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Summer 2012 Programs In Brooklyn Bridge Park

More Than 300 Free Activities and Events for Park Visitors

Contact:
Alison Hughes, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
ahughes@brooklynbridgepark.org, 718-802-0603
 
For Immediate Release

BROOKLYN, May 10, 2012 – Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy today announced a wide range of free, cultural, recreational, and educational activities as part of its Summer 2012 lineup. The 2011 free public programs season welcomed more than 70,000 attendees to the park and with programs like the Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties, free public boating throughout the summer, and the annual Syfy Movies With A View Summer Film Series presented by the Conservancy. The park is ready to welcome even more visitors in 2012.
 
Cultural Events
Visitors and New Yorkers alike will be able to enjoy a performance by the Metropolitan Opera, readings  as part of the Books Beneath the Bridge Reading Series, Shakespeare with Random Access Theater and Theater 2020, “Rotations, Rotations” at Jane’s Carousel with the Festival of New Trumpet Music, “Watermusic” with Vertical Player Repertory, and more.
 
Recreational Offerings
The more adventurous will be able to take advantage of free kayaking and rowing on Saturdays and alternate Thursdays and free learn-to-ride classes for teens and adults by Bike New York. And for fitness buffs, the park’s Waterfront Workout Series presented with partners Dodge YMCA, Fitness Guru, Body in Balance Studio, and Brooklyn Strength will feature Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Belly Dance, Hip Hop Aerobics and Strength Training classes.
 
Education Programs
Thursday nights are for stargazing with the New York Amateur Astronomers Association. On Tuesday evenings, park tours will be offered by Brooklyn Bridge Park staff and there will be classes focusing on the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, waterborne transportation, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the park as a setting in the Revolutionary War. There will also be environmental education programs for children and adults on Monday evenings with the Green Living Series, Science on Site Day with the World Science Festival, City of Water Day and a variety of special classes focusing on the flora and fauna of Brooklyn Bridge Park. And let’s not forget the ever-popular “Seining the River Wild” workshops!
 
Children’s Activities
Checkmate 101 chess lessons will be offered on Wednesday evenings, and the park’s Playground Associates will return this summer with special weekend family programs on Thursdays through Sundays at the Pier 6 and Main Street playgrounds. Children’s theater will include Puppetmobile, Cool Rainforest Puppet Show, and Polar Opposites Puppet Show with the Wildlife Theater Society. And on June 23^rd, the Kite Festival will take over Pier 1.
 
“This exciting summer line-up promises something for everyone and what better place to enjoy it than Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said BBP President Regina Myer. “Thanks to our partnership with the Conservancy and others, Brooklyn Bridge Park will continue to be a beautiful year-round destination with fantastic programs and events for all.”
 
"We’re looking forward to another active summer of public and educational programming in Brooklyn Bridge Park," remarked Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. "From Syfy Movies With A View, to fitness classes, chess lessons, volleyball workshops, concerts, theater, children's events, and more, we’re offering free events and activities that appeal to a broad range of visitors. Thank you to Brooklyn Bridge Park and all our programming partners for a dynamic and fun-filled season."
 
For more information and a full listing of events, visit www.brooklynbridgepark.org. 
 
*     *     *

 
A full schedule of events – all free – follows.
 
 
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK 2012 SEASON
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
 
 
PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
 
Syfy Movies With A View
Join us for the 13th season of our movie series on Thursdays this summer!  Shorts curated by BAMcinématek, DJs from Brooklyn Radio kick off the evening and bike valet provided by Transportation Alternatives. 
 
Presenting Sponsor: SYFY
 
Date: Thursdays, July 5-August 30
Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm, music at 6:00pm, movies at sunset
Location: Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
Arrive early for the best seats: lawn capacity is limited!
 
Thursday, July 5 - E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (PG)
Thursday, July 12 - To Kill A Mockingbird (NR)
Thursday, July 19 - Slumdog Millionaire (R)
Thursday, July 26 - Clueless (PG13)
Thursday, August 2 - Wet Hot American Summer (R)
Thursday, August 9 - Barefoot in the Park (G)
Thursday, August 16 - The Big Chill (R)
Thursday, August 23 – Unforgiven (R)
Thursday, August 30 – Public Vote! Check brooklynbridgepark.org for details
 
BRIC ARTS | MEDIA | BKLYN Presents
Celebrate Brooklyn! Bridge Dance Party
Three spring evenings featuring some of the coolest dance bands on the planet, the funkiest DJs under the stars, and the greatest view in the world!  Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
Thursday, May 10, 7:00pm
Funk Dance Party
The Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown, Rich Medina
 
