Fort Greene Park was Brooklyn's first park, and before that was used as a fort site for the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. Today it is a must-visit location that features basketball and tennis courts, sloping hills, playgrounds and fields for the active traveler.
Parking and public transportation at Fort Greene Park
Parking is available on the streets bordering the park. However, Fort Greene is most easily reachable by bike. There are bike lanes on Dekalb Ave and Myrtle Ave. The closest train stations are Dekalb Ave (B, D, N, Q, R trains), Fulton St (G train), and Lafayette Av (C train).
Best and worst time to go to Fort Greene Park
The best time to visit any NYC park is in the late morning to late afternoon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays during the spring and summer attract locals and food markets.
Admission to Fort Greene Park
This is a public park and so admission is free. There are entrances at each corner of the park as well as bike parking rails on the sidewalks.
Must see/do at Fort Greene Park
Fort Greene Park is perfect for a morning run or exercise using the stairs that surround the Prison Ship Martyr's tower, a historic monument. BBQ areas are open every day. Fort Greene Park Greenmarket, a farm-fresh produce market, is open on Saturdays year-round from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other places to visit near Fort Greene Park
Dekalb Ave is known as a "restaurant row" in Fort Greene. Simply walk east of the park and you will stumble on locally-owned restaurants and cafés. Brooklyn Flea is located a few blocks away, which is known as a vintage bazaar and food haven. It is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Insider tip for visitors to Fort Greene Park
The open hillside in the northern part of the park is the best spot for a picnic away from the noisy athletic fields.
Author's bio: Emilia Navarro is a freelance travel writer based in Brooklyn. She lives a short bike ride away from Fort Greene Park.