This is the first section of the 28-acre Bushwick Inlet Park envisioned in the 2005 rezoning of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, and is part of Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to transform the city’s waterfront.

“Once completed, Bushwick Inlet Park, along with adjacent East River State Park and several public esplanades in residential developments to the south and north, will create contiguous open space along the shore for New Yorkers to enjoy,” stated the office of Mayor Bloomberg.

The first phase of the park will include the construction of a synthetic turf multipurpose field for soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and ultimate frisbee from a former rental car storage lot that sits at the southern end of the planned park, adjacent to East River State Park. The park is comprised of six lots that are all mapped parkland, The field is being funded with $7.1 million from the city stretching from North 9th Street North 10th Street, between Kent Avenue and the East River and is expected to be completed in winter 2010.

The second phase of the park is being funded with $22.6 million from the city and will create public waterfront access, a playground, and a new sustainable building with community and Parks Department maintenance space.

The building will be located at North 9th Street and will feature a green roof with a shade structure composed of photovoltaic cells that will provide solar energy to power the building connecting to the soccer field area with a hilltop recreational space and playground. The building will apply for LEED Silver certification for its innovative sustainable design, and has received a 2008 Design Award from the Public Design Commission.

Construction on the park’s second phase is scheduled to begin early next year and is expected to be completed by summer 2010.