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Squibb Park Bridge

A modern, zig-zagging steel footbridge in Brooklyn Heights that provides a direct pedestrian link between the scenic Squibb Park and the Greenway at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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Squibb Park Bridge
brooklynbridgepark.org, og_image_brooklynbridgepark.org

What is the Squibb Park Bridge?

It is a pedestrian footbridge in Brooklyn Heights, New York City, that provides a direct connection between Squibb Park (and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade) and Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

What are the hours?

The bridge and Squibb Park are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Can I ride my bike or scooter across the bridge?

No, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and similar devices must be walked across the bridge.

What is the bridge known for?

The current bridge is a steel structure designed by Arup with a zig-zagging form. The original bridge, opened in 2013, became known as a 'boondoggle' because its timbers deteriorated and it bounced and swayed too much, leading to its demolition in 2019.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Squibb Park Bridge is a specialized pedestrian footbridge located in Brooklyn Heights, New York City. It serves as a vital link connecting Squibb Park and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to the Greenway at Pier 1 within Brooklyn Bridge Park. The current structure is a steel design created by Arup and constructed by Turner Construction, engineered specifically for durability and long-term functionality. The bridge has a colorful history involving two distinct versions. The original structure, designed by Theodore Zoli and opened in March 2013, was approximately 450 feet long. However, this first iteration became known as a boondoggle because its timbers deteriorated and it swayed and bounced significantly underfoot. Due to these persistent construction problems, the wooden path was demolished in late 2019. In April 2020, the current steel replacement was completed to ensure a more stable crossing for visitors. This modern version features a distinctive zig-zagging form that guides pedestrians between the heights of the neighborhood and the waterfront. The bridge remains a key access point for those wishing to move with ease between the residential areas of Brooklyn Heights and the park's piers. The bridge is named after the adjacent Squibb Park, which honors Dr. Edward Robinson Squibb. Dr. Squibb was the founder of Squibb Pharmaceuticals, later known as Bristol-Myers Squibb, and played a significant role in the development of anesthetics and the passage of pure food and drug laws. His original laboratories were located on Furman Street, right behind the current playground area.

Visitor tips

  • The bridge and Squibb Park are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Note that bikes, scooters, and skateboards must be walked across the bridge for safety.
  • Look for the name Squibb written on the old smokestacks near the playground to connect with the area's industrial past.

Nearby context

The bridge acts as the primary artery connecting the elevated residential beauty of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to the active waterfront of Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 1. It sits adjacent to Squibb Park, a community space that marks the site of early pharmaceutical laboratories on Furman Street.

Sources

Evidence and links