Red Hook Park

Red Hook Park, also known as Red Hook Recreation Area, is a 58.5-acre public park located in the Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. The park is composed of several non-contiguous segments centered around Bay Street, offering a variety of recreational facilities and green spaces for visitors to enjoy.

The park's history dates back to 1913 when the first piece of land was acquired by the City. It was officially assigned to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation in 1934, with additional parcels added between 1935 and 1947. The park's development was part of a larger plan designed by prominent landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke during the tenure of Parks Commissioner Robert Moses.

Red Hook Park features a mix of sports facilities and leisure areas. The largest section of the park is bounded by Columbia Street to the west, Clinton Street to the east, and Bay Street to the north. This area contains multiple soccer fields, baseball fields, and tennis courts. Other sections of the park include additional sports fields, walking paths, and picnic areas.

A notable feature of Red Hook Park is the Sol Goldman Play Center, located within the block bounded by Bay, Henry, Lorraine, and Clinton Streets. This complex, built between 1934 and 1936 in the Art Moderne style, includes a brick bathhouse and two pools. The Play Center was designated as a city landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2007.

The park has undergone various renovations and improvements over the years. In recent times, the fields have been subject to remediation efforts due to historic soil contamination, with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation working closely with health and environmental agencies to address these issues.

Red Hook Park serves as a vital community space, providing recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors alike. Its diverse amenities and historical significance make it an important part of Brooklyn's urban landscape.