Fort Greene Park is a big green hilly square, covered in old trees and lush grass. It has a little…read morebit of something for everyone:
HISTORY - The park was built over forts from the American Revolution and the War of 1812. The crown of the park is the Prison Ship Martyr's Monument, that marks the lives of 11,000 people held captive by the British in ships in Wallabout Bay.
PLAYGROUNDS - two, one on the south east corner for 5 and under and one on the west side that is good for all ages. The south east playground has a water sprinkler, four swings, and play equipment. The west side playground has a big kid playground with two ten foot high lookout towers, a water sprinkler shaped like a compass, six bucket swings, and a toddler sized playground. The west side playground also has bathrooms, which are well... used frequently.
RANGER STATION - The station has restrooms, water fountains outside, and an assortment of critters (corn snake, stick bugs, gold fish). You can pick up a map to follow the "Tree Trail," bird watching brochure, or nature scavenger hunt. A junior ranger program also supports kids and teens in the neighborhood. The station is next to a mini fort that invites kids to climb, play look out, and creates a little space to gather.
FARMER'S AND MAKER'S MARKET - Saturday Mornings! A great selection of veggies, fruit, flowers, honey, cider, baked goods, clothing/compost drops. Vendors leave when things sell out. Makers markets seem to rotate, but there's usually coffee, jewelry, baskets, clothing, soap, perfume, and something for dogs.
VOLUNTEERING - Fort Greene Park Conservancy organizes gardening and community events that always need a hand.
DOG POLICY - while there is no official dog park, there is a very robust dog community that shows up at off leash hours (before 9am and after 9pm). Park rangers will patrol at 9am sharp to enforce leashes on. Lawns open for off leash hours will rotate seasonally to help the grass grow. Please be a responsible pet owner, it can get rowdy.
SPORTS - a basketball court and calisthenics equipment (Myrtle side), tennis court (middle), abundant hills for sledding in the winter.
JOGGING - the outer perimeter of the park has a jogging trail, people tend to go counterclockwise. Its a mile and there are hills. Runners tend to be respectful. Path is dirt and gravel.
EVENTS - summer movie nights! hop along andrew playing music for the kids! musical events! Drum line practice! Buskers! Dog costume contest for Halloween! Dance workshops with Cumbe! Holiday Tree lighting!
NATURE - lots of huge old trees, well kept gardens and pollinator flower beds. Look out for the hawks that nest here in spring, woodpeckers, and song birds.
BBQ and PICNIC TABLES: BBQ is Myrtle side of the park. Additional picnic table on the east side, Washington and Willoughby, north of the baby playground. First come first served, there is no reservation system.
