Explore the Winter Plankton and Plastics program at Brooklyn Bridge Park—a unique urban environmental experience connecting you with aquatic ecosystems and plastic pollution challenges.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk short distances and stand outdoors for periods.
Wildlife
History
Brooklyn Bridge Park was formally established in 2010, transforming former industrial piers into a dynamic waterfront park dedicated to recreation and conservation.
Conservation
The park emphasizes sustainability by promoting local water quality initiatives and plastic waste reduction programs tied to the education experience.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a waterfront public park in Brooklyn, New York that programs fitness, environmental education, arts, and community events along the East River.
The park hosts partner-led fitness classes including Zumba with Dodge YMCA, Pilates with Dodge YMCA, Amp'd with Chelsea Piers Fitness, and Sunset Yoga with Abhaya Yoga. These outdoor classes accommodate a range of abilities and typically ask participants to bring a mat when noted.
Educational programs and school field trips are a core offering. Hands-on lessons include Go Fish! Seining the East River (Gr. 9-12), The Awesome Oyster (Gr. 1-8), Plankton and Plastics (Gr. 4-12), Habitats and their Inhabitants (PreK-5), Between the Tides (Gr. 1-4), Everything Rocks! (Gr. 2-4), Water Flows: Embracing Climate Solutions for our City (Gr. 5-12), and seasonal offerings such as Trees of Brooklyn Bridge Park (PreK-3). Several programs run on a waitlist and advance registration is required for select tours.
Public engagement events include Community Science Fishing Clinic, Youth Soccer League registration, Waterfront Walks, Kinfolk Tech: Dreaming with the Archives Tour, Art Under the Bridge, and bilingual family bird walks. Docent-led walks start at Jane's Carousel for certain tours and explore the park’s design, ecology, and history.
Brooklyn Bridge Park partners with organizations such as the Dodge YMCA and Chelsea Piers Fitness, and relies on trained docents and expert anglers to lead activities. Many events are free; equipment or space may be limited, with registration and waitlists used when necessary.
Schedules, locations, and registration details are posted on the park website.
Programs
30 programs
Fitness, education, and tours
Local Partners
Dodge YMCA; Chelsea Piers; Abhaya
Partner-led classes and events
Free Events
Select free events
Fishing clinics and walking tours
School Programs
K–12 field trips
Hands-on environmental education
Check schedules, register for programs with advance registration when required, or attend select free events and clinics.
Dress in Insulated Layers
Winter in Brooklyn can be cold and windy near the water; wear layers to stay warm during outdoor portions of the program.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste during this environmental education experience.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Ensure a timely start by arriving early, as this program involves scheduled group activities that begin punctually.
Prepare for Light Walking
Expect some walking on paved paths along the waterfront; wear comfortable shoes appropriate for winter conditions.
Warm Waterproof Jacket
Protects against cold winds and possible winter precipitation by the waterfront.
winter
Thermal Gloves
Keeps hands warm during outdoor activities in chilly conditions.
winter
Binoculars
Helpful for observing birdlife and aquatic activity in the park’s waterfront areas.
winter
Notebook and Pen
Useful for taking notes during educational sessions or recording observations.