Columbus Park Reimagined: A Community-Driven Vision  

The vision for a transformed Columbus Park took center stage at the Brooklyn Borough Hall Rotunda as Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) hosted a public presentation and discussion that unveiled an exciting reimagining of this prominent civic space.

A collaborative vision takes shape

The journey toward Columbus Park’s transformation began with a collaborative effort Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and DBP engaged WXY Studio and Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates to study the area, and the group convened a series of meetings with key stakeholders and city agencies culminating in a very well-attended public meeting at which attendees gave valuable feedback and expressed their priorities for the Park. The result was a vision that prioritizes both expanded green space and enhanced recreational opportunities for all users.

^{DBP President Regina Myer, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Council Member Lincoln Restler kick off the meeting}

Columbus Park Vision Revealed 

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Council Member Lincoln Restler, and DBP President Regina Myer began the evening by underscoring the critical importance of creating spaces where our community can gather, play, and thrive. Their remarks emphasized how public spaces are the backbone of neighborhood vitality, fostering connections and providing essential respite and connectivity for the area’s growing population.

Claire Weisz, principal of WXY, was joined by Michael Van Valkenburgh, founder of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, who guided the audience through their comprehensive vision for the park, based on the input received from the community. Their presentation revealed how the proposed transformation emerged directly from extensive neighborhood feedback and careful analysis of existing conditions at the park and its surrounds. The proposed design balances multiple uses, expanding green areas and incorporating dedicated spaces for the many ways people use public space.

^{WXY Principal Claire Weisz and Michael Van Valkenburgh show off the new vision}

The proposed changes will strengthen the civic alley that runs through Columbus Park along the path of the former Old Fulton Street, improve lighting and remove much of the existing fencing that currently renders lawns, gardens and the fountain inaccessible. A key transformation involves reclaiming a private parking lot for public use, creating an inviting new entrance point from the Joralemon/Adams Street juncture.

The center of the park will include landscaping with new plantings below the existing tree canopy, extended bluestone and hardscape enhancements. The Korean War Veteran Plaza would be transformed with new planting beds, a skatepark and children’s playground as well as additional ADA ramps and steps. The underutilized Johnson Street is being studied for potential conversion to a de-mapped pedestrian plaza.