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Cadman Plaza Park

A historic linear park on the border of Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn, featuring the monumental Brooklyn War Memorial and a large central lawn for community gathering.

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Where is Cadman Plaza Park located?

The park is located in Brooklyn, New York City, on the border of the Downtown Brooklyn and historical Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods, specifically at Tillary Street and Cadman Plaza West.

What are the hours for Cadman Plaza Park?

The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission is free.

What is the park known for?

The park is known for the Brooklyn War Memorial, a granite and limestone monument dedicated to the 300,000 Brooklynites who served in World War II. It also features a Juneteenth Grove dedicated to the fight to end systemic racism and a large central lawn used for recreation, picnics, and political action.

What is the history of the park?

Constructed in 1940 as part of a redevelopment effort for a Brooklyn Bridge automobile ramp, it was originally called Brooklyn Bridge Plaza. It was later renamed Cadman Plaza Park to honor Reverend Dr. Samuel Parks Cadman.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Cadman Plaza Park is a 10.4-acre linear landscape situated on the border of the historical Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods. Originally constructed in 1940 as Brooklyn Bridge Plaza to facilitate an automobile ramp onto the Brooklyn Bridge, the park was later renamed to honor Reverend Dr. Samuel Parks Cadman, a distinguished Brooklyn minister who led the Central Congregational Church from 1900 to 1936. The park's design is characterized by a shallow stone plaza and a long, narrow expanse of lawn lined with symmetrical pathways and rows of London plane trees. This layout creates a formal yet accessible green space that serves as a vital community hub for recreation, picnics, and sunbathing. Dominating the landscape is the Brooklyn War Memorial, a massive granite and limestone monument dedicated in 1952 to the 300,000 Brooklyn residents who served in World War II. This structure serves as a solemn reminder of the borough's contribution to the global conflict. Beyond its recreational use, the park has long been a place of political action and social solidarity. It includes the Juneteenth Grove, which is dedicated in solidarity with the Black community and the ongoing fight to end systemic racism, adding a layer of civic significance to the the park's greenery.

Visitor tips

  • The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., making it a great spot for early morning or late evening strolls.
  • Visit the central lawn for a relaxing break between sightseeing stops in Downtown Brooklyn.
  • Allow enough time to walk the length of the linear park to see both the War Memorial and the Juneteenth Grove.

Nearby context

Located at Tillary Street and Cadman Plaza West, the park bridges the gap between the historic residential charm of Brooklyn Heights and the bustling commercial center of Downtown Brooklyn.

Sources

Evidence and links