Red Hook Park

Red Hook Park is a large green space in Brooklyn with multiple sports fields including soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, handball courts, and running tracks spread across different sections. The Sol Goldman Play Center houses two swimming pools that work together with the many sports facilities to create a comprehensive recreation area.

The land was acquired starting in 1913 and officially opened in 1934 under city planner Robert Moses as New York recovered from economic crisis. This park development was part of a broader effort to create recreation spaces for working-class communities.

The park serves as a gathering place where neighbors from across Brooklyn meet through soccer tournaments and baseball games held regularly on the fields. These sporting events shape the rhythm of daily life here and connect people from surrounding neighborhoods.

The park spans several separate sections across the area, so visitors benefit from walking around to explore the different facilities and find their preferred sport. Wear good shoes and allow extra time, especially if you plan to visit multiple sports fields or the swimming center.

Soil testing in 2012 revealed elevated lead levels in the ballfields, prompting environmental assessment and improvements to public safety measures. This example shows how parks in former industrial areas must address environmental challenges from the past.

Location: Brooklyn

Location: Kings County

Inception: June 27, 1934

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/red-hook-park

GPS coordinates: 40.67270,-74.00390

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01