Thursday, May 17, 7:00pm
Brazilian Dance Party
Nation Beat, Maracatu New York, DJ Greg Caz
 
Thursday, May 24, 7:00pm
Zydeco Dance Party
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, Jesse Lege and Bayou Brew
 
For more info: bricartsmedia.org
 
Books Beneath the Bridge
This inaugural outdoor literature series will feature 6 nights of outdoor readings by authors, followed by a Q&A.  Each night will be curated by a local, independent bookstore. 
Location: Pier 1, Granite Prospect
Monday, July 9, 7:00pm – Freebird
Monday, July 16, 7:00pm – Greenlight Bookstore
Monday, July 23, 7:00pm – Powerhouse  Arena
Monday, July 30, 7:00pm – Word Bookstore
Monday, August 6, 7:00pm – Community Bookstore Park Slope
Monday, August 13, 7:00pm – Bookcourt
 
The Bard on Pier 1
Free performances of Shakespeare on the Granite Prospect. Two different New York-based companies interpret the Bard and bring his words and wisdom to Pier 1.
 
Twelfth Night by Random Access Theater
Saturday, May 19, 7:00pm
Sunday, May 20, 7:00pm
 
Comedy of Errors by Theater 2020
Saturday, June 9, 7:00pm
Sunday, June 10, 7:00pm
 
 
The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
The Metropolitan Opera presents a summer recital series featuring opera stars Danielle de Niese, Dimitri Pittas, and John Del Carlo, accompanied by Dan Saunders.  Presented in collaboration with the City Parks Foundation.  More info: metopera.org/parks
Date: Friday, July 27
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pier 1
 
3^rd Annual Etsy Craft Party
You’re invited to the most handmade party of the summer on August 24.  Join Etsy for an evening of hands-on festivities to celebrate creativity and community.
Date: Friday, August 24
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry
 
Rotations Rotations
Kaleidoscopic melodies revolve in a colorful spectacle of sound as musicians transform Jane’s Carousel into a whirling stage that is sure to delight the hearts of all ages, presented as part of the Festival of New Trumpet Music 2012.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Jane’s Carousel, Empire Fulton Ferry
 
Vertical Player Repertory
WATERMUSIC
Vertical Player Repertory presents Water Music: A lyrical summer evening of water-themed opera.  The Brooklyn indie opera company, celebrated for “intense performances” by The New York Times and “thrilling theater” by Opera Today, will perform arias and ensembles from A View from the Bridge, Les contes d’Hoffmann, and Il Tabarro.
Date: Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Pier 1, Granite Prospect
 
9^th Annual Marathon Reading of Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”
Sign up to be one of the 52 readers of “Song of Myself” or simply enjoy Whitman’s words.  To register to read, email songofmyself2012@gmail.com.
Date: Sunday, June 3
Time: 3:00pm-5:30pm
Location: Pier 1, Granite Prospect
 
 
RECREATION

Boating
Get out on the water for kayaking and community rowing with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 1 Boat Basin! Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present.  Last sign-up is an hour before closing time.
 
Date: Saturdays, June through September 15 (except for September 8)
Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Pier 1 Boat Basin
 
Date: Thursdays, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, August 30
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Pier 1 Boat Basin
 
Waterfront Workouts: Pilates with the Fitness Guru
The Fitness Guru returns with Pilates Mat classes overlooking the New York Harbor.  Limited mats available.
 
Date: Tuesdays, June 19 - September 11
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry
 
Waterfront Workouts: Early Morning Yoga with Dodge YMCA
Morning yoga integrates posture, breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation to stretch, strengthen, and condition.  All levels are welcome.   Limited mats available.  Pier 1, Bridgeview Lawn
 
Date: Mondays, July 2 – August 27
Time: 7:30am (registration begins at 7:00am)
Location: Pier 1, Bridgeview Lawn
 
Waterfront Workouts: Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Zumba© fuses Latin and world music with aerobic interval training to sculpt the body and invigorate the soul! Pier 1, Promenade
 
Date: Sundays, July 1 – August 26
Time: 4:00pm (registration begins at 3:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade
 
Waterfront Workouts: Belly Dance with Dodge YMCA
Dance to Middle Eastern rhythms while learning traditional movements and combinations that tone your core.
 
Date: Fridays, July 6-27
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade
 
Waterfront Workouts: Hip Hop Dance Aerobics with Dodge YMCA
This class gets your heart pumping with Hip Hop music and hot step-by-step dance moves.
 
Date: Fridays, August 3-31
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade
 
Sunset Pilates
Join Lou Cornacchia, founder of Cobble Hill's Body in Balance Studio, on Pier 6 for an Intermediate Pilates Mat Class.
 
