Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Now Open to the Public

Photo: Julienne SchaerThe first portion of Brooklyn Bridge Park's new greenway is now open, featuring a two-way bikeway and a 10-foot-wide pedestrian path that starts at the park's entrance in DUMBO, at Old Fulton Street, next to Fulton Ferry Landing. The newly paved portion, which is open from 6am to dusk, is connected to an interim path to allow for safe passage between the open portions of Piers 1 and 6 as park construction continues. This latest addition to Brooklyn Bridge Park is part of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Initiative, which calls for a scenic 14-mile route from Greenpoint to Sunset Park. For more information about the Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, visit brooklynbridgeparknyc.org or brooklyngreenway.org, respectively.

Governors Island a Hotspot for Summer Fun

Photo: A. FriedenWhat is the hottest destination this summer? It's Governors Island, a jewel of New York City's harbor and a centerpiece of NYHarborWay. The season isn't over yet, and already the number of visitors has surpassed last year's record-breaking 275,000 people. With just about six weeks left before Governors Island closes for the year on October 10, be sure to make your way there on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information on Governors Island, visit govisland.com.

NYHarborWay Bike and Boat NYC Weekend

Take advantage of big savings during NYHarborWay Bike and Boat NYC Weekend, August 27–29, 2010. Spending the day biking from park to park and moving freely around the harbor by water taxi is what NYHarborWay is all about. Rent a bicycle from Bike and Roll in Battery Park, ride over the Brooklyn Bridge for stunning views of the City and a free cruise back to Manhattan aboard a NY Water Taxi. All rentals include a free ice cream from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory at the Fulton Ferry Landing, suggested itineraries, and a bottle of water. To get more information, visit nywatertaxi.com or bikeandroll.com

NYHarborWay Water Taxi Brooklyn/Manhattan Express

Water Taxi Rendering, Photo: Alex LopezFor less than the cost of a subway ride you can board a ferry on Fridays in Brooklyn and zip over to Manhattan and back. Starting on June 4 and continuing on Fridays during the summer, ferries will take you to one of four spots along the waterfront, including Governors Island and the newly opened Brooklyn Bridge Park. The service also runs Saturday and Sunday, but Friday is the discount ticket day.

New Pier Openings in Brooklyn Bridge Park

photo: Pixonomy (via flickr)The first portion of Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park opened this spring, with amazing views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Among the park's many treasures is the "Granite Prospect," a set of granite steps built into a huge berm situated at the edge of the harbor. A new state-of-the-art playground at Pier 6—with seating areas, grassy lawns and swings that allow you to soar out over the harbor—just opened in June.