Domino Park Is The Best Waterfront Hangout Of The Summer

It’s not often that New Yorkers get new public parks, but somehow one has managed to emerge in one of the most active and in-demand neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Two Trees Management’s Domino Park not only adds a waterfront park to Williamsburg, but does so at the most iconic place emblematic of Brooklyn’s industrial roots, the Domino Sugar Factory. The factory has occasionally been used as an event space, most notably serving as the home of Kara Walker’s massive sugar sculpture in 2014, but the surrounding space has been an afterthought—until now. The 6-acre park is reminiscent of the Highline, with less distance to walk through and more personal space when the crowds show up (and there’s even an elevated walkway). The Williamsburg Bridge overlooking the park at the southern end would make DUMBO residents jealous. Within the space there will be food such as Danny Meyer’s new Tacocina and Van Leeuwen ice cream, outdoor games, and industrial artifacts from the factory, all with a panoramic skyline view of the city. Programming this summer will include concerts, art performances, book readings, and more to be announced.

It’s a rare addition that can completely change the neighborhood, but Domino Park is the kind of space that immediately feels like it has been there forever. And despite the ever-present cultural expanse of Brooklyn neighborhoods, it might be the reason Williamsburg is once again the most alluring place in New York this summer.

Domino Park opens to the public on June 10th

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]

[Photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com]