A new portion of Bushwick Inlet Park opened on Wednesday following a $9.8 million reconstruction project.
NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura joined City Council Member Lincoln Restler and members of the community to celebrate the opening of the new "Motiva” parcel, which includes a tidal wetlands habitat, a sandy beach, water access for kayakers, native plantings for shade and vibrancy, and seating that invites visitors to take in the waterfront.
"Our parks are where New Yorkers reconnect with their city, and this newest portion of Bushwick Inlet Park gives visitors a place to take in the majesty of the Manhattan skyline while enjoying the serenity of a thriving green waterfront,” Shimamura said in a statement.
The new parcel features a restored tidal wetlands ecosystem and lush native flora. A waterfront esplanade and seating welcome visitors to the waterfront, with an accessible get-down offering easy access to the sandy beach.
The site also includes a kayak launch, an osprey stand and accessible binoculars to help New Yorkers spot these raptors and other wildlife.
With the opening of the Motiva site, the city has completed work on three of the six parcels that make up Bushwick Inlet Park, the centerpiece of the Greenpoint-Williamsburg waterfront. Work continues on the three parcels to Motiva's south: the Bayside site and the CitiStorage North and South sites. Upon completion, the park will span approximately 28 acres, officials said.
The area now known as the Motiva parcel was acquired by the city from oil refining company Motiva Enterprises in 2014.
