Domino Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Domino Park |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
A view within the park of the Domino Sugar Refinery and the reclaimed syrup collection tanks
|
|
| Type | Private-public |
| Location | Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York City |
| Area | 6 acres (2.4 ha) |
| Designer | James Corner Field Operations |
| Operated by | Two Trees Management |
Domino Park is a 6-acre public park in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It stretches for about a quarter mile along the East River. The park is built on the site of the old Domino Sugar Refinery.
As you walk along the riverside, you'll see old factory equipment on display. This includes four large syrup collection tanks. These items honor the long history of the Domino Sugar Refinery.
The park was designed by James Corner Field Operations. This is the same group that designed the famous High Line park. It took them six years to create Domino Park. The park opened to the public in 2018. It is owned and managed by Two Trees Management, who spent about $50 million to build it.
Contents
What Can You Do at Domino Park?
Domino Park has many fun things to do. You can find a children's playground, a special area for dogs, and courts for volleyball and bocce. There's also a large playing field for games. The volleyball court is a way to honor the Latino community in Williamsburg, where the sport is very popular.
You can also grab a bite to eat at a small restaurant in the park. It offers delicious tacos made with locally raised beef.
Cool Design Features
An elevated walkway runs along most of the park's length. It is designed to look like the inside of the old sugar factory. The original crane tracks from the refinery now hold beautiful gardens. These gardens have about a hundred different types of plants. All the wooden benches and structures in the park were made using wood recycled from the old factory.
At the south end of the park, you'll find an illuminated dancing fountain. Water jets shoot up to eight feet (2.5 meters) into the air, creating a cool display.
Sweetwater Playground
The children's playground is called Sweetwater Playground. It was designed by artist Mark Reigelman. The playground is made to look like the process of refining sugar. Reigelman explained that kids enter the playground like raw sugar cane. They then move through it, ending up like molasses or sugar cubes. Parts of the playground are also built with recycled materials from the old refinery.
Staying Safe from Storms
Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012, while the park was being built. To protect against future storms, the park was built on higher ground. It is located well above the flood guidelines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This helps keep the park safe from flooding.
History of Domino Park
Domino Park officially opened its doors on June 10, 2018.
By As of 2020[update], more than 2 million people had visited the park. Domino Park was even nominated for the Urban Space Award that year. This award is given by the Urban Land Institute.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, Domino Park helped the community. It expanded a program for composting. This happened after the city's own composting efforts were reduced. The park also drew "Social distancing" circles on its green areas. These circles helped people stay at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) apart. This was to help control the spread of the virus.
