Anchored by two major memorials, but rarely crowded, Cadman Plaza Park is a welcome respite during a walking tour of the Brooklyn-Manhattan border. The park is next to the ramps and paths leading to the pedestrian route across the Brooklyn Bridge. Not far from downtown Brooklyn’s big attractions, it offers a quiet place to rest and eat lunch before reentering the fray. Even if you don’t walk across the bridge, enjoy a picnic lunch on the grass, play games on the central lawn or pay respects to former service members at the war memorial.
Whether approaching from the bridge or from downtown Brooklyn, appreciate how New York’s concrete surroundings suddenly melt into green lawns as paths continue straight to their destinations.
At the northern end, visit the statue of William Jay Gaynor, New York’s mayor from 1910 to 1913, who took on Tammany Hall corruption.
Sit on a bench and contemplate another Brooklyn figure, famed orator Reverend Samuel Parkes Cadman, for whom the park is named.
Continue to the Brooklyn War Memorial, which was dedicated in 1951 to the 300,000 Brooklynites who fought in World War II. Look up at the size of the statues, whose 24-foot (7.3-meter) height made them, at the time, the biggest sculptures in the city. Nearby, watch a motley crew of neighborhood kids playing soccer or touch football on the Central Lawn, as joggers and other exercisers race by. Linger here or continue on to the rest of the city.
Cadman Plaza Park is located on the western edge of Downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible via subway and bus from the rest of the borough and the city. Take the subway or drive here in 15 minutes from Atlantic Terminal or walk in 30 minutes. Penn Station is a 30-minute drive or 22-minute subway ride away. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge takes about 25 minutes, although you may take more time to stop to enjoy the views and take photos. Neighborhood parking is extremely limited, so visit the park and its surroundings on foot or by public transportation.
The park is freely accessible at all hours.
