River Ring Beach Front Park is Coming to Williamsburg
What if I told you that you could bask in the warm sun, with one foot in the sand and the other in cool, beachy water without the jostling forty-five-minute subway ride to the shores of southern Brooklyn? Better yet, what if I told you that you never had to leave the comfort of Brooklyn’s beloved Williamsburg neighborhood or the steady heartbeat of mid-Manhattan’s captivating skyline. This is every New Yorker’s dream – well, the ones who love this city with an otherworldly love, anyways.
River Ring Rendering by James Corner Field Operations
Sounds great! When Should I Pack the Beach Bag?
If you’re a Brooklynite, I know you are waiting for me to spill the proverbial tea – or in this case, the island margarita, about this treasure that is being uncovered. While this waterfront’s development is still in the early planning stages, here is what the public knows.
In December of 2019, Two Trees Management won the bid for the River Ring Waterfront Master Plan. Since then, they have put their heads together with Williamsburg locals to discuss ideas and receive feedback regarding its development. And throughout the beginning planning stages, one thing seemed to be unanimous; the community wanted water access, a place for rest and relaxation, and along with shore restoration, they wanted to feel they were in nature.
While you can expect a fully developed grand opening in about seven years’ time, Two Trees Management is getting to work on phase one, which includes entering into an Environmental Impact Review, followed by building the first tower and waterfront park.
What makes this residential plan different than the rest of Williamsburg?
River Ring Rendering by James Corner Field Operations
As a resident, not only will you have a spectacular view that you can exclusively find on the shores of Brooklyn’s borough, but you will have access to beach space that can only be achieved outside of the city. It is a conflicted beach-loving city-dweller’s dream.
While some may wonder how expensive River Ring’s living amenities may be, Two Trees is actively pursuing a mandatory inclusion of an affordable housing option that will make these living standards available to everyone. With affordable units accounting for 25% of the living options within River Ring’s dual-tower living spaces, this project proves to be inclusive to any New Yorker in any walk of life. Furthermore, Two Trees Management is dedicated to making sure this development is accessible to all, regardless of income status, which is why low-income apartments will be dispersed throughout both residential towers. Doing so will offer fair access to good schools, safety, and ample living space to its residents.
What’s there to do?
River Ring Rendering by James Corner Field Operations
The most obvious answer would be the open access to the East River shore. While swimming conditions in this area have not been known for being safe, the developers of River Ring are working to create a secluded water area that is both safe to swim in and optimal for recreational water activities. In addition, this protected, enclosed area will prevent waves and currents from disturbing a relaxing dip off the shore.
However, River Ring is more than an East River dream. Along with water activities, such as swimming and kayaking, this park will offer outdoor gathering space, with new and unique vantage points overlooking the city. With lush lawns, an open amphitheater, and plenty of picnic seating areas, you are bound to find a home base for a day full of fun.
Along with River Ring’s 6.1 acre stretch of park, beach, and shoreline, this outdoor haven neighbors Williamsburg’s Domino Park. Because both parks will be closely connected, residents and visitors can easily access their elevated walkway, beach volleyball courts, and bocce courts. With so much park space and linked walking trails, you can enjoy a sunrise jog before the city has had its first cup of coffee or savor an evening stroll with a friend while basking in the golden sunset.
It seems that everywhere you look nowadays, New York City is getting another facelift, and their green spaces are no different. With new projects constantly drawing the attention of development management and engineers, job opportunities are also rising to the surface. It is a refreshing breath of air to take in the park projects and intricately detailed skyscrapers around the city. New York City is alive and well, and we are so lucky to be a part of the ever-growing fingerprints all around this metropolitan giant.
