East River State Park | Brooklyn

East River State Park, officially renamed Marsha P. Johnson State Park in 2020, is a vibrant 11-acre waterfront public space located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, directly along the East River. It is a historically rich site with panoramic views of Manhattan, a popular venue for outdoor leisure, art, and community events.

Location and Layout

Situated between North 7th and North 9th Streets along Kent Avenue

Directly across the East River from Midtown Manhattan

Offers unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Williamsburg Bridge

The park occupies a prime section of the Brooklyn waterfront and serves as one of the few large green spaces in a dense, urban environment, with wide lawns and naturalized plantings.

Historical Context

The park’s land has deep historical roots:

Originally part of Lenape territory, it later became a hub of maritime and industrial activity from the mid-19th to the 20th century.

The area was home to the Brooklyn Eastern District Terminal (BEDT), a major rail and barge terminal that connected to factories and ports throughout the borough.

Tracks, concrete pads, and cobblestone paths from the BEDT era remain preserved within the park, maintaining a visual dialogue between Brooklyn's industrial past and its evolving urban culture.

After industrial use ceased in the 1980s, the space was abandoned until grassroots efforts led to the creation of East River State Park, which officially opened in 2007.

In 2020, it was renamed in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist and key figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. This marked the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ+ person.

Design and Features

The park blends natural, recreational, and historical elements in an open, waterfront setting.

1. Lawns and Gardens

Broad, grassy areas ideal for picnics, sunbathing, yoga, and relaxing

Landscaped with native plants and wildflowers to reflect the site's natural heritage

Open design creates a peaceful contrast to the dense buildings of Williamsburg

2. Historical Infrastructure

Preserved remnants of industrial use:

Embedded railroad tracks

Old cobblestone loading docks

Concrete pads that once supported warehouses and cranes

Informational signage throughout the park provides historical interpretation of the site’s past uses

3. Waterfront Access

Direct riverfront views without barriers

Seating along the edge for sunset viewing and skyline photography

No actual river access for boating or swimming (not permitted), but visitors can enjoy the waterfront environment up close

4. Art and Memorial Elements

Installations and murals celebrate the life of Marsha P. Johnson, including:

A colorful perimeter fence and artistic signage

Educational panels about her activism and influence

Temporary public art exhibitions are sometimes held in partnership with local organizations

5. Playground and Dog Run

A small, rustic children’s play area

A dog run at the northern end near North 9th Street, separated from the main lawn

Space for informal play and dog exercise while maintaining clean, open public space

6. Park House and Facilities

The Park House, located near North 8th Street, serves as a hub for:

Restrooms

Educational programs

Park ranger support

Open to the public on select days (typically Wednesday and Saturday, 10 AM–12 PM & 1:30 PM–4:30 PM)

Events and Culture

Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a popular gathering space for locals and tourists alike. Notable events include:

Smorgasburg: A massive seasonal outdoor food market that began here and continues to attract large weekend crowds.

Open air concerts, movie screenings, fitness classes, and family programming organized by community groups or NYC Parks.

Pride Month events and LGBTQ+ heritage celebrations honoring the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson.

Rules and Access

Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Admission: Free for all visitors

Pets: Dogs allowed only in the designated dog run

Public Transit Access:

L train to Bedford Avenue (5-minute walk)

East River Ferry to North Williamsburg Terminal (adjacent to the park)

Permits are required for:

Gatherings of 10 or more people

Photography/filming

Catered events, birthday parties, or other large group uses

No alcohol, amplified music, or unauthorized commercial activities are allowed without a permit.

Summary

Marsha P. Johnson State Park is a rare blend of green space, waterfront views, historic preservation, and civil rights commemoration. It has become a symbol of both community resilience and cultural progress in New York City. The park offers a quiet escape in the heart of Williamsburg and plays a key role in preserving the memory of one of the most influential activists in LGBTQ+ history, while also serving everyday New Yorkers with beauty, openness, and accessibility.