Warner Johnston (ESD) | wjohnston@empire.state.ny.us | 212.803.3740
Eileen Larabee (OPRHP) | eileen.larrabee@oprhp.state.ny.us | 518-486-1868
www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK Welcomes WATERPOD™ TO PIER 5
Moveable artist colony brings its work- in-progress to a park-in-progress
Brooklyn Bridge Park announced the arrival of the Waterpod at Pier 5 this afternoon, where it will remain docked for two weeks – one of several stops on its journey through the waterways surrounding the five boroughs of New York City. Sponsored by the Action Arts League, LLC and supported by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy among others, the Waterpod is a sustainable sculptural art and technology habitat where four artists will live, work, and hold events to further the artistic, ecological, scientific, and cultural richness of New York through at least October 2009.
Built from recycled materials and eco-friendly products, Waterpod is a floating sculptural living space designed as a new eco-residence for community and artist activity, including eco-initiatives such as increasing public awareness of water and fresh water consumption.
“We’re delighted to bring the Waterpod to Pier 5,” said Founder and Artistic Director Mary Mattingly. “Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation’s commitment to environmentally friendly initiatives has been clear to us in their initial support of the Waterpod, and will continue to manifest itself as the park is built. We are proud to align ourselves with BBPDC and their ecological undertaking to bring true green space to the Brooklyn waterfront.”
Upcoming events on the Waterpod at Brooklyn Bridge Park include an exhibition of artwork by ecological artist Jackie Brookner opening at 1pm on August 8th, followed by a presentation from Green Maps NYC at 3pm. On August 9th, representatives from Morningside Park Farmer’s Market will discuss local food from 12 to 1pm. Waterpod will also host an ongoing residency called “Waterways,” a collaborative research project that will culminate in public actions surrounding the theme of water in Brooklyn. The Waterpod will be towed by Miller’s Launch from the West Harlem Park Piers to Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 on August 4 and be open to the public on Friday, August 7th at 3pm.
“We are pleased to welcome the Waterpod to Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation President Regina Myer. “BBPDC is committed to incorporating green building practices throughout Brooklyn Bridge Park, and supporting ecologically-conscious initiatives within the park and throughout the City. We are thrilled to be utilizing the park for public use prior to the official opening at the end of this year, and consider today’s announcement an exciting step toward the future of Brooklyn Bridge Park as an environmental and educational destination for all New Yorkers.”
The first phase of park construction at Pier 1 continues to be underway and includes over 1300 feet of promenade along the East River, and 2.5 acres of lawn with breathtaking views of the New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge. Once completed, Pier 1 will add 9.5 new acres of park to the already existing Empire Fulton Ferry State Park and the Main Street City Park. Pier 6 will add about 7 acres of new park, including a 1.6 acre destination playground with water play areas and innovative play equipment built into the park landscape. A promenade will lead to incredible views of lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor. Three sand volley ball courts, a concession and dog run will also be constructed at Pier 6. By the end of 2009 Pier 1 and portions of Pier 6 are expected to be open to the public making the long awaited dream of Brooklyn Bridge Park a reality.
For those City residents eager to get their first look at the park, Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation is hosting an open tour of the site every Tuesday evening this August. For more information on “Tuesday Tours” and to RSVP, please visit www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation is a subsidiary of Empire State Development, New York’s chief economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and community development. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.brooklynbridgeparknyc.org.
The Waterpod is a free, public art and science project traveling the five boroughs of New York City through the Summer and Fall of 2009. It was developed through the help of the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects, a multinational team of artists, designers, builders, civic activists, scientists, permaculture specialists, engineers, and , the New York community including businesses and non-profit organizations. |
