Press Release
February 22, 2013
Randy Simons
Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868
East River State Park to Become Weekend Home of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg
Park Plans for 2013 Spring/Summer Season
East River State Park is pleased to announce that starting April 6 and 7, it will become the new Williamsburg weekend home of Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg for the 2013 season. This popular market will activate the former warehouse foundation slab in the park's southeast corner near Kent Avenue and North 7th Street, adding to a lively mix of new and continuing park programming for 2013.
"We are thrilled to welcome the Flea to East River State Park. Already fast becoming a centerpiece of the community, this addition will draw even more people and add to what we fully expect will be a spring and summer full of exciting, community-oriented events and programs at this park," said State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey.
"Moving the Flea and Smorgasburg to East River State Park feels like a perfect fit," said Jonathan Butler, co-founder of the markets with Eric Demby. "Staying on the Williamsburg waterfront in this vibrant community is a big priority for us, and we love that the markets will now support one of New York's truly great parks. And who can argue with that view!"
Founded in April 2008, Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of New York City's top attractions, operating flea markets every weekend of the year that feature hundreds of top vendors of antique and repurposed furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food.
East River State Park continues to plan for additional park improvements, amenities and programs. At a recent community meeting with park friends and partners, Commissioner Harvey discussed preparations for the 2013 spring/summer season and ideas for the future of the park's community partners, including the Friends of East River State Park, the Open Space Alliance of North Brooklyn Parks and Neighbors Allied for Good Growth, outlining the community's role in the creation of ERSP and the goals for the park's development that include expanding access to the waterfront, highlighting the industrial past and the creation of open space that was environmentally sensitive.
Events and projects discussed for 2013 include art installations, farmers markets, additional equipment for the playground, areas for pets, theater performances, and shade structures. State Parks also plans to organize a lively line up of community events, permitted ventures and park improvements to enhance last year's offerings that included 'I Love My Park Day', the Children's Fall Festival, movie nights and OSA organized events ranging from yoga classes to chamber music. This year's 'I Love My Park Day' is set for May 4th and the Friends of ERSP are already organizing volunteer activities.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 179 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visitors can call 518.474.0456, visit nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
###