Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Brooklyn Bridge Park Now Has A Lovely Beach Along The East River


By

Jen Carlson

Published May 23, 2014

Modified May 23, 2014


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 23, 2014

Modified May 23, 2014


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

(Photo by Douglas Capraro/Gothamist)

Brooklyn Bridge Park has created a lovely sandy beach on the East River Waterfront, but it's not for swimming. Though their website welcomes you with the words: "Get your feet wet at Pier 4 Beach," the signage states that you are not allowed to enter the water.

pier4beach.jpg
(Photo by Douglas Capraro/Gothamist)

Additionally, a park rep told us this week, "There is no swimming at the Pier 4 beach. The area will be regularly patrolled by park security to ensure that park rules are being followed. We hope visitors will obey park rules and for their own safety not enter the East River for wading or swimming." While not many would dare dip their bare skin into the East River waters, there is a 100% chance people will—maybe you, after cracking a few too many open while recreating that Corona commercial?

1pier4beach.jpg
(Photo by Odele Ventimiglia/Brooklyn Bridge Park)

So what is it for? "The beach will provide access to the water for non-motorized boating and educational programs. Further offshore, the remnants of a railroad float transfer bridge, now inaccessible, will be transformed into a nature preserve known as Bird Island. An Osprey platform has been installed in the hopes of attracting large fishing birds. The beach design incorporates innovative structures designed by ECOncrete to mimic natural tidal pools typically found along rocky coasts. Some of these pools are accessible to visitors providing an interactive demonstration of the diversity of park habitats for marine animals and plant life."

Tagged

beach

brooklyn bridge park

east river

pier 4

pier 4 beach

original


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 arts-entertainment

Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain

Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 23, 2026


In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff

We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."

By

James Ramsay


A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings

By

Hannah Frishberg

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

By

Sonia Rao

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

By

Sonia Rao


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 .