Date: Thursdays, June 21 – September 27
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pier 6
 
Outdoor Fitness with Brooklyn Strength
Strength training and aerobic intervals in and around Brooklyn Bridge Park.
 
Date: Mondays, June 4-25
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Pier 6
 
Bike New York Classes
Bike New York offers free instruction for teens and adults including learn to ride classes as well as skill building workshops that increase your confidence and overall safety.   Learn to Ride: Adults, Bicycling Basics: Adults and Teens, and Street Skills Rides: Adults classes are available at Brooklyn Bridge Park.  Bike New York provides bikes and helmets at all classes.  Pre-registration is required at bikenewyork.org
 
Date: Check brooklynbridgepark.org or bikenewyork.org for specific dates
Location: Pier 1
 
 
 
PUBLIC TOURS

Tuesday Night Tours
Explore Pier 1 with park designers and planners to learn the history of the site, the process that led to its creation, and features of the landscape and sustainable elements. RSVP required at rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
 
Date: Tuesdays, July 10 – August 28
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Pier 1 entrance
 
Journey to the Stars with the Amateur Astronomers Association
Join astronomers as they guide your eyes across the sky and the wonders of astronomy are revealed.  Look for the Syfy telescopes on Pier 1 Promenade!
 
Date: Thursdays, June 21 – September 27
Time: 8:30pm (7:30pm in September)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade
 
HISTORY TOURS
*All History Tours begin at 6:30pm on Pier 1 and require RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
 
Framing Views, Old + New
Wednesday, June 20, 6:30pm
Explore works of architecture close to and visible from the park, including 19th, 20th and 21st century buildings. Guide: Matthew Postal, Architectural Historian
 
The Brooklyn Bridge
Wednesday, June 27, 6:30pm
Learn about the people, political climate, technological innovations and the cultural meanings of one of the country’s most stunning structures. Guide: Julie Golia, Brooklyn Historical Society
 
The Roeblings
Wednesday, July 11, 6:30pm
Join the Roeblings (in costume!) on a walking tour highlighting the engineers, politics, personalities, tragedies and triumphs that resulted in the completion of the most famous bridge in America.  Guides: The Levy Brothers
 
Trade Roots in the Harbor
Wednesday, July 18, 6:30pm
Learn how the area around the Brooklyn Bridge was pivotal in developing industry and trade for both the region and nation. Guide: Richard Melnick, Greater Astoria Historical Society
 
The Roebling Legacy
Wednesday, July 25, 6:30pm
Walk to the 1st tower of the Brooklyn Bridge and learn the incredible story of the Roebling Family’s journey to design and build this universal symbol of New York. Guide: Clifford Zink, Author
 
Native New Yorkers
Wednesday, August 8, 6:30pm
Using the park as the setting and authentic replicas from the New-York Historical Society's touch collection, this walk will explore a time when the Lenape inhabited the area.  Guide: Allyson Schettino, New-York Historical Society Museum
 
Harbor Connections
Wednesday, August 15, 6:30pm
Discover the multitude of ways the park has played a role in the history of transportation to and from this city. From tugboats to underwater subway tunnels, the Bush terminal nearby Pier 35, the park’s footprint has many stories to tell. Guide: Kathleen Hulser, Historian
 
Into The Mist
Wednesday, August 22, 6:30pm
Trace the steps where the American struggle for independence nearly ended before it really began. Guide: Vinny Ricado, Urban Park Ranger
 
The Magnificent Retreat
Wednesday, August 29, 6:30pm
Explore the point where General Washington and the Continental Army rowed across the East River in 1776, in a stunning retreat that changed American history. Guide: Paul Rush, Historian
 
High Tech History
Wednesday, September 5, 6:30pm
Mix history and technology with Broadcastr, an app for iPhone and Android that brings together David McCullough's The Great Bridge and content from other partner organizations to create a multimedia guide to the Brooklyn Bridge.  Guide: Broadcastr staff
 
EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Green Living
Join us for a three-part series on Mondays in June to teach how to become greener at home.  Each program takes place at NYSCE on Pier 1.  RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
 
Going Solar in NYC
Monday, June 11, 6:30pm-8:00pm
A step-by-step account of how to use your rooftop to generate clean, renewable energy.  Led by Max Joel from Solar 1
 
Planting Pollinators
Monday, June 18, 6:30pm-8:00pm
Kick off pollinator week and learn about the dynamic ecosystem bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles provide.  A guided tour followed by discussion and suggestions for creating backyard/window box habitats.  Led by Brooklyn Bridge Park Horticulturalist
 
