuszko Bridge columns, our “El-space” grows from 40 feet to as much as 100 feet in height. Distinguishing itself with massive industrial “rooms” connected by a continuous beam of light that runs the park’s length, creating what we call a “solar slice.”.
Kosciuszko Bridge Plaza convenes at the base of the bridge on the Brooklyn side, providing several landscaped and restful areas for users coming off the bridge’s pathways, the area’s local streets, or before entering the park
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
At Stewart Ave the park dips under the bridge creating New York’s first “El-space” park from that point and as it continues pass Scott Ave to the Newtown Creek
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
A grand entrance to an el-space, if there ever was one. Flex 1 is a multifunctional zone geared to rotating programming community activities, and play. And is completely adored by the skater community
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
An expansive and airy space with sunset & city views. This massive space can host large-scale events, performances, and recreation, unlike anything available in North Brooklyn.
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
Creekside celebrates a prime position along the water’s edge with public outlooks and a restorative landscape of native creekside ecologies
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
Creekside is an intimate and reflective space with a natural amphitheater
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks AllianceBuilding Under the K
Cities all over the world are looking at public space. How can it be better used, be made more equitable, and become more green, smart, and connected? One such space that often excites city planners and architects is the “El-space.”
“El-spaces” are spaces beneath and adjacent to elevated transportation such as bridges, highways, or trains. El-spaces are incredibly special places. They are being used to reclaim and transform public space with sustainability and versatility in mind. If done right, they act as meaningful connectors between neighborhoods and neighbors.
Born out of a community-driven design process that lasted two years, Under the K creates a collaborative space, unlike any other traditional park. Under the K Bridge Park is State DOT property. Funded in part by the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEFF). Administered, maintained, and programed by 503-C nonprofit, the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance.
2003. Looking northeast along Gardner Avenue under the Kosciuszko Bridge.
credit: Anthony Hamboussi / North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
2019. NBK Parks invited the architects and project supporters to an “Park Unveiling Party” to present the culmination of a two-year design collaboration to the public.
credit: /North Brooklyn Parks Alliance
2015. During construction, there was a moment where the old and new brides stood side by side. right side: Meeker Avenue Bridge south bound span. left side: Kosciuszko Bridge north bound span
credit: Mitch Waxman / North Brooklyn Parks Alliance