Psychedelic surf music, mythical revelry – plus New York’s chief executive officer – helped step off summer fun on the Brooklyn waterfront when the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosted a Sunset Sizzle benefit at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park.
Governor David Paterson joined borough officials, grassroots leaders and visitors at the waterfront empire – snuggled between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges – for an evening of neighborly fun to raise greenbacks for a world-class recreation area along the East River from north of the Manhattan Bridge to Atlantic Avenue.
While mom and dad danced to live music by the Chicha Libre and the Hungry March Band, the kids enjoyed their own frolic with games, contests, face-painting and decorating t-shirts.
In addition, the Conservancy honored two of their staunchest supporters: New York City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and the Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks, whose volunteers have been stewards of the Brooklyn Bridge Park since 2005.
Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park – located across from 38 Water Street and bordered by Main and New Dock streets and the East River – is part of the future Brooklyn Bridge Park, which will stretch 1.3 miles and cover 85 acres of lawns, recreation fields, water access, esplanades and playgrounds when completed.
Calling it “a New York treasure,” Governor Paterson added the park had “brought New Yorkers of all ages to this uniquely gorgeously spot in our city.”
