BAY RIDGE  — Approximately $60 million in funding has now officially been secured for the revamping of waterfront parks in Bay Ridge. This includes the Shore Road Park promenade, from the 69th Street Pier to the Verrazzano Bridge, State Sen. Andrew Gounardes announced at an intimate press conference held in John Paul Jones (Cannonball) Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The new funding, which is part of the Destination: Greenways program, encompasses an additional $6.4 million for the construction of modern, accessible comfort stations at either end of the park.

The crown jewel 

“I’m here to talk about the future of our south Brooklyn waterfront, which will be the crown jewel of southern waterfront parks,” Gounardes said. “This will be transformed from an asphalt pathway with potholes and overgrown bushes into a real gem of a park.”

Gounardes pointed out that this is extremely noteworthy for the community. “I’m so excited that after years of work and planning we can finally put this vision into action,” he said. 

Shore Road Park upgrades include the expansion of the green space between bike and pedestrian paths and amenities such as game tables, bike racks, drinking fountains, viewfinders and seating, as well as accessible adult fitness areas. 

The Fourth Avenue entrance will receive ADA-compliant ramps, a new overlook and a sloped lawn. In all, the amount of permeable green space will double compared to the current layout. The Parks Department estimates this work will cost approximately $21 million.

The project to restore Leif Ericson Park will focus on the park’s greenway and involve repaving the greenway, improving crosswalks and installing new bike racks and benches. 

The section between Fourth Avenue and Narrows Avenue, known as “Keegan’s Path” will also be redesigned. This overhaul will cost roughly $9.25 million.

Other ongoing projects include the reconstruction of walking paths in Owl’s Head Park, upgrades to Vinland Playground, repaving in John Paul Jones Park and new fencing along the length of Shore Road Park. 

A full circle moment 

Gounardes was also joined by Councilmember Justin Brannan; Martin Maher, Brooklyn Borough Commissioner of NYC Parks; Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann; and Brooklyn Greenway Initiative advocates. Brannan described the parks’ face-lifting as “a full circle moment.”

“I grew up on 99th street,” he said. “Shore Road Park was my backyard when I grew up and to be able to allocate public funding to improve our community is really special. This waterfront park will indeed be world class.” 

Maher explained that many of these parks were built in the 1930s, “and some were given a little love in the 50s, some in the 80s — but some of them really need help.” 

“The Shore Road promenade gets tons of use by pedestrians, cyclists, runners, fishermen and so on,” Maher said. This is really very exciting stuff.”  

Brian Hedden, advocacy and Greenway Projects coordinator, said he is thrilled to see these changes coming to the promenade and Fourth Avenue. “More open space, more green space, more amenities — it’s win-win. I’m really looking forward to this,” he said. 

CB10’s Josephine Beckmann added, “It’s incredible to be here today to secure this vital funding for such an amazing project that will add so much to the community.”