Bay Ridge Parks and Waterfront Poised for Major Improvements

The waterfront parks in Bay Ridge, including Shore Road Park, the promenade, Vinland Playground, John Paul Jones Park, Leif Ericson Park, and Owl's Head Park, are set to receive significant upgrades. On Tuesday, the New York City Parks Department, New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, and City Council Member Justin Brannan announced new funding aimed at enhancing these public spaces.

Among the key investments is $6.4 million for constructing modern, accessible comfort stations at both ends of Shore Road Park, as part of a broader effort to revitalize the waterfront area, according to a press release.

The funding will also support improvements to the Shore Road promenade, Vinland Playground, and John Paul Jones Park. Additionally, there will be greenway enhancements at Leif Ericson Park and improved walking paths at Owl's Head Park.

"The thousands of people across Brooklyn who use the promenade every day deserve nothing less,” said Gounardes. “Today, we’re ensuring the promenade and surrounding parks are built to meet all our communities' needs and stay safe, vibrant, and resilient for generations to come.”

Shore Road Park will undergo substantial upgrades, including expanded green spaces between bike and pedestrian paths, new lighting at promenade entrances, and the addition of amenities such as game tables, bike racks, drinking fountains, viewfinders, and seating. The Fourth Avenue entrance will include ADA-compliant ramps, a new overlook, and a sloped lawn. The redesign will also double the park’s permeable green space.

"Shore Road Park was my backyard growing up," said Brannan. "These upgrades will make our local waterfront park the best it can be for generations to come."

Community organizations such as the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative have expressed support for the plan.

"This is a great plan put forward by NYC Parks," said Hunter Armstrong, executive director of the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. "Already popular for its waterfront views, the planned open green space expansion, ADA access, and new restroom facilities will bring even more benefits to residents."

The projects will be implemented in phases, with construction expected to progress over time, according to the press release.

This funding, part of the broader vision of the Destination: Greenways program, brings the total public investment in Bay Ridge's green spaces to nearly $58 million.