Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Bad Idea?: Neon Benches For Relaxing Park Atmosphere
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 14, 2010
Modified May 14, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published May 14, 2010
Modified May 14, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The '80s are back! Or at least that's what the Brooklyn Paper is declaring with the neon paint that's soon to be lathered over some benches in Gowanus. This is allegedly all part of some initiative to draw attention to the oft-ignored Thomas Greene Park.
A chairwoman from the Friends of Douglass/Greene Park told the paper, “No one knew this park existed. We wanted to do something bright and cheery to get people to think of us. We had these very dull benches and we figured it’s a good time to do something fun to enliven them." So now 32 benches will be painted vivid shades of pink, green and orange.” Sounds... relaxing.
The standard green benches may make a comeback eventually, however. The Parks Department approved the neon colors, but only temporarily until a full park rehab begins next year.
Tagged
benches
brooklyn
neon
paint
Thomas Greene Park
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
Stargazers will have a great view of Saturn and two meteor showers in October.
By
Rosemary Misdary
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. ET
NYC tow companies busted for ripping off drivers must give $67K in refunds, city says
Mayor Mamdani has expanded enforcement on towing scams, but the unlicensed towing industry remains largely unregulated.
By
Liam Quigley
News
NYC tow companies busted for ripping off drivers must give $67K in refunds, city says
Mayor Mamdani has expanded enforcement on towing scams, but the unlicensed towing industry remains largely unregulated.
By
Liam Quigley
Off-duty NYPD officer stabbed in the Bronx, police say
By
Ryan Kost
DOC negligence factored in death at Rikers' Bellevue hospital outpost, jail officials say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Conductor on NYC subway that dragged man to death may have skipped safety check, source says
By
Stephen Nessen
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .