Under The K Bridge

In cities around the world, urban planners and architects are reimagining public spaces to make them more equitable, green, smart, and connected. One such innovative concept is the “El-space,” a term referring to the spaces beneath and adjacent to elevated transportation infrastructures like bridges, highways, and trains. These El-spaces, often overlooked, are being reclaimed and transformed into public areas that serve as vital connectors between neighborhoods.

Under the K Bridge Park in North Brooklyn is a prime example of this transformative vision. Located directly under the Kosciuszko Bridge, the new park converts a formerly abandoned site into a seven-acre open space that invites the public to a little-known waterfront of Newtown Creek. The park's creation was driven by a community-focused design process that spanned two years, ensuring that the final space met the needs and desires of the local community. Unlike traditional parks, Under the K Bridge Park offers a collaborative space that reflects the collective input and spirit of its residents.

Designed by Toronto-based landscape architecture firm PUBLIC WORK, the space features expansive multi-purpose sections for recreation and culture, along with woodland areas where more than 20,000 trees and native plant species now grow. The park occupies State DOT property and benefits from funding provided in part by the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEFF). This funding underscores the park’s goal of enhancing urban green spaces. The North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, a 503-C nonprofit organization, administers, maintains, and programs the park, ensuring it remains a well-maintained space for various community activities.

Under the soaring Kosciuszko Bridge columns, the El-space grows from 40 feet to as much as 100 feet in height. The park distinguishes itself with large industrial “rooms” connected by a continuous beam of light that runs the park’s length, creating what is called a “solar slice.”

The significance of Under the K Bridge Park extends beyond its physical transformation. It represents a successful effort to reclaim and repurpose urban space, turning a previously underutilized area into a valuable public asset. The park's design focuses on sustainability and versatility, offering a green, smart, and connected environment that enhances the quality of life for local residents. It serves as a meaningful connector, not just in a physical sense, but also by fostering a sense of community and belonging among its users.

The park's vision is rooted in principles of equity and accessibility. By creating an inclusive space that is open and welcoming to all, Under the K Bridge Park embodies the idea that urban parks can be equitable spaces that benefit the entire community. Its innovative design reflects a commitment to versatility, allowing the park to adapt to various community needs and events.

Under the K Bridge Park shows how collaborative efforts can transform overlooked urban spaces into vibrant, sustainable, and connected public areas that serve and enhance the community.