(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.
(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?
(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."