Building Basics with Recycled Wood
Learn some basic carpentry skills using recycled wood.  Led by craftsman Reuben Maher
Monday, June 25, 6:30pm-8:00pm
 
Seining the River Wild
Watch scientists use a 20ft seining net to catch and release fish and other remarkable East River creatures. Meet at Main Street location, RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
Saturday, May 19, 1:30pm-3:00pm
Sunday, June 17, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Saturday, July 14, 10:30am-12:00pm
Sunday, July 29, 11:00am-12:30pm
Saturday, August 11, 10:30am-11:30am
 
Science on Site Day
Explore land, sea, and sky with the World Science Festival as science comes to life at Brooklyn Bridge Park. More info: worldsciencefestival.com
 
Date: Saturday, June 2
Time: All Day
Location: Pier 1, Main Street and Empire Fulton Ferry
 
City of Water Day
Celebrate our waterfront with a day of entertainment, education and adventure for the whole family!  Activities include kayaking, water themed art projects and seining. Coordinated by Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance; more info: cityofwaterday.org
 
Date: Saturday, July 14
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Park wide
 
Birds, Bugs, Bees
Join Julie Feinstein, collections manager at the American Museum of Natural History and author of Field Guide to Urban Wildlife, for a guided tour of Pier 1. RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
 
Date: Saturday, August 4
Time: 10:00am-11:30am
Location: Pier 1
 
Feathered Friends
Join Audubon New York Educators in a walk through Pier 1 as you learn to spot and identify common NYC birds. RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
Date: Saturdays, June 30 and August 18
Time: 10:00am-11:00am
Location: Pier 1
 
Join the Green Team!
The Green Team is a volunteer stewardship team that works on special horticultural and coastal beautification projects in the park.  Get outside, enjoy nature, have fun!  No experience necessary.    Tuesdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am-12:00pm
See brooklynbridgepark.org for more information and RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org
 
CHILDREN’S EVENTS
 
Kite Festival
Come to Pier 1 to fly kites and watch them soar above the Manhattan skyline!  Kites will be available for purchase on site, or bring your own.
 
Date: Saturday, June 23 (Rain date: June 30)
Time: 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
 
Checkmate 101
Brooklyn chess instructor, Zebedee Collins, is back to teach skills and strategies to help you take your game to the next level!  Best for beginning players; limited boards available.
 
Date: Wednesdays, June 20 – August 15
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Pier 1 entrance 
 
The Great Brooklyn Bridge for Families
Learn about the history, design, and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge through a series of fun and engaging activities and a scavenger hunt. Guide: Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. RSVP: rsvp@brooklynbridgepark.org.
 
Date: Wednesday, August 1
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Pier 1
 
Puppetmobile presents Bessie’s Big Shot
Bessie the cow has long dreamed of being in the circus.  Through trials and tribulation, we get to see if her dream comes true in this charming variety show.  Presented by the City Parks Foundation.
Date: Friday, June 22
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Location: Pier 6
 
Date: Friday, August 10
Time: 10:30am-12:00pm
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry
 
 
Cool Rainforest Puppet Show
Join the humorous superhero, Captain Cocoa, on an adventure to save the rainforest—only to discover it might be the average person who can really save the day. Presented by the Wildlife Theater Company.
 
Date: Friday, July 13
Time: 10:30am
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry
 
Polar Opposites Puppet Show
Antarctica and the Arctic Circle are two sides of the world that look and feel the same. However, very different types of animals call these icy lands home. Come explore the similarities and differences! Presented by the Wildlife Theater Company.
Date: Friday, July 27
Time: 10:30am
Location: Pier 6
 
Kids Create!
Join our playground associates for creative and captivating activities that are fun for the whole family!
 
Date: Thursdays and Fridays in July and August
Time: 11:00am-7:00pm
Location: Pier 6 main path and Main Street playground
 
Weekend Family Program
Explore the wonders of the park with our playground associates who lead educational-based activities.  Different themes each weekend, so make sure to visit more than once!
 
Date: Saturdays and Sundays, July – September
Time: 12:00pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Location: Pier 6 main path and Main Street playground

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The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has worked for more than twenty years to ensure the creation, adequate funding, proper maintenance, public support, and citizen enjoyment of Brooklyn Bridge Park through partnership with the public sector, development of program­ming, and active promotion of the needs of the park and its constituents. Since 2000, more than half a million visitors have enjoyed the Conservancy’s free, public programs in the beginnings of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, known as Brooklyn Bridge Park, is the not-for-profit entity responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance and operation of Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85-acre sustainable waterfront park stretching 1.3 miles along Brooklyn’s East River shoreline.

Please click here to download a copy of the press